I’ve been writing on Medium for a little over a year. For most of that time, I earned in excess of $100 a month, but I fell short of that in April and May isn’t looking so good.

I did not get the $500 bonus, and, after reading about dozens who did, I’m convinced it was random. If I’m right, it seems a bit cruel, like a king throwing pennies to the peasants and chuckling while they jostle each other to pick them up.

Maybe writers are no longer well-respected because, these days, almost anyone can be one. A hundred years ago, most people couldn’t write beyond making a list or signing their name, so being able to craft a good story was a big deal. Of course, major talent is as rare as it ever was.

I write on Medium because it allows me to experiment with different genres and I can write whatever I want. I also enjoy the collegial atmosphere among writers. I have learned a lot from other people. For me the value is in knowledge and experience. I have one story that has done amazingly well, and a few others that have earned me a couple of hundred dollars so far.

NewsBreak rejected me. (I don’t want to write local news anyway.) I write on Vocal+, but, when it comes to exploitation, it wins the prize. I have a few challenge entries in, but if I don’t win one soon, I won’t renew my subscription. I’m looking to move beyond the kind of writing I do here, eventually. For now, it’s still worth it to me.