What’s Gone Wrong With Vocal?
Why I might not renew my membership this September
What’s Gone Wrong With Vocal?
420 subscribers
But only 14 likes some days?
It’s hard not to wonder — am I being held back?
It’s the 9th of June, and by now, my earnings are usually $18 or more.
Not this time.
This month, I’ve made just $2.44 in 9 days.
What’s changed?
In September, my rejoin fee will be $99.
Last year it was just over $40.
That’s a big jump — and I’m asking myself, is it still worth it?
I’ve entered so many challenges — one haiku even placed second.
But lately, it feels like fewer Top Stories are being handed out.
More limited. More selective.
And yes, I’ll say it — the same names often rise to the top.
So I’ve stopped entering.
The spark has dimmed.
From September to April, I loved Vocal.
It gave me a boost. A focus.
I’m not asking for backing. I’m not chasing sympathy.
But it’s clear changes have been made,
and they seem to work better for Vocal —
less payout overall, while top writers keep earning.
I’m sorry to say this — it’s all started to feel different.
I know not everyone can win all the time — fair enough —
but sometimes it feels like there’s one path for the try-hards
and another for those already up there.
I’ll stick around until September.
But I won’t renew at $99 if it’s just to sit on the sidelines.
I value myself more than that.
Nine days I’ve waited, hoping for a Top Story.
Five dollars.
No sign of it.
Maybe it’s time to move on — like a few others have said too.
And I’ve noticed — those names always up top?
They don’t like and comment as much anymore.
And maybe that’s the game — staying distant to stay high.
I know this is blunt.
I know some won’t like it.
But for me, the enjoyment has faded.
Still, I’ll always be glad I was here.
For a while, it felt like home.
Now? I’m not so sure.
About the Creator
Marie381Uk
I've been writing poetry since the age of fourteen. With pen in hand, I wander through realms unseen. The pen holds power; ink reveals hidden thoughts. A poet may speak truth or weave a tale. You decide. Let pen and ink capture your mind❤️
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Comments (8)
I am so sorry to hear that you feel unhappy! I wish I were here at this site's peak! I just became active maybe a few months ago? Gosh, I've been a pro writer for a really long time. Platforms have come and gone. I've made a lot of money at places that no longer exist. New platforms replace the old. I've learned the hard way that places like this are great for making friends and building an audience. I still have friends from old platforms from 10, 15 years ago. The platforms are gone. Some of the friends are still around.
Very good content, I really liked your article, can you subscribe to my channel as I have subscribed to your channel ?
Felt is. Well-conveyed, Marie. Same farce everywhere. In medium, it happened, and people left it. Now here to such poor treatment.
Please don't go but if you must you must. I do not make all that much anymore either and I haven't had a top story in months. Continue here as a free member so we that don't make like the Tops can still enjoy your work. I am catching up on past works and while waiting for a new transcription assignment.
Gee Marie - You have done way better than I have. I only have 13 cents for the month, so consider yourself lucky, and I paid the same as you. My husbands account even made less. However, when next January 2026, comes around I probably will renew my account- I am not sure about my husbands. But rest assured many people are doing a lot worse. I have never endorsed the free accounts, I think everyone should pay their way and support the platform, and I won't post on free accounts. The economy has a lot to do with it, however, at $18 I wouldn't complain a bit. or even $2.00. Writing platforms are folding everywhere, I am just glad that Vocal is still around. You are doing good.
Don't be discouraged Marie, I have never made the kind of money you said, but Vocal is still a good platform. Things are tightening up all over, but I think the change to the Leaderboard were good ones, It will make me write and try harder. It is still the best game in town. It is the economy - it is affecting everything.
Oh my, that sure is a drastic drop on earnings. Comments and likes sure have reduced after changes were made to the Leaderboard. I hope you'll still write on Vocal although you don't renew your membership
Hopefully things will improve soon. Things have felt different for awhile.