Member-only story
WRITING ON MEDIUM/SHERRY MCGUINN
The Winter of Our Malcontent
Just how pissed-off are we?
A roller coaster ride. That’s what the last few months on Medium have been like. But, I’ve never liked roller coasters. Never trusted them not to blow a gasket and send me, and countless others, hurtling to our deaths.
Much like what Medium has become. Oh, certainly not as life-ending as an American Thunder gone off the rails, but damaging, nonetheless. Damaging to our self-esteem, our psyches, and our bottom line, which has never gone over $200, for me.
Yes. Pathetically, you read that right. In nearly three and a half years, I don’t believe I’ve ever made more than $200 in one month, here. In fact, even that number is a rarity. I’d have to go back and check, but I’m fairly certain that I’m correct. Most months, it’s much less. Except for the two months I received the “bonus.” Yes, I thought I would wet myself in gratitude until it came to me that I deserved every fucking dime. And then some.
All these hours upon hours of work. Of thinking, “Can I write this? SHOULD I write this, and will people read it?” One story after another. Like a good soldier, I keep them coming, my OCD fueling the charge. Along with my insane commitment to not being a quitter.
