The paywall problem
Medium started putting my free articles behind paywalls I didn't authorize. Readers who followed me for years were suddenly asked to pay to read my work — and I didn't see a cent of that money.
The algorithm shift
Distribution became unpredictable. An article that would have reached 50,000 readers in 2022 was lucky to hit 5,000 by 2025. The platform optimized for engagement, not quality.
The ownership question
When you build on someone else's platform, you're a tenant. When you publish on your own domain, you're a homeowner. The difference matters when the landlord changes the rules.
