I write and read a lot and have not seen what you're talking about. I write stories that are for smaller audiences interested in memoir and humor. I often write short form pieces for Daily Cuppa. I may never get a payout for those stories. In fact, I may get payouts only a few times a year. Meanwhile I'm paying $5 a month. I've been okay with not making a lot for most stories if my monthly payout exceeded the membership fee. Now my incentive to keep writing has just dropped like a stone. This is ridiculous and a slap in the face to writers like me. Been in the MPP for 5 years, 900 followers, and now I'll be lucky to get payout 3 or 4 times a year.