I don't write those sorts of articles. First, I find them distasteful (but that's just my personal taste). Second, I feel fine with what I'm making here. I'm not what you'd call "raking it in," but I do okay and don't feel the need to advertise. Third, it's nobody's business.

I also don't engage with such content. Honestly, I'm not sure why anyone bothers clicking on these types of stories. I'm guessing it's mostly new writers looking for some sort of hope or inspiration (which they won't find from those articles). Really, writing one of the "This Is How Much I Made" articles is the fastest way to never get me to read a word of anything by that writer, ever!

Loved your story. :)