Navigating the Complex World of Paywalls in Online Writing
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The Role of Paywalls in Online Journalism
Recently, I encountered a person expressing frustration over the difficulty of accessing essential information due to paywalls blocking articles he needed for his project. This scenario highlights a common issue many face today.
A Financial Struggle for Writers
The reality is that most writers earn meager incomes from their craft. For instance, only about 6% of authors on platforms like Medium manage to earn over $100 each month. To put it simply, this means a staggering 94% of Medium writers are earning less than that threshold.
As a contributor to Medium, I find myself in a similar position. While there are days when I exceed $3.00 in earnings, there are many others where I earn less than a dollar. Last month, my total was $52, and the month prior, I earned around $30. As this month progresses, I have reached $34, and I might just hit $60 by the end of it.
A year ago, I experienced three consecutive months where my earnings approached or exceeded $500. This success came after dedicating two months to writing a book for my website, www.fightchess.com, which is nearing its launch. I genuinely believe this platform will be groundbreaking; I’m not exaggerating.
Despite my previous success, I have struggled with the Medium algorithm for nearly a year, resulting in earnings well below the $500 mark. I have considered leaving Medium, especially if my new site starts generating revenue.
The Challenges of Algorithmic Visibility
Returning to the issue at hand, my battle with Medium's algorithm continues, making it challenging to reach a broader audience. I previously hit the $500 milestone, so I know my writing has merit. My college instructors frequently praised my work, with one remarking, "Tony, I see things in your papers that I don't even see in the A papers." Such compliments are genuinely encouraging.
However, we all face the same uphill battle against these algorithms. When I hear someone lamenting that the information they seek is locked behind a paywall and they desire free access, it frustrates me. Writers deserve compensation for their work; it’s one of the few avenues we have to earn from our writing online. This person wants us to create well-crafted articles for their benefit, all while expecting to access that content without paying. I must emphasize: we will not write for free.
While it's true that many writers end up earning very little due to algorithmic challenges, that’s a separate discussion. Don’t expect high-quality information to come without a price. There are real people behind the stories you wish to access, and they deserve your support.
Thank you for taking the time to read my thoughts.
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