As I've said before, my first payment 18 months ago was $3.10. I wrote and published every single day, sometimes 2 or 3 pieces a day for about 2 months straight. Now? Every couple of weeks I'll write a piece that goes viral, garnering $2-3K alone. Now, I only write 4-5 pieces a month and average between $500-$700, which keeps me in beer and cigarettes (yeah, I still smoke).

My August payment will be at least $2.5K. A down payment on a like-new ride.

It takes persistence, patience, practice....and skill. That old adage the the best writing is -re-writing still obtains.

You're absolutely right about followers. I'm at 3.2K now, so "curation" does not really mean that much anymore. (Whether you’re “curated” or not, Medium sends your piece to all of your followers, who then may or may not send it to their friends). That’s why I return-“follow” every- and anyone who “follows,” comments, or responds in any way to me. To paraphrase ex-prez Clinton’s political hatchet man, James Carville, It’s the followers, stupid.

To the newbies: Keep thinking. Keep reading. Keep writing, and the dollars will follow.