hot take:
merch is not payment.
a hardware wallet is not payment.
an affiliate link is not payment.
“great exposure” is not payment.
these things can have value, but they are not compensation for creating content.
there are exceptions.
if you genuinely want to attend an event, try a product, or support a brand you already love, that’s your choice.
but too many creators are being convinced that free stuff is a fair exchange for their work.
it’s not.
brands have marketing budgets.
if they want content, they should pay creators.
and if they want you to wear the hoodie, use the wallet, or show the product in the video, they should send that too.
don’t confuse gifts with compensation.
you’re not building a collection of branded packages.
you’re building a business.