The readers are happy, the editors are happy, and I'm happy. But my accountant is unhappy because the checks aren't coming in. I'm a trusting soul by nature, but I finally call to complain two months later. Don't worry, I'm assured, these things just take time to make it through our system. You'll be paid.
Weekly checks begin to arrive a month later.
Then, a few months after that, this outfit has to say goodbye. They're making cutbacks and can't afford as much content. The checks stop. Yesterday the other shoe drops. It comes in the form of a Tyvek envelope.