I read your article again. I think I'm missing a few things to fully understand it.

In my first 2.5 years on Medium, I did not sign on to the MPP program. I didn't think whatever payments would matter that much. Plus I wanted to give my altruistic intention the best possible perception--and earning Medium shekels is not exactly altruistic.

In the fall of 2021, I had an opportunity to write one article per day. I thought I should sign on to MPP in case the algorithms were punishing me for not signing on. That experiment did not work out.

I'm still on MPP. Even getting $10 a month strokes the ego a little (and now I'm using that confusing word).

In 2022, I made C$250 for my C$65 subscription fee. If this lowly writer can earn that much with his six articles a month with 100 claps, the prolific popular writers must be earning a middles-class income. The business matrix behind Medium makes no sense to me.

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Your reference to "The Prophet" has lots of practical applications for life: best not to follow anyone who seeks to be followed.

Quite a few years ago, I attended a Bible study that focused on the confounding Beatitude "Blessed on the Meek for they shall inherent the Earth." The presenter (not a pastor) used the metaphor of two teams of horses hitched to their wagons. The first team were constantly advertising themselves to be the best team. Their talents were questionable.

The second team had developed their techniques and strengths to pull wagons. They were ready to serve if called. But they didn't excessively promote themselves. They were not disappointed when not called. They were meek, yet strong. Eventually they would earn the good things of the Earth.

Maybe I should put that story into a separate article. It is easier for me to relate to than "ego."