I recently removed my fiction on Medium from behind the paywall.
When I posted these stories originally, I thought, “Amazing! I can get paid for my writing!” In two years, I’ve made $4.44. Not exactly a windfall.
Seth Godin defines art as “a human act, a generous contribution, something that might not work, and it is intended to change the recipient for the better, often causing a connection to happen.”
Throughout his work, he emphasizes again and again that the work should be generous. It is a gift, given with the intention of benefiting its audience.
So why hide what is given behind a paywall? After all, aren’t walls designed to prevent access, to keep people out?
Hardly the kind of thing that creates connection, if you ask me.
Note: Consider this post an invitation to check out my fiction. Not all of it is good, but it’s a step towards something better.
joshua chamberlain 