Wes, everything that I subscribe to or belong to has raised their rates this year. I have dropped out of some of my subscriptions and paid the new price for others because I like what they offer me. Medium is worth it to me.

As for earning money, I generally earn enough to pay my membership fee of $15/month. I never joined to earn money. I joined to write and read. I realize I am in the minority in not worrying about money.