I'm pretty sure I started shortly before the partner program as well. Seems to me it came out not too long after I began blogging. Quasi - my dear one - I think you were one of the very first followers I ever had. You, Gail, & White Feather. BTW - White Feather rather abruptly disappeared from Medium in March of 2020 - I've sent several messages & emailed him without a response. Very unlike him. Have you heard anything?