Summary

The author discusses their modest earnings from the Medium Partners Program, their dental issues, and the financial strain of medical expenses, while suggesting potential philanthropic initiatives to support Medium writers.

Abstract

The author of the article reflects on their first payment from the Medium Partners Program, which was a mere $0.19, and humorously compares it to the costly dental work they require. Despite the small financial gain, the author's significant other generously provided a$ 0.45 advance, symbolizing support and encouragement. The article delves into the author's search for emergency medical grants due to the lack of insurance and the need to pay for dental procedures out-of-pocket. The timing of a potential grant coincides with the author's planned visit to see their daughter after three years, adding to the financial and emotional stress. The author expresses a desire to resolve their dental issue quickly, reflecting on past dental crises and lamenting a lack of preparation, which they trace back to their childhood experiences in scouting groups. The article suggests that life does not always offer financial assistance, even when most needed, and highlights the challenges of reaching out to philanthropists like MacKenzie Scott for help. Finally, the author proposes ideas for philanthropic support within the Medium community, such as a paid writers residency, adopt-a-writer program, scholarships, fellows programs, and writing grants, emphasizing that such initiatives could enhance the quality of writing and thinking within the community.

Opinions

The author views their Medium earnings as insignificant compared to the high cost of dental care.
They appreciate the moral and financial support from their significant other, seeing it as a heartfelt gesture.
The author is proactive in seeking financial assistance through grants, acknowledging the difficulty of their situation without insurance.
They express a mix of humor and frustration regarding their dental issues and the lack of preparation from earlier in life.
The author is skeptical about the likelihood of receiving direct financial help from very wealthy individuals due to the volume of requests they must receive.
They advocate for the creation of philanthropic programs on Medium to support writers with low earnings, suggesting it could lead to improved content on the platform.

I Don’t Know What To Say About My First Medium Partners Program Payment of $0.19

So, here’s nine-teen cents worth of an opinion.

As of this writing, my second from the back bottom left molar (I’ve been calling Becky Lou) needs a root canal.

I highly doubt the dentist will accept my ginormous Partners’ Program earnings as a deposit towards the small fortune needed for the treatment.

Thankfully, Becky-Lou has been behaving lately, however, I can only manage any of her outbursts temporarily.

It’s my #19 tooth.

Notice, my first Stripe deposit was for 19 cents.

Serendipitous or what eh? (I’m Canadian…remember?)

In the spirit of the Partners Program, my darling significant other presented me with a forty-five cents advance.

How sweet and supportive!

Course of action

I’ve spent the past couple weeks researching emergency medical grants for artists since I don’t have insurance anymore and pay for dental work out-of-pocket.

There’s only 1 grant that I qualify for but won’t find out if I’ve received it until a few days before leaving to visit my daughter, I haven’t seen in three years, who’s been studying abroad.

Not the greatest timing I’ve experienced. By far.

The throbbing tooth ache ranks higher than pushing her out of my nether-regions a quarter century ago.

But, I digress.

That said, I’d like to wrap up this business with Becky Lou as quickly as possible!

She’s been a real pain in my gum!

(no pun intended)

Last year around the same time, I’d cracked a tooth and as a result had several unexpected trips to the dentist.

It’s too bad that earlier on in adulthood I didn’t pay attention to the Brownie/Girl-Guide/Scout motto, “Be Prepared”.

I wasn’t a good Brownie. I walked-up instead of flying up to Girl-Guides.

And, I hated Girl-Guides primarily because I was the only person there with brown skin. So, I took my weekly dose of getting bullied with a grin.

I wish I was better prepared for yet another dental crisis.

The lukewarm water saline rinses, ice packs and clove oil have been working wonders though!

Are you reading this MacKenzie?

I’d be very grateful for a donation from your pot-of-gold right about now.

Obviously for some of us, receiving a no-strings-attached, unconditional monetary gift from a kazillionaire isn’t how life works.

I’m sure the former Mrs. Bezo$, other philanthropists and public figures get inundated with requests from civilians (a.k.a. regular folk who aren’t rich or famous) to assist every challenging financial situation known to mankind.

Dung loads of unacknowledged physical and electronic mail must fill their mailboxes and inboxes.

Daily.

Realistically, for them, it’d be impossible to help everyone right?

Philanthropic Suggestions

Wouldn’t it be splendid if a Medium member with immense wealth approached the platform’s gatekeepers about starting a paid writers residency?

OR an Adopt-a-Writer program?

OR offered a scholarship?

OR a Fellows program?

How about a Writing Grant?

There are numerous Medium publications whose editors could benefit from a stipend too!

Low to no earnings over (a) certain period(s) should be a main qualifying criteria for the application process to any of the aforementioned hypothetical opportunities.

Could these type of offerings help transform our Medium community into an even more unique space? For many of us dipping in this pond, these proposals could help free up space in our brains to produce better thinking and writing.

What do you think Medium Mates…?

A top up to my earlier advance!

My advance grand total!

This windfall of sixty-five cents could’ve bought 13 pieces of Bazooka Bubble Gum back in the day.

21.666 Pixy Stix.