I actually kinda like the idea.

The money is so small that I don't think anyone is really reading for the $0.02. But if it gets someone to pick up a book instead of scrolling on their phone, why not?

Maybe they do it for the reward at first, then after a while it just becomes a habit. Kinda like streaks in apps. I don't really care about the streak itself, but sometimes it’s enough to make me do the thing.

If the reward helps get people started, I think that’s pretty cool.