I wrote the essay that these comments were on.

I wrote the essay that these comments were on. I get revenue for essays I’ve written, and how often people engage with them — so if a piece gets a ton of reads and comments, I make more. Medium doesn’t pick which articles to pay for. They dole out money based on that activity. So if you want to ensure your $5 is well spent, make sure to read, clap for, and comment on pieces you like.