Summary

The article discusses the perceived unfairness and discrimination of minimum followers criteria on content platforms, which require creators to have a certain number of followers to monetize their work.

Abstract

The author argues that requiring a minimum number of followers to join a partner program, such as Medium's, is inherently unfair and discriminatory. This policy forces creators to work for free until they reach the follower threshold, effectively paying with their time and creativity. The author believes that it's more equitable to earn from content immediately, regardless of follower count. The article highlights two methods to gain followers: content creation and networking, with the latter being faster but favoring extroverted individuals, making it challenging for introverts. The author acknowledges the unlikely change in platform policies but encourages content creators to network to expedite the process of monetization.

Opinions

The requirement of a minimum number of followers to earn money on platforms is seen as an unfair barrier that devalues initial creative efforts.
The author expresses that immediate earning potential, even if small, is preferable to working for free until reaching a follower milestone.
Networking is viewed as a more efficient way to accumulate followers, but it is also considered to be inherently biased towards those with extroverted personalities.
Introverts are at a disadvantage in this system, as networking can be an intimidating and draining experience for them, thus delaying their ability to monetize their work.
Despite the perceived injustice, the author pragmatically advises fellow content creators to engage in networking to meet the criteria and start earning sooner.
The author promotes their presence on Twitter as a networking opportunity and recommends an AI service as a cost-effective alternative to ChatGPT Plus (GPT-4).

Minimum Followers Criteria Are Unfair and Discriminating

Start networking now!

This is not an article about Medium.

Not only.

Medium did announce that, from now on, you need at least 100 followers to apply for the partner program. If you’re already in the program, you need to reach the threshold by the end of 2021.

Other platforms (for example, Newsbreak) have similar rules.

Pay to Play, Write, or Create

A platform with a minimum follower requirement asks you to create for free — for as long as it will take you to reach the threshold.

You might not be paying with ‘real’ money, but you’re paying for the right to create and earn from it with your time and creativity.

It doesn’t seem fair to me.

Fair, or at least fairer, is that I’m able to earn from the start.

I create, people engage with my creation, and I get paid. Maybe, I don’t get paid much because I don’t get read much. (I know, I earned $0.03 in November 2020.) But at least I get something. It’s more than 0.

Why is it discriminating?

There are two ways to reach a followers’ threshold.

One is by producing content and building a base of people genuinely interested in your creations.
Another one is by networking.

Networking is much faster than the first option.

It’s also much easier for some people than others. If you’re good at networking, you’re likely to be more on the extrovert side of the spectrum.

According to Stefan Thomas, author of Business Networking for Dummies, “Introverts can find networking intimidating because of all the louder extroverts in the room trying to sell themselves.”

It doesn’t matter if the room is virtual or not. Networking can be straining for some of us. This means we’ll stay behind in terms of followers and will start getting paid for our work much later than our ‘networkers counterparts.’

Conclusion

As much as I would like to, there’s little chance that minimum followers’ criteria will disappear.

So, fellow content creators! Please, do not hesitate to network and speed up the process for your work to be rightfully paid.

When I’m not here, I’m on Twitter. Come say hi!