Is Vocal.Media the only basket left where online writers can place their eggs?

Is Vocal the only reliable content site left?

Older generations used to say not to put all of your eggs in one basket. This idiom means not to put your trust in any one system. What do you do, however, when the baskets start disappearing and you are only left with one? For online writers, it's beginning to look as if Vocal.Media might be the only basket.

On this date, September 13, 2025, I believe Vocal might be the only platform where there are multiple opportunities to earn income. Writing sites where you are paid per view are on the decline, and many have shut down.

The ones still available have changed the rules so that earnings and views have decreased, or you no longer qualify for the platform.

Changes-always changes

It seems as though as soon as writers become confident in their niche and are making decent money, a shift happens. NewsBreak no longer accepts article samples from self-publishing sites, and close to 200,000 writer accounts were deactivated. You must now have written for a local newspaper or an online verified publication with editorial oversight.

You only make money from paid subscribers on Substack. On Medium, you don't get credit for your work being read unless it is from a paid member. You can set your articles to be read by everyone or have them where only part of yout story is seen. A notice comes up that to continue, you must join Medium bu paying $5.00 monthly.

Hubpages stopped updating accounts a few months back and the CPM dropped drastically. My average had been about $3.00 per 1,000 views, and now appears to be half that much. There has been no explanation, and writers who contribute to the site are uncertain of the future. it seems the system as we once knew it is filled with cracks.

Vocal has remained consistent

I have written for 12 sites over the past decade, and right now, there is only one that has remained consistent. On Vocal, views count from everyone who reads an article, whether they are a Vocal Plus member or not. 

There are perks ot becoming a Plus member that are well worth the $9.99 monthly. Readers have the opportunity to leave tips, and there are constant challenges (contests) that contributors can enter.

Vocal does offer paid subscriptions, but if no one subscribes, you can still earn from views. Many online publications also use "pitching an idea." I've pitched many where I never heard back one way or the other. For all I know, they used my idea and did not pay me.

Online writing should be as simple as sharing from your heart; people read, and you get paid. Unfortunately, AI and fake news have led to misleading stories so there is much scrutiny.

Artificial Intelligence has its benefits, but several times when I searched for info, it brought up a story that I had written and did not give me any fresh perspective.

Poets are welcome on Vocal

Vocal also allows poetry. I have been writing poetry since the age of tweleve. During the 1980s, I was scammed by poetry contests where you paid a fee to enter.

I love that if a thought comes to me to write a poem, I can share it. Other sites don't allow that opportunity. I think of Celie (Whoopi Goldberg) in the film The Color Purple when she said she had a song in her heart and could not sing it.

This is how it is with poets who need a place to release their thoughts and feelings.

Are your other egg baskets full or empty?

Is Vocal standing alone in this matter?

Vocal continues to evolve and grow in ways that benefit contributors. So, back to my original point, I ask if Vocal.Media is the only basket left where we can place our eggs as writers.

Content creators have discussed on other platforms the fact that they cannot find anywhere else to write. t takes time to begin a blog and gain a following. What about you who are reading this? Please share your opinions on this matter.