You’re not old. At all! At least, relative to me! Lol.

I didn’t know about the green halo. I was unaware you could tell who was a paying member and who wasn’t, but I would never consider not paying $5 a month, which is less than a latte at Starbucks, and expect anyone to support my work. However, I’ve run into some people who say they can’t afford it.

As far as the clapping and support, I try as best I can, and you’re right. It gets hard to both write and read what everyone else writes, so on the days I share on a thread I try to read a minimum of ten stories on that thread. Hopefully more. Supporting other writers is an important part of being on Medium.

I assume my work doesn’t appeal to some people because they’ve never, ever clapped for it, but I tell myself different people are going to have different preferences, and that’s normal. And I understand with so many people posting so much, it’s impossible to support every single story a writer publishes. But I totally agree with you about trying to hit a balance of support that still leaves time for writing.

Anyway, thanks for your candor. I always enjoy your stories, so I hope you keep putting them in the threads.