WRITING | WRITING PLATFORMS
The Truth About Vocal Media
As a freelance writer, I think it is crucial to keep as many pens in the fire as possible. OK, that’s probably a piss-poor play on the metaphor “keeping many irons in the fire.” But we need to do just that.
Even though we’re not blacksmiths, we could learn a lot from this noble profession.
Maximizing work efficiency is a skill that blacksmiths possess, as they strategically manage the heating and beating of different irons in their forge.
By allowing one iron to heat while working on another that has reached the desired temperature, blacksmiths can optimize their productivity.
However, this process requires meticulous attention to detail, ensuring that none of the irons are overheated.
This analogy serves as a metaphorical representation of any job with multiple components that must be carefully orchestrated.
Freelance writing is comparable to the blacksmith who juggles many tasks simultaneously. Only we don’t need to multitask — as we’ve been repeatedly told, multitasking can hinder quality work.
“Multitasking can actually hinder productivity and increase the likelihood of mistakes. Importantly, multitasking while performing simple, everyday actions like eating and walking simultaneously is much easier than doing more complicated tasks like texting and driving simultaneously.” — USC.edu.
But you knew that, didn’t you? I think I learned it from Bill Abbate.
As a freelance writer for more than a decade, I’ve come across various platforms promising the moon.
Among them, Vocal Media stands out as one that is worth the admission price and could be profitable if you’re good at winning writing challenges or contests.
In my journey to understand what Vocal Media truly offers, I’ve gathered insights that might be valuable to fellow Medium writers considering this platform.
BTW, it doesn’t have to be either Medium or Vocal; you can repurpose Vocal to Medium and vice versa. I use Newsbreak (not very good anymore), Simily, Kofi, Publisher0X, Amazon, and my personal website.
Is Vocal Media a Legitimate Writing Platform?
Unequivocally, yes. I’ve earned money there and placed in a couple of contests, which helped to complement my income.
Even though you don’t need to know the how and why it exists to do well there, I’ll tell you what I found out.
Vocal Media was launched by Jerrick Media, founded by Jeremy Frommer and Rick Schwartz. The duo, from the United States, envisioned a space where creators could publish their work and engage with a like-minded community.
Vocal Media isn’t just a fleeting digital trend; it’s a well-thought-out platform backed by a team with a clear vision.
Although, it doesn’t pay much if you don’t put in the work or win a few challenges.
Like Medium, you must have a Stripe account, so there’s that mountain to hurdle for some of you from non-Stripe countries.
Exploring the Possibilities of Writing on Vocal Media
What drew me to writing on Vocal Media initially was its promise of simplicity and reach — plus the fact I could repurpose my Medium articles there.
Although it takes some getting used to, as it is different than Medium or WordPress, once you do, the platform offers a clean, user-friendly interface that makes publishing content there more or less straightforward.
Whether you’re into storytelling, poetry, or opinion pieces, Vocal Media seems to have a niche for almost every writer.
But, it’s not just about putting words on a page. The platform also focuses on building a community — connecting writers with readers and other creators, which, like Medium, I find invaluable.
I have writer “friends” who write on both, and although none are yet millionaires, they can make some money. More if they win a challenge or two frequently.
Should I Join Vocal Media as a Writer?
That’s the million-dollar question, isn’t it? Should you join Vocal Media? And more importantly, can you make money on this platform?
The platform offers a revenue system based on reader engagement ($.02 per view) and tips (don’t count on many tips; I’ve received one there), which means your earnings depend on how well your content resonates with the audience and how much you publish.
Look at Natalie Wilkinson’s article, The Snatch below, for which she was a runner-up and honestly assess your writing.
If you have that type of quality, maybe you can win a few challenges and make some serious money there.
You can also read some of Jason Morton's stories there. And again — ask yourself…
You can read a few of mine here.
Managing Expectations About Writing on Vocal Media
It’s important to manage expectations. Like any content platform, making significant money on Vocal Media requires consistent quality content and a bit of marketing savvy to increase your visibility.
But if you’re passionate about writing and are looking for a new avenue of income, Vocal Media might just be the place to earn a few bucks.
First, Vocal has several publication initiatives. If you write and publish five stories, you get a $5 bonus, then at 10, you get $10, and at 50, you get $50.
“You’ve published your 50th story on Vocal!”
If you read and heart 15 stories, you’ll get another bonus. I think it was $5. If you participate in their survey, you get $10.
Getting listed with a Top Story pays $5 and gets on the first page of that group, such as fiction, family, horror, etc.
But the real money comes from winning challenges, $500 to $2500. Of course, there are small prizes for 2nd or runners-up, too.
Final Thoughts about Writing on Vocal Media
Vocal Media offers a legitimate and potentially rewarding platform for writers.
It allows you to publish your previously published content, build a community, and earn some income.
As with any creative endeavor, success on Vocal Media requires commitment and patience, but you can add to your writing income for those willing to invest the time and effort.
I usually don’t recommend reading the comments on stories, but it would probably be wise to get a balanced view in this case.
Just keep in mind no one else’s story is your own. I’m sure Tim Denning’s review of Medium would be much different than mine.
That’s all for today. Thanks for reading, and come back for more soon. If you enjoyed my story, follow me, clap, highlight something interesting, and leave a comment or feedback.
If you’re a Vocaller and see something I missed, add it in the comments.
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Stephen Dalton is a retired US Army First Sergeant with a degree in journalism from the University of Maryland and a Certified US English Chicago Manual of Style Editor. Also, a Top Writer in Bitcoin, Business, Investing, Nutrition, Travel, Fiction, Transportation, VR, NFL, Design, Creativity, and Short Story.