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.
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 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.
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.
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 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.
I hate the ones that are trying to monetize every post. I am not in a buying state of mind because of the economy.
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.
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 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."
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.
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.
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.