You summed up my feelings on the matter almost exactly. Ironically my first “paycheck” was quite similar, $10.52. I try not to think too hard about all the writing I did here pre-paywall. The reasons I write, the topics I write about, and the average number of articles I write has not changed. The only thing that has is the average number of times I can treat myself to my favorite meal of a beef gyro and small Mountain Dew at Arby’s. It has edged up from a solid 3x/month to 3.1x/month. At this rate I will be able to hit the optimal 4x/month a once a week in the next 2–3years. That is gonna be sweet. My mouth is watering and my heart is racing just thinking about it. Damn it, now I gotta go to Arby’s and it is almost 8pm. I am never gonna be able to get to sleep tonight after that Mountain Dew kicks in. lol!