I can't stand a certain boomer psychologist that begs for subscriptions but on off guardian he was bragging that he makes $200 an hour and has plenty of work.
Also, it's not rocket science to write articles.
I don't do much because I'm lazy and y'all do a much better job saying it. I'll only post stuff that nobody talks about.
Oh and I don't care about subscriptions. I'm here for my own self.
Haha. Me too. I write what I'm passionate about at the time when I write it. I don't even offer a paid option. But if I ever do make a paid option available, I certainly hope I would never threaten people who enjoy my content that I was going to hide it from them because they aren't paying. That kind of goes against everything I stand for. We get enough of that from the government!!! Thanks for stopping by Rob
Ohh, I love a Rob party. I would charge to see my posts, but I can't get people to look at then even when they are free (laughing emoji). Also, I suffer writers block so often that the pressure write when I had nothing to say would probably finish me off. so many of these professional content creators just churn out crap that they have nicked from someone else because their blinkered followers hang on their every post.....YAWN.
Thats why I don't write very often these days. I don't want to write about something that I have already covered, unless I have something new to say. And I don't want to just repeat what someone else has said better than I could. If it ain't flowin, it ain't flowin
And lots of other people too. I definitely understand those who are trying to make a living by writing, but I think they bite themselves in the butt when they constantly threaten to make people pay for their content. They either love what they do or they don't. I forward and tell people about content creators I enjoy and out of those people there's always a few that may or may not actually fork some money over to the creator. It's not a a guarantee that everyone is going to be able to get rich by putting our content for the world. It's just like any other kind of biz... there's good times and bad times. Haven't seen you in awhile Pbr. Good to see you! :)
There is another word for folks who expect to be paid well for minimal effort.
Entitlement.
There is an all too human tendency to jump onto whatever gravy train happens to pass by, and demand to be compensated to the same degree as the people who built the damned thing, and who keep it rolling.
We see this in almost every aspect of modern life. Look at the pay scales, and pensions, in many elected positions. Examine the salaries, and pensions. in the mid to upper ranks of the public service, most NGOs, academia, or ANY bureaucracy....
This is NOT sustainable!
Some authors have attracted huge numbers of subscribers. Because they are publishing a product that people want to view. And are willing to pay for. Others - not so much.
In this, as in every other field of endeavour, let the market decide!
The people that demand you pay for everything, obviously don't get my subscription, or if this is a new demand, just get dropped, as I have very little money. The ones that continually complain about non-payers, depending on what they write about and the quality of their writing, BUT still allow you to read their items, I may or may not stay. The people complaining about non-payers, while commenting that these people are liars and can really afford to pay, are dropped like a hot potato.
I'd love to have something to write about that would just fascinate the masses and they'd give me loads of money to read my fabulous thoughts. However, that's not my forte. I will die unknown by those masses, penniless, because I can't write a good story.
By not monetising what you say, you are not beholden to anyone or anything. We get to say whatever we want, whenever we want, take a break when we like. We are pure of thought. That's what, makes us special Rob.
I agree Rosemary. I'm pretty sure I'm subscribed to your posts but I don't remember. I'll have to check. If I am, I haven't seen anything in a long time. Always glad to see you here. For me, just having people who actually (not always tho) enjoy reading my posts is reward enough. If I ever did make money I'd feel like I won the lottery, even if it wasn't very much.
I should work on my blog soon. Even if just to have a quilt show. I have a lot to show in that respect. Or perhaps photos of my house interior with all of my parents belongings heavily intermixed with our furniture - it is pretty wild
I think I know who you're talking about, and I feel the same way. Paywalls are a lose lose. In my opinion, the only practical and ethical monetization method is voluntary payment.
Good (free) post, Rob. I read all of your stuff and always enjoy it. Blue collar. I like the KOFI idea. I used to pay for a bunch of annual subscriptions, but due to a job ending physical disability I can no longer work and I'm on fixed income. I can't afford subscriptions at this point, but if it's someone I read often and I have an extra buck or two, I'll buy a Kofi. There are so many interesting writers here that it's impossible to support them all, but I also think that readers should chip in when they can, to those they really appreciate.
I'm kind of in the same situation. I had an amazing job and at one time I could have afforded to pay for every sub. But I made the choice to not return to my good job so I could be subjected to weekly testing and masks during "covid". I don't regret that decision. I miss the money, but I don't miss the corporate BS. I also will buy a coffee once in awhile for those who I believe are really doing great work, but otherwise, those authors who are posting need to do it because they *believe in their work* first. The money should be secondary. IMHO.
Very timely, Rob D. There's been a fair amount of coverage in the legacy media lately about how, well, legacy media is dying. Layoffs abound and "things are changing", etc. One of the changes is the explosion of substack. That's awesome! I, for one, would have had an even tougher time these past few years without places like this. However, I do think the focus on the death of legacy media and the flourishing of the alternative has a lot of people seeing $$$. I get a bit fed up with the literary panhandling, too. If it's worth it, I'll pay. Begging won't get me to yes.
I believe we are in an age when *anyone* who is making buck off of the horrific times we are living in *must* be scrutinized. We don't know what's in someone's heart but we can and should definitely question someone's motives. I believe we are living in the most dangerous times in a generation or more and we can't afford to "get rich" by taking advantage of people who are seeking the truth. Yes, it's great when someone says the "right thing" or what we want and need to hear, but what side will these same people be on when the next "big thing" comes along? As for me, I question everything and everyone.
Whining is not a solution at all, long term or otherwise. If someone is writing on Substack to earn money, then by all means put up a paywall and/or restrict access to non-paying readers. Whining, complaining or simply pointing out that you don't think you are making enough money off of Substack readers is kind of pathetic IMHO. If the product is worth it, people will pay.
To be honest, I often read Substack as much for the reader comments as the authored material.
Thanks, Rob, for just clearing the air on this subject.
I agree 100% Brian. I got triggered. lol. An author I read has had several long diatribes about how they are just going to have to punish their readers by putting up a paywall because they aren't making enough, blah blah blah. I certainly don't mind when an author will mention something like "Your support is greatly appreciated, as this is what I do for a living" or something to that affect. But a paragraphs long rant about it... um, no. "If the product is worth it, people will pay." Exactly. It's just like anything else in the marketplace. Coercing and shaming people for not buying a paid subscription is just as disgusting as coercing and shaming people for not submitting to an unwanted medical procedure. The ones who are doing it are some of the ones who don't see the similarity when they are actually writing about that very subject! Thanks for stopping by Brian! :)
I can't stand a certain boomer psychologist that begs for subscriptions but on off guardian he was bragging that he makes $200 an hour and has plenty of work.
Also, it's not rocket science to write articles.
I don't do much because I'm lazy and y'all do a much better job saying it. I'll only post stuff that nobody talks about.
Oh and I don't care about subscriptions. I'm here for my own self.
Haha. Me too. I write what I'm passionate about at the time when I write it. I don't even offer a paid option. But if I ever do make a paid option available, I certainly hope I would never threaten people who enjoy my content that I was going to hide it from them because they aren't paying. That kind of goes against everything I stand for. We get enough of that from the government!!! Thanks for stopping by Rob
Great Robs think alike 😂 😛
Ohh, I love a Rob party. I would charge to see my posts, but I can't get people to look at then even when they are free (laughing emoji). Also, I suffer writers block so often that the pressure write when I had nothing to say would probably finish me off. so many of these professional content creators just churn out crap that they have nicked from someone else because their blinkered followers hang on their every post.....YAWN.
OMG yes and nothing of their own self.
They're like regurgitations of other people's wisdom. When I write, I am trying to say something that hasn't been said well before.
I got one soon if my block comes off...
Thats why I don't write very often these days. I don't want to write about something that I have already covered, unless I have something new to say. And I don't want to just repeat what someone else has said better than I could. If it ain't flowin, it ain't flowin
You obviously don't want to rob people.
Absolutely not Cairn, but they are welcome to throw me a few Bob anytime 😁
My husband wrote a book and he would probably pay people to read it.
Joking about the paying but he would be thrilled if people read it.
I have not read it - too busy
hmmmmm
?? trying to guess, but I might be subbed without paying and the blog goes directly to "junk" bc the blog is boring. hmmmm
I hate the ones that are trying to monetize every post. I am not in a buying state of mind because of the economy.
And lots of other people too. I definitely understand those who are trying to make a living by writing, but I think they bite themselves in the butt when they constantly threaten to make people pay for their content. They either love what they do or they don't. I forward and tell people about content creators I enjoy and out of those people there's always a few that may or may not actually fork some money over to the creator. It's not a a guarantee that everyone is going to be able to get rich by putting our content for the world. It's just like any other kind of biz... there's good times and bad times. Haven't seen you in awhile Pbr. Good to see you! :)
There is another word for folks who expect to be paid well for minimal effort.
Entitlement.
There is an all too human tendency to jump onto whatever gravy train happens to pass by, and demand to be compensated to the same degree as the people who built the damned thing, and who keep it rolling.
We see this in almost every aspect of modern life. Look at the pay scales, and pensions, in many elected positions. Examine the salaries, and pensions. in the mid to upper ranks of the public service, most NGOs, academia, or ANY bureaucracy....
This is NOT sustainable!
Some authors have attracted huge numbers of subscribers. Because they are publishing a product that people want to view. And are willing to pay for. Others - not so much.
In this, as in every other field of endeavour, let the market decide!
Very well said AndyinBC!
I will have to start charging for my comments.
LOL
The people that demand you pay for everything, obviously don't get my subscription, or if this is a new demand, just get dropped, as I have very little money. The ones that continually complain about non-payers, depending on what they write about and the quality of their writing, BUT still allow you to read their items, I may or may not stay. The people complaining about non-payers, while commenting that these people are liars and can really afford to pay, are dropped like a hot potato.
I'd love to have something to write about that would just fascinate the masses and they'd give me loads of money to read my fabulous thoughts. However, that's not my forte. I will die unknown by those masses, penniless, because I can't write a good story.
I think you just wrote your masterpiece Bandit. :) Thanks for contributing, as always.
Thank-you very much for that compliment, Rob D!
But, I still ain't gettin' paid. 😉😊😋
Haha. Maybe next time. :)
By not monetising what you say, you are not beholden to anyone or anything. We get to say whatever we want, whenever we want, take a break when we like. We are pure of thought. That's what, makes us special Rob.
there are many blogs that have paywalls. If that is what they want, go for it.
I for one, can not afford subscribing with $$. So, I miss out on a lot of great blogs but oh well.
I have a substack and have only written something on it ... twice, I think. Good thing no one is paying me haha
Oh, and it is called "begging" I think
I agree Rosemary. I'm pretty sure I'm subscribed to your posts but I don't remember. I'll have to check. If I am, I haven't seen anything in a long time. Always glad to see you here. For me, just having people who actually (not always tho) enjoy reading my posts is reward enough. If I ever did make money I'd feel like I won the lottery, even if it wasn't very much.
I need to update my blog.
This past year was overwhelming.
I should work on my blog soon. Even if just to have a quilt show. I have a lot to show in that respect. Or perhaps photos of my house interior with all of my parents belongings heavily intermixed with our furniture - it is pretty wild
Looking forward to it. :) Have a great weekend.
I think I know who you're talking about, and I feel the same way. Paywalls are a lose lose. In my opinion, the only practical and ethical monetization method is voluntary payment.
*whines, but very, very softly, whilst lapping coffee from the doggie bowl.*
Oi 'ate it when you try to comment and it says, "ONLY PAYING SUBSCRIBERS CAN WOOF."
Yes, after you have given the author some of your brain thinking up an apt remark.
They should be grateful not punishing.
burf, rrrow. ;)
Good (free) post, Rob. I read all of your stuff and always enjoy it. Blue collar. I like the KOFI idea. I used to pay for a bunch of annual subscriptions, but due to a job ending physical disability I can no longer work and I'm on fixed income. I can't afford subscriptions at this point, but if it's someone I read often and I have an extra buck or two, I'll buy a Kofi. There are so many interesting writers here that it's impossible to support them all, but I also think that readers should chip in when they can, to those they really appreciate.
I'm kind of in the same situation. I had an amazing job and at one time I could have afforded to pay for every sub. But I made the choice to not return to my good job so I could be subjected to weekly testing and masks during "covid". I don't regret that decision. I miss the money, but I don't miss the corporate BS. I also will buy a coffee once in awhile for those who I believe are really doing great work, but otherwise, those authors who are posting need to do it because they *believe in their work* first. The money should be secondary. IMHO.
I agree. Thanks.
Very timely, Rob D. There's been a fair amount of coverage in the legacy media lately about how, well, legacy media is dying. Layoffs abound and "things are changing", etc. One of the changes is the explosion of substack. That's awesome! I, for one, would have had an even tougher time these past few years without places like this. However, I do think the focus on the death of legacy media and the flourishing of the alternative has a lot of people seeing $$$. I get a bit fed up with the literary panhandling, too. If it's worth it, I'll pay. Begging won't get me to yes.
Just saw Steve Kirsch doing the lose belly fat equivalent.
Pay him and he will tell you how this one simple trick will fix your glaucoma.
I knew not to trust him but fell for his boyish enthusiasm and enjoyed his big dollar wagers.
Well, I still value my own time and I am not giving him any more of it.
He won't care as I was a free loader.
But if others think like me then the effect is to lessen his reach.
Considering he is a controlled opposition he is failing in his day job.
I believe we are in an age when *anyone* who is making buck off of the horrific times we are living in *must* be scrutinized. We don't know what's in someone's heart but we can and should definitely question someone's motives. I believe we are living in the most dangerous times in a generation or more and we can't afford to "get rich" by taking advantage of people who are seeking the truth. Yes, it's great when someone says the "right thing" or what we want and need to hear, but what side will these same people be on when the next "big thing" comes along? As for me, I question everything and everyone.
It's just that Kirsch has wasted my time reading that latest post for me to then come up against "for paying subscribers only".
He should have said that at line one not many words later.
Whining is not a solution at all, long term or otherwise. If someone is writing on Substack to earn money, then by all means put up a paywall and/or restrict access to non-paying readers. Whining, complaining or simply pointing out that you don't think you are making enough money off of Substack readers is kind of pathetic IMHO. If the product is worth it, people will pay.
To be honest, I often read Substack as much for the reader comments as the authored material.
Thanks, Rob, for just clearing the air on this subject.
I agree 100% Brian. I got triggered. lol. An author I read has had several long diatribes about how they are just going to have to punish their readers by putting up a paywall because they aren't making enough, blah blah blah. I certainly don't mind when an author will mention something like "Your support is greatly appreciated, as this is what I do for a living" or something to that affect. But a paragraphs long rant about it... um, no. "If the product is worth it, people will pay." Exactly. It's just like anything else in the marketplace. Coercing and shaming people for not buying a paid subscription is just as disgusting as coercing and shaming people for not submitting to an unwanted medical procedure. The ones who are doing it are some of the ones who don't see the similarity when they are actually writing about that very subject! Thanks for stopping by Brian! :)