Hey Shannon,

This was a great read and thanks for linking to me, much appreciated.

My issue isn't about people who talk about their incomes publicly in isolation. I think context is key, and there are those who are doing it to share information. We need to talk about money because how else are we going to level the playing field. We need knowledge. But there comes a point when the line between sharing and profiteering is crossed.

I take issue with people who guarantee or promise results. That's impossible--especially on a platform predicated on an algorithm. I've seen extraordinary work from people who do all the right things and get no attention and garbage from "top writers" making stacks of cash. Some of it is indeed mystery.

They're also selling a dream that doesn't account for the confluence of factors that contributed to their success. I'm not saying they don't work hard or they're undeserving--quite the opposite--more like they don't want to admit (or they're blind to) factors like luck, timing, connections, opportunity, access, etc. in ADDITION to the hard work.

But no, it's optimize your titles, write more, find your niche (there's so much to unpack with that phrase I'm not even going to get started), and you too can make $10,000 a month. If it were that easy everyone would be making six figures here.

It's sort of like that image Jessica shared in her story--the nesting doll effect--where people make money by selling how to make money. Sort of the MLM of service-based industries. THAT is what I take issue with. And it's not just here--it's ubiquitous on the internet.

So, for me, CONTEXT in these discussions are key. Give people tools. Give them resources. Guide and educate them, but don't promise them six-figure success.