Back when claps counted toward compensation, people clapped more. Now, they know the applause is meaningless, so they don’t bother. It’s sad. Applause may no longer be used in the payment computations, but it does provide the writer with feedback and appreciation. The claps for my pieces are way down, too, even though my readership is much higher.

Before the computation changes last fall, I was making about $200 a month writing when I could, not doing it as a job. Now, I’m lucky to get more than $30.

But, I remind myself that I didn’t start writing for the money (there was no compensation then), so the decrease in income is no reason to stop. I do it for the love of it ♥ And, the fun. And, the community.

The community part is very special.