{
  "batch": "987-freelance-writing-risks",
  "articles": [
    {
      "id": "learn_r987_freelance_writing_risks_upwork_terms_account_suspension",
      "category": "Safety",
      "title": "[Unverified - being checked] Upwork: Rules.enforcement - account suspension triggers",
      "summary": "[Unverified - being checked] Upwork reserves the right to suspend or terminate a freelancer's account immediately upon giving notice if Upwork believes the freelancer is in violation of the Terms of Service",
      "body": "Upwork reserves the right to suspend or terminate a freelancer's account immediately upon giving notice if Upwork believes the freelancer is in violation of the Terms of Service\n\nWhat Upwork actually says:\n\n“Upwork reserves the right to suspend or terminate your Account immediately upon giving notice to you if Upwork believes you are in violation of the Terms of Service.”\n\nNote: Found in Any Hire Terms v1.6 and Client Initiated Direct Contracts Escrow Instructions; Upwork blocks direct access to legal pages, Wayback Machine used",
      "source_type": "official",
      "source_link": "https://web.archive.org/web/20260910011811/https://www.upwork.com/legal",
      "last_verified": "2026-09-30",
      "reliability": "STRONG PRACTICE",
      "source_tier": "A",
      "source_publisher": "Upwork",
      "evidence_quote": "Upwork reserves the right to suspend or terminate your Account immediately upon giving notice to you if Upwork believes you are in violation of the Terms of Service.",
      "volatility": "high",
      "from_batch": "987-freelance-writing-risks",
      "subject": "Upwork",
      "topic": "Rules.enforcement - account suspension triggers",
      "applies_to_country": "*",
      "applies_to_scope": "Global platform, terms apply to all users",
      "tags": {
        "lane": "any",
        "stage": "trouble",
        "region": [
          "us"
        ],
        "platform": "upwork",
        "topic": [
          "rules.enforcement"
        ],
        "explicitness": "any"
      },
      "verification": {
        "status": "unverified",
        "label": "Unverified - being checked",
        "reasons": [
          "legal_fetch_over_cap"
        ],
        "checked_utc": "20261024-200229Z"
      }
    },
    {
      "id": "learn_r987_freelance_writing_risks_upwork_terms_payment_hold",
      "category": "Safety",
      "title": "[Unverified - being checked] Upwork: Money.payout - payment hold on chargeback risk",
      "summary": "[Unverified - being checked] Upwork Escrow may refuse to process or hold the disbursement of freelancer fees if Upwork has reason to believe the fees may be subject to dispute or chargeback",
      "body": "Upwork Escrow may refuse to process or hold the disbursement of freelancer fees if Upwork has reason to believe the fees may be subject to dispute or chargeback\n\nWhat Upwork actually says:\n\n“Upwork Escrow...may refuse to process, may hold the disbursement of the Freelancer Fees or any other amounts...if we have reason to believe the Freelancer Fees may be subject to dispute or chargeback”\n\nNote: Found in Escrow Instructions sections; Upwork direct access blocked with 403",
      "source_type": "official",
      "source_link": "https://web.archive.org/web/20260910011811/https://www.upwork.com/legal",
      "last_verified": "2026-09-30",
      "reliability": "STRONG PRACTICE",
      "source_tier": "A",
      "source_publisher": "Upwork",
      "evidence_quote": "Upwork Escrow...may refuse to process, may hold the disbursement of the Freelancer Fees or any other amounts...if we have reason to believe the Freelancer Fees may be subject to dispute or chargeback",
      "volatility": "high",
      "from_batch": "987-freelance-writing-risks",
      "subject": "Upwork",
      "topic": "Money.payout - payment hold on chargeback risk",
      "applies_to_country": "*",
      "applies_to_scope": "Global platform",
      "tags": {
        "lane": "any",
        "stage": "trouble",
        "region": [
          "us"
        ],
        "platform": "upwork",
        "topic": [
          "money.payout"
        ],
        "explicitness": "any"
      },
      "verification": {
        "status": "unverified",
        "label": "Unverified - being checked",
        "reasons": [
          "legal_fetch_over_cap"
        ],
        "checked_utc": "20261024-200229Z"
      }
    },
    {
      "id": "learn_r987_freelance_writing_risks_upwork_terms_chargeback",
      "category": "Safety",
      "title": "[Unverified - being checked] Upwork: Money.fees - chargeback breach of terms",
      "summary": "[Unverified - being checked] A client-initiated chargeback is considered default and the client may be required to reimburse Upwork if Upwork supplies services but receives a chargeback from the Payment Method",
      "body": "A client-initiated chargeback is considered default and the client may be required to reimburse Upwork if Upwork supplies services but receives a chargeback from the Payment Method\n\nWhat Upwork actually says:\n\n“Client initiating a chargeback with their bank is considered default”\n\nNote: Found in Terms of Service Sections 6.4-6.5",
      "source_type": "official",
      "source_link": "https://web.archive.org/web/20260910011811/https://www.upwork.com/legal",
      "last_verified": "2026-09-30",
      "reliability": "STRONG PRACTICE",
      "source_tier": "A",
      "source_publisher": "Upwork",
      "evidence_quote": "Client initiating a chargeback with their bank is considered default",
      "volatility": "high",
      "from_batch": "987-freelance-writing-risks",
      "subject": "Upwork",
      "topic": "Money.fees - chargeback breach of terms",
      "applies_to_country": "*",
      "applies_to_scope": "Global platform",
      "tags": {
        "lane": "any",
        "stage": "trouble",
        "region": [
          "us"
        ],
        "platform": "upwork",
        "topic": [
          "money.fees"
        ],
        "explicitness": "any"
      },
      "verification": {
        "status": "unverified",
        "label": "Unverified - being checked",
        "reasons": [
          "legal_fetch_over_cap"
        ],
        "checked_utc": "20261024-200229Z"
      }
    },
    {
      "id": "learn_r987_freelance_writing_risks_contently_terms_plagiarism",
      "category": "Safety",
      "title": "[Unverified - being checked] Contently: Rules.content - plagiarism prohibition in Code of Ethics",
      "summary": "[Unverified - being checked] Contently's Code of Ethics requires freelancers to always produce original work, never plagiarizing self or others, never repurposing old stories for new clients, and never cutting corners",
      "body": "Contently's Code of Ethics requires freelancers to always produce original work, never plagiarizing self or others, never repurposing old stories for new clients, and never cutting corners\n\nWhat Contently actually says:\n\n“Freelancer shall: ... (viii) always produce original work, never plagiarizing self or others, never repurposing old stories for new clients, and never cutting corners in any fashion”\n\nNote: Section 8 Code of Ethics",
      "source_type": "official",
      "source_link": "https://contently.com/terms/",
      "last_verified": "2026-09-30",
      "reliability": "STRONG PRACTICE",
      "source_tier": "A",
      "source_publisher": "Contently",
      "evidence_quote": "Freelancer shall: ... (viii) always produce original work, never plagiarizing self or others, never repurposing old stories for new clients, and never cutting corners in any fashion",
      "volatility": "medium",
      "from_batch": "987-freelance-writing-risks",
      "subject": "Contently",
      "topic": "Rules.content - plagiarism prohibition in Code of Ethics",
      "applies_to_country": "*",
      "applies_to_scope": "Global platform",
      "tags": {
        "lane": "any",
        "stage": "running",
        "region": [
          "us"
        ],
        "platform": "contently",
        "topic": [
          "rules.content"
        ],
        "explicitness": "any"
      },
      "verification": {
        "status": "unverified",
        "label": "Unverified - being checked",
        "reasons": [
          "thin_body",
          "source_unverifiable:fetch_failed:budget"
        ],
        "checked_utc": "20261024-200229Z"
      }
    },
    {
      "id": "learn_r987_freelance_writing_risks_contently_terms_revision_limit",
      "category": "Safety",
      "title": "[Unverified - being checked] Contently: Craft.posting - revision limits",
      "summary": "[Unverified - being checked] Publishers are typically allowed to request up to two rounds of revisions from freelancers and are generally required to accept or reject submissions within fifteen business days",
      "body": "Publishers are typically allowed to request up to two rounds of revisions from freelancers and are generally required to accept or reject submissions within fifteen business days\n\nWhat Contently actually says:\n\n“Publishers are typically allowed to request up to two rounds of revisions from Freelancers and are generally required to accept or reject Submissions, or request alteration thereto, within fifteen (15) business days of Freelancer's submission thereof to Publishers”\n\nNote: Section 3.2 Acceptance of Submissions",
      "source_type": "official",
      "source_link": "https://contently.com/terms/",
      "last_verified": "2026-09-30",
      "reliability": "STRONG PRACTICE",
      "source_tier": "A",
      "source_publisher": "Contently",
      "evidence_quote": "Publishers are typically allowed to request up to two rounds of revisions from Freelancers and are generally required to accept or reject Submissions, or request alteration thereto, within fifteen (15) business days of Freelancer's submission thereof to Publishers",
      "volatility": "medium",
      "from_batch": "987-freelance-writing-risks",
      "subject": "Contently",
      "topic": "Craft.posting - revision limits",
      "applies_to_country": "*",
      "applies_to_scope": "Global platform",
      "tags": {
        "lane": "any",
        "stage": "running",
        "region": [
          "us"
        ],
        "platform": "contently",
        "topic": [
          "craft.posting"
        ],
        "explicitness": "any"
      },
      "verification": {
        "status": "unverified",
        "label": "Unverified - being checked",
        "reasons": [
          "thin_body",
          "source_unverifiable:fetch_failed:budget"
        ],
        "checked_utc": "20261024-200229Z"
      }
    },
    {
      "id": "learn_r987_freelance_writing_risks_contently_terms_payment",
      "category": "Safety",
      "title": "[Unverified - being checked] Contently: Money.payout - payment timing and publisher default",
      "summary": "[Unverified - being checked] Contently credits the freelancer's account within 30 days following the publisher's full payment to Contently, and Contently is not responsible for any amounts not received from the publisher",
      "body": "Contently credits the freelancer's account within 30 days following the publisher's full payment to Contently, and Contently is not responsible for any amounts not received from the publisher\n\nWhat Contently actually says:\n\n“Within thirty (30) days following Publisher's full payment to Contently of the applicable Project Fee for Freelancer's Submission, Contently shall credit Freelancer's Account with the amount of such payment”\n\nNote: Section 6 Compensation",
      "source_type": "official",
      "source_link": "https://contently.com/terms/",
      "last_verified": "2026-09-30",
      "reliability": "STRONG PRACTICE",
      "source_tier": "A",
      "source_publisher": "Contently",
      "evidence_quote": "Within thirty (30) days following Publisher's full payment to Contently of the applicable Project Fee for Freelancer's Submission, Contently shall credit Freelancer's Account with the amount of such payment",
      "volatility": "medium",
      "from_batch": "987-freelance-writing-risks",
      "subject": "Contently",
      "topic": "Money.payout - payment timing and publisher default",
      "applies_to_country": "*",
      "applies_to_scope": "Global platform",
      "tags": {
        "lane": "any",
        "stage": "running",
        "region": [
          "us"
        ],
        "platform": "contently",
        "topic": [
          "money.payout"
        ],
        "explicitness": "any"
      },
      "verification": {
        "status": "unverified",
        "label": "Unverified - being checked",
        "reasons": [
          "legal_fetch_over_cap"
        ],
        "checked_utc": "20261024-200229Z"
      }
    },
    {
      "id": "learn_r987_freelance_writing_risks_contently_terms_termination",
      "category": "Safety",
      "title": "[Unverified - being checked] Contently: Rules.enforcement - account termination without cause",
      "summary": "[Unverified - being checked] Contently may terminate a freelancer's access to all or any part of the Services at any time, with or without cause, with or without notice",
      "body": "Contently may terminate a freelancer's access to all or any part of the Services at any time, with or without cause, with or without notice\n\nWhat Contently actually says:\n\n“Contently may terminate Freelancer's access to all or any part of the Services at any time, with or without cause, with or without notice”\n\nNote: Section 9 Termination",
      "source_type": "official",
      "source_link": "https://contently.com/terms/",
      "last_verified": "2026-09-30",
      "reliability": "STRONG PRACTICE",
      "source_tier": "A",
      "source_publisher": "Contently",
      "evidence_quote": "Contently may terminate Freelancer's access to all or any part of the Services at any time, with or without cause, with or without notice",
      "volatility": "high",
      "from_batch": "987-freelance-writing-risks",
      "subject": "Contently",
      "topic": "Rules.enforcement - account termination without cause",
      "applies_to_country": "*",
      "applies_to_scope": "Global platform",
      "tags": {
        "lane": "any",
        "stage": "trouble",
        "region": [
          "us"
        ],
        "platform": "contently",
        "topic": [
          "rules.enforcement"
        ],
        "explicitness": "any"
      },
      "verification": {
        "status": "unverified",
        "label": "Unverified - being checked",
        "reasons": [
          "legal_fetch_over_cap"
        ],
        "checked_utc": "20261024-200229Z"
      }
    },
    {
      "id": "learn_r987_freelance_writing_risks_contently_terms_ip_assignment",
      "category": "Safety",
      "title": "[Unverified - being checked] Contently: Money.tax - IP assignment and work for hire",
      "summary": "[Unverified - being checked] Freelancer irrevocably assigns all rights to Submissions to the Publisher and the work made for hire doctrine applies",
      "body": "Freelancer irrevocably assigns all rights to Submissions to the Publisher and the work made for hire doctrine applies\n\nWhat Contently actually says:\n\n“Freelancer irrevocably assigns all right, title and interest in and to the Submissions to Publisher...and work made for hire doctrine applies”\n\nNote: Section 4 Intellectual Property",
      "source_type": "official",
      "source_link": "https://contently.com/terms/",
      "last_verified": "2026-09-30",
      "reliability": "STRONG PRACTICE",
      "source_tier": "A",
      "source_publisher": "Contently",
      "evidence_quote": "Freelancer irrevocably assigns all right, title and interest in and to the Submissions to Publisher...and work made for hire doctrine applies",
      "volatility": "medium",
      "from_batch": "987-freelance-writing-risks",
      "subject": "Contently",
      "topic": "Money.tax - IP assignment and work for hire",
      "applies_to_country": "*",
      "applies_to_scope": "Global platform",
      "tags": {
        "lane": "any",
        "stage": "setting_up",
        "region": [
          "us"
        ],
        "platform": "contently",
        "topic": [
          "money.tax"
        ],
        "explicitness": "any"
      },
      "verification": {
        "status": "unverified",
        "label": "Unverified - being checked",
        "reasons": [
          "thin_body",
          "source_unverifiable:fetch_failed:budget"
        ],
        "checked_utc": "20261024-200229Z"
      }
    },
    {
      "id": "learn_r987_freelance_writing_risks_skyword_terms_termination",
      "category": "Safety",
      "title": "[Unverified - being checked] Skyword: Rules.enforcement - account suspension for delinquent payment",
      "summary": "[Unverified - being checked] Skyword reserves the right to suspend a client's access to and/or use of the Services if any payment is ten days past due",
      "body": "Skyword reserves the right to suspend a client's access to and/or use of the Services if any payment is ten days past due\n\nWhat Skyword actually says:\n\n“Skyword reserves the right to suspend Client's access to and/or use of the Services if any payment is ten (10) days past due”\n\nNote: Section 8.1",
      "source_type": "official",
      "source_link": "https://skyword.com/terms-of-service/",
      "last_verified": "2026-09-30",
      "reliability": "STRONG PRACTICE",
      "source_tier": "A",
      "source_publisher": "Skyword",
      "evidence_quote": "Skyword reserves the right to suspend Client's access to and/or use of the Services if any payment is ten (10) days past due",
      "volatility": "medium",
      "from_batch": "987-freelance-writing-risks",
      "subject": "Skyword",
      "topic": "Rules.enforcement - account suspension for delinquent payment",
      "applies_to_country": "*",
      "applies_to_scope": "Business-to-business platform",
      "tags": {
        "lane": "any",
        "stage": "trouble",
        "region": [
          "us"
        ],
        "platform": "skyword",
        "topic": [
          "rules.enforcement"
        ],
        "explicitness": "any"
      },
      "verification": {
        "status": "unverified",
        "label": "Unverified - being checked",
        "reasons": [
          "legal_fetch_over_cap"
        ],
        "checked_utc": "20261024-231418Z"
      }
    },
    {
      "id": "learn_r987_freelance_writing_risks_skyword_terms_ip_ownership",
      "category": "Safety",
      "title": "[Unverified - being checked] Skyword: Money.tax - IP ownership of deliverables",
      "summary": "[Unverified - being checked] All intellectual property rights to the Deliverables shall be owned by the Client upon full and final payment thereof",
      "body": "All intellectual property rights to the Deliverables shall be owned by the Client upon full and final payment thereof\n\nWhat Skyword actually says:\n\n“All Intellectual Property Rights to the Deliverables shall be owned by the Client upon full and final payment therefor”\n\nNote: Section 5.3",
      "source_type": "official",
      "source_link": "https://skyword.com/terms-of-service/",
      "last_verified": "2026-09-30",
      "reliability": "STRONG PRACTICE",
      "source_tier": "A",
      "source_publisher": "Skyword",
      "evidence_quote": "All Intellectual Property Rights to the Deliverables shall be owned by the Client upon full and final payment therefor",
      "volatility": "medium",
      "from_batch": "987-freelance-writing-risks",
      "subject": "Skyword",
      "topic": "Money.tax - IP ownership of deliverables",
      "applies_to_country": "*",
      "applies_to_scope": "Business-to-business platform",
      "tags": {
        "lane": "any",
        "stage": "setting_up",
        "region": [
          "us"
        ],
        "platform": "skyword",
        "topic": [
          "money.tax"
        ],
        "explicitness": "any"
      },
      "verification": {
        "status": "unverified",
        "label": "Unverified - being checked",
        "reasons": [
          "thin_body",
          "source_unverifiable:fetch_failed:budget"
        ],
        "checked_utc": "20261024-231418Z"
      }
    },
    {
      "id": "learn_r987_freelance_writing_risks_problogger_terms_ip",
      "category": "Safety",
      "title": "[Unverified - being checked] ProBlogger: Rules.content - intellectual property rights",
      "summary": "[Unverified - being checked] ProBlogger Pty Ltd owns all website content and retains copyright; users are granted a limited license to access materials for personal, non-commercial use",
      "body": "ProBlogger Pty Ltd owns all website content and retains copyright; users are granted a limited license to access materials for personal, non-commercial use\n\nWhat ProBlogger actually says:\n\n“In these terms and conditions, 'we' 'us' and 'our' refers to Problogger Pty Ltd (ABN 90 561 136 245)...We reserve the right to amend this Notice at any time”\n\nNote: Australian-based platform; terms page loaded successfully",
      "source_type": "official",
      "source_link": "https://problogger.com/terms-and-conditions/",
      "last_verified": "2026-09-30",
      "reliability": "STRONG PRACTICE",
      "source_tier": "A",
      "source_publisher": "ProBlogger",
      "evidence_quote": "In these terms and conditions, 'we' 'us' and 'our' refers to Problogger Pty Ltd (ABN 90 561 136 245)...We reserve the right to amend this Notice at any time",
      "volatility": "low",
      "from_batch": "987-freelance-writing-risks",
      "subject": "ProBlogger",
      "topic": "Rules.content - intellectual property rights",
      "applies_to_country": "AU",
      "applies_to_scope": "ProBlogger Pty Ltd ABN 90 561 136 245 - Australian entity",
      "tags": {
        "lane": "any",
        "stage": "choosing",
        "region": [
          "au"
        ],
        "platform": "problogger",
        "topic": [
          "rules.content"
        ],
        "explicitness": "any"
      },
      "verification": {
        "status": "unverified",
        "label": "Unverified - being checked",
        "reasons": [
          "legal_fetch_over_cap"
        ],
        "checked_utc": "20261024-231418Z"
      }
    },
    {
      "id": "learn_r987_freelance_writing_risks_substack_tos_termination",
      "category": "Safety",
      "title": "[Unverified - being checked] Substack: Rules.enforcement - account termination at discretion",
      "summary": "[Unverified - being checked] Substack is free to terminate or suspend access to your use of Substack, or your account, for any reason at its discretion",
      "body": "Substack is free to terminate or suspend access to your use of Substack, or your account, for any reason at its discretion\n\nWhat Substack actually says:\n\n“Substack is free to terminate (or suspend access to) your use of Substack, or your account, for any reason at our discretion”\n\nNote: Terms of Use, effective April 21, 2025",
      "source_type": "official",
      "source_link": "https://substack.com/tos",
      "last_verified": "2026-09-30",
      "reliability": "STRONG PRACTICE",
      "source_tier": "A",
      "source_publisher": "Substack",
      "evidence_quote": "Substack is free to terminate (or suspend access to) your use of Substack, or your account, for any reason at our discretion",
      "volatility": "high",
      "from_batch": "987-freelance-writing-risks",
      "subject": "Substack",
      "topic": "Rules.enforcement - account termination at discretion",
      "applies_to_country": "*",
      "applies_to_scope": "Global platform",
      "tags": {
        "lane": "any",
        "stage": "trouble",
        "region": [
          "us"
        ],
        "platform": "substack",
        "topic": [
          "rules.enforcement"
        ],
        "explicitness": "any"
      },
      "verification": {
        "status": "unverified",
        "label": "Unverified - being checked",
        "reasons": [
          "legal_fetch_over_cap"
        ],
        "checked_utc": "20261024-231418Z"
      }
    },
    {
      "id": "learn_r987_freelance_writing_risks_substack_pa_revenue_share",
      "category": "Safety",
      "title": "[Unverified - being checked] Substack: Money.fees - revenue share percentage",
      "summary": "[Unverified - being checked] The creator agrees to pay Substack a percentage of the total amount charged to Readers; the remaining amount after Payment Processor fees is retained by the creator; the Revenue Share percentage is set during registration",
      "body": "The creator agrees to pay Substack a percentage of the total amount charged to Readers; the remaining amount after Payment Processor fees is retained by the creator; the Revenue Share percentage is set during registration\n\nWhat Substack actually says:\n\n“You agree to pay us a percentage of the total amount charged by you to Readers (the 'Revenue Share'). The remaining amount, after any fees deducted by the Payment Processor, will be retained by you. The Revenue Share percentage is set between you and Substack during registration of your account”\n\nNote: Publisher Agreement, last updated July 20, 2026",
      "source_type": "official",
      "source_link": "https://substack.com/pa",
      "last_verified": "2026-09-30",
      "reliability": "STRONG PRACTICE",
      "source_tier": "A",
      "source_publisher": "Substack",
      "evidence_quote": "You agree to pay us a percentage of the total amount charged by you to Readers (the 'Revenue Share'). The remaining amount, after any fees deducted by the Payment Processor, will be retained by you. The Revenue Share percentage is set between you and Substack during registration of your account",
      "volatility": "medium",
      "from_batch": "987-freelance-writing-risks",
      "subject": "Substack",
      "topic": "Money.fees - revenue share percentage",
      "applies_to_country": "*",
      "applies_to_scope": "Global platform",
      "tags": {
        "lane": "any",
        "stage": "running",
        "region": [
          "us"
        ],
        "platform": "substack",
        "topic": [
          "money.fees"
        ],
        "explicitness": "any"
      },
      "verification": {
        "status": "unverified",
        "label": "Unverified - being checked",
        "reasons": [
          "legal_fetch_over_cap"
        ],
        "checked_utc": "20261024-231418Z"
      }
    },
    {
      "id": "learn_r987_freelance_writing_risks_medium_partner_eligibility",
      "category": "Safety",
      "title": "[Unverified - being checked] Medium Partner Program: Access.signup - eligibility requirements",
      "summary": "[Unverified - being checked] Medium Partner Program eligibility requires the writer to be a member, have published a story in the last 6 months, be located in an eligible country, and be 18 years of age or older",
      "body": "Medium Partner Program eligibility requires the writer to be a member, have published a story in the last 6 months, be located in an eligible country, and be 18 years of age or older\n\nWhat Medium actually says:\n\n“You're a member...You've published a story in the last 6 months...Staying active, publishing regularly, and being engaged with the community...You're located in an eligible country...Be a Medium member...Have published at least one story on Medium in the past 6 months...Are located in a supported country...Are 18 years of age or older”\n\nNote: Archived Medium Partner Program page; Medium direct access blocked with 403",
      "source_type": "official",
      "source_link": "https://web.archive.org/web/20250101003543/https://medium.com/partner-program",
      "last_verified": "2026-09-30",
      "reliability": "STRONG PRACTICE",
      "source_tier": "A",
      "source_publisher": "Medium",
      "evidence_quote": "You're a member...You've published a story in the last 6 months...Staying active, publishing regularly, and being engaged with the community...You're located in an eligible country...Be a Medium member...Have published at least one story on Medium in the past 6 months...Are located in a supported country...Are 18 years of age or older",
      "volatility": "medium",
      "from_batch": "987-freelance-writing-risks",
      "subject": "Medium Partner Program",
      "topic": "Access.signup - eligibility requirements",
      "applies_to_country": "*",
      "applies_to_scope": "Global platform, country restrictions apply",
      "tags": {
        "lane": "any",
        "stage": "choosing",
        "region": [
          "us"
        ],
        "platform": "medium",
        "topic": [
          "access.signup"
        ],
        "explicitness": "any"
      },
      "verification": {
        "status": "unverified",
        "label": "Unverified - being checked",
        "reasons": [
          "legal_fetch_over_cap"
        ],
        "checked_utc": "20261024-231418Z"
      }
    },
    {
      "id": "learn_r987_freelance_writing_risks_medium_partner_reading_time",
      "category": "Safety",
      "title": "[Unverified - being checked] Medium Partner Program: Money.pricing - earnings based on reading time",
      "summary": "[Unverified - being checked] Medium Partners earn money when a member reads their story for 30 seconds or more, with earnings based on member read and listen time as well as engagement signals including claps, highlights, replies, and new follows",
      "body": "Medium Partners earn money when a member reads their story for 30 seconds or more, with earnings based on member read and listen time as well as engagement signals including claps, highlights, replies, and new follows\n\nWhat Medium actually says:\n\n“Members-only stories will earn money when a member reads your story for 30 seconds or more, and will continue to earn more the longer they keep reading”\n\nNote: Archived Medium Partner Program page",
      "source_type": "official",
      "source_link": "https://web.archive.org/web/20250101003543/https://medium.com/partner-program",
      "last_verified": "2026-09-30",
      "reliability": "STRONG PRACTICE",
      "source_tier": "A",
      "source_publisher": "Medium",
      "evidence_quote": "Members-only stories will earn money when a member reads your story for 30 seconds or more, and will continue to earn more the longer they keep reading",
      "volatility": "medium",
      "from_batch": "987-freelance-writing-risks",
      "subject": "Medium Partner Program",
      "topic": "Money.pricing - earnings based on reading time",
      "applies_to_country": "*",
      "applies_to_scope": "Global platform",
      "tags": {
        "lane": "any",
        "stage": "running",
        "region": [
          "us"
        ],
        "platform": "medium",
        "topic": [
          "money.pricing"
        ],
        "explicitness": "any"
      },
      "verification": {
        "status": "unverified",
        "label": "Unverified - being checked",
        "reasons": [
          "thin_body",
          "source_unverifiable:fetch_failed:budget"
        ],
        "checked_utc": "20261024-231418Z"
      }
    },
    {
      "id": "learn_r987_freelance_writing_risks_substack_tos_content_guidelines",
      "category": "Safety",
      "title": "[Unverified - being checked] Substack: Rules.content - content guidelines",
      "summary": "[Unverified - being checked] Substack's Terms of Use require users to comply with Content Guidelines; failure to follow any of the Terms shall constitute a breach which may result in immediate termination of the account",
      "body": "Substack's Terms of Use require users to comply with Content Guidelines; failure to follow any of the Terms shall constitute a breach which may result in immediate termination of the account\n\nWhat Substack actually says:\n\n“Failure to follow any of these Terms shall constitute a breach of these Terms, which may result in immediate termination of your account”\n\nNote: Terms of Use effective April 21, 2025",
      "source_type": "official",
      "source_link": "https://substack.com/tos",
      "last_verified": "2026-09-30",
      "reliability": "STRONG PRACTICE",
      "source_tier": "A",
      "source_publisher": "Substack",
      "evidence_quote": "Failure to follow any of these Terms shall constitute a breach of these Terms, which may result in immediate termination of your account",
      "volatility": "high",
      "from_batch": "987-freelance-writing-risks",
      "subject": "Substack",
      "topic": "Rules.content - content guidelines",
      "applies_to_country": "*",
      "applies_to_scope": "Global platform",
      "tags": {
        "lane": "any",
        "stage": "trouble",
        "region": [
          "us"
        ],
        "platform": "substack",
        "topic": [
          "rules.content"
        ],
        "explicitness": "any"
      },
      "verification": {
        "status": "unverified",
        "label": "Unverified - being checked",
        "reasons": [
          "thin_body",
          "source_unverifiable:fetch_failed:budget"
        ],
        "checked_utc": "20261024-231418Z"
      }
    }
  ]
}