Thank you so much for writing about this, Claire. I try not to focus on how much time I devote to my substack compared to how much I get paid - my hourly wage is probably mere cents! But, of course, it’s about way more than dollar signs anyway. I’ve also been paying close, uncomfortable attention to how much of my identity feels wrapped up in my work here.
Similar to you, I keep monthly subs relatively high (and annual subs low). This is in part because I share vulnerable content and feel gross when people subscribe to read one article then duck out (not that this happens tons, but still). I want to "reward" people who commit for a year.
In WTAF news: I recently had someone (a free subscriber, no less) pop into my substack and shame me for charging anyone anything because I write about addiction recovery and "should" be giving that away as an act of service. I wrote a rather spicy essay in response that’s coming next week.
Dana! Yes wow that's exactly it - the identity, the experimentation around our words, the feeling of safety around our words behind a paywall. Goodness I'm so sorry this happened to you - that is RIDICULOUS and obviously someone who doesn't understand the platform - did you mute and block? I watched a training from my mentor called' 'How to deal with online trolls and criticism the other day' - it was time - it actually had me laughing out loud and I think that's my medicine for the online space - feels better than taking anything to heart because I am super sensitive! Sending love. ✨
Thank you, Claire! I’d be interested in (and probably need) that training!
When I’ve gotten unkind comments and email responses in the past, I’ve blocked the person. That’s only happened a few times, however, and the person was using language that felt unsafe to me on some level, even if that was just my subjective, reactive experience. (For example, one guy emailed and said: "You’re dead wrong.") With the person who took issue with me charging, I didn’t block but unsubscribed him...then he immediately resubscribed so I left it. I do plan to block if he pursues this further. I mean, if he has such an issue with me, why does he insist on reading and subscribing?!
Thank you for creating a space where I can share these sorts of things and feel supported! Hearts to you!
We’ve had so much strange behaviour the last few months too Dana - you’re not alone…. The insight that chimed the most for me and I uphold this is that this is MY online space. It’s like my living room or a garden party and I have to hold space for the participants and guests. If some barges in and hasn’t “read the tone” of the the room you have options. Either you lean in and question or you remove… for me at the moment I’m observing how it feels and learning and then making embodied decisions based on those observations…. I think when we understand that our online spaces belong to us the same way our home or car does it shifts the dial on what we welcome, ignore and remove. I’ll get the link for you for the training too. ✨✨
Wow -- that person has issues and well done for writing the essay in reply. He probably feels it's okay for him to charge as he's a psychotherapist -- a whole other essay on gatekeeping and the cult of experts (expertise is great but there are so many more ways to get it than some people want to imagine).
The upside is -- he felt threatened by what you were offering -- enough to try to destablise you and I'm so glad that your response to that has been to advocate for what you give. Service and making a decent income are not opposites.
Thank you, Jan! And yeah, there are so many issues tangled up in his public assessment and shaming of me (which he also broadcast on Notes). Those issues extend far wider than the addiction recovery space.
Wow, this is horrible, Dana! Who are they to tell you what to do? Also, we pay a price for any book we read, so why would you not charge for the valuable content you deliver if that is what you want? I'm really shocked by some people's behaviour.
Yeah, it got me quite heated. AND this guy is a psychotherapist. I have to imagine he’s worked with people struggling with addictions and charged for it. He also has published books in his field. His logic is that AA meetings and sponsors don’t charge. But I don’t even belong to AA (although I greatly respect the program). Even if I were in AA, my substack is NOT an AA meeting or sponsor! Sigh.
This is wild - you do you - do not take ANY of his nonsense on - this is why I wanted to open a discussion about money mindset - how we make spend and donate our time/ money is completely unique and special to us.
Wow, this is even wilder now! His profession is psychotherapy, so he charges people for his service. It's not like you are taking advantage of people. It's horrible to try and gaslight people. And since it's your Substack, you can do whatever you want. Who is he to tell you what to do?
good for you! “giving away” essays about addiction recovery is nonsense… if you don’t already know him you might enjoy Dee Rambeau’s Substack https://substack.com/@deerambeau love the way he writes
The harsh truth, and I apply this to myself, is that not everything written is of top quality. I aspire to that—and whenever I publish I think I’ve written something worth sharing—but when I look at some of my writing in hindsight, its shortcomings are evident.
I try to focus on publishing pieces that are truly valuable. Then I hope that I’ll get subscribers. I recognize it’s a bit naive, but I’d rather put 95% of my energy into improving the quality of what I’m writing and 5% into trying to grow my subscribers than 50/50 or some other combination that might produce faster growth.
I like that you've thought about that Dan... it's a wonderful space to hone your craft and spend time with those edits if that fills you up - I've worked with the mantra of perfectly imperfect for a few years now which is liberating and helps me if I do send something out with a typo in - in the end we are all human and humans make 'mistakes' - our harshest critic is ourself I think. Sending sparkles to you.
Thanks for the sparkles😊. Yes, I like the teaching that “perfect is the enemy of good.” I don’t expect perfection BUT I also want to assess my writing honestly and accurately. It’s easy for me to mis-assess my writing. Only when I return to it after a long period am I able to recognize how much room for improvement there is. When I publish I often think it’s a million dollar post. Sometimes when I return, it’s more like a 50 cent post.
Nice post. Clarifies some things for me in terms of what to realistically expect. I actually participate here on Substack because I love to educate and inform. I've been fortunate as an author and find joy in passing on what I've learned. My primary source of income is still the books I write, but I'll be honest. It would be nice to be well compensated here, too, eventually Fortunately my other income offers some time to experiment with what does and does not work for me here.
And that's the key here Connie 'time to experiment' - I don't think I've ever sat still when it comes to experimenting with my content and my paid offer and the comms around that... it's really beautiful work - what are your books about? ✨
Again, thanks for clarifying/confirming some of my thinking on writing here and that experimenting is key. As for my books, I write nonfiction and fiction, mostly novels. My latest is domestic suspense and I have a second suspense novel coming out next year.
I hope your post goes viral, Claire! Love your calm, sane voice, with straightforward facts. Thank you! Role Modelling is your Mojo gift to others.
These are the 2 lines that had me nodding vigorously: ‘there are dashboards that lasso our eyeballs and pull on our innate need to be seen in the world’ AND ‘It’s really no good at all to get addicted to the way people interact with your online hologram if you’re looking to grow your business and/ or a best selling Substack, you have to be smart with your time.’
I can’t participate live so here’s my long comment (sorry!). For me, 80% of my time is dedicated to caregiving for Mum. We are beholden to medical appointments, comms, chasing things etc …oh, and her direct care. 80% is better than the 200% time for Dad’s palliative end-of-life care, though. I share that context because I carefully try to optimise the remaining 20%, i.e., align to values with the most meaning. My Substack mission is to support other carers or people who face similar challenges/life decisions about work and/or caregiving. I’m a resource & info sharing writer. This mission can only happen because I made my own financial strategy and built two small companies to sustain me now and for the future (outside of Substack)
We all need money in terms of ‘physiological and safety needs’ Maslow & Hierarchy of needs https://www.simplypsychology.org/maslow.html, but there are NO quick and easy ways to get it. Even ‘passive income’ isn’t so passive despite what some people may promo. Developing a financial strategy to sustain short-term and future personal needs and goals can deliver more straightforward, predictable income than pushing for Substack subscriptions. I had to figure out mine out when I resigned from corporate to be a caregiver for my parents, and it keeps evolving. (Imagine what havoc 18 relocations does!)
I have no paywalls because I want any caregiver to receive my support. My fee-paying mentoring clients outside Substack are 'Comp'd' to use the site. I have some paid subscribers who believe in my mission and work.
All those facts get forgotten when I get The best ‘payments’; feedback messages saying how something has helped/resonated/supported someone, because it shows me my efforts have been worth my time. This is a passion & purpose project https://www.carermentor.com/p/back-office-operations-intro-to-notion
I wholeheartedly agree with you: ‘No, I don’t believe all of us will grow a 6 figure Substack, and I don’t think we should all be aiming for that in a million years’- for all the reasons you state.
So, I'll continue learning & evolving a financial plan. In terms of success, I’m already winning compared to 3 previous websites, thanks to Substack outreach and community!
The outreach and community is just brilliant isn't it Victoria - it blows me away to be honest... yes I hear you on this and it sounds like you are bringing a very smart and balanced approach to your Substack. We have so many options here... I'm sorry to hear about your mum - that's really tough. Do you find some joy and escapism here? I definitely do when things are tough with my husband's health.
Thanks, Claire. Times were tougher caring for Dad. Now, Mum and I find our way to thrive and giggle together. I'm sorry to hear about your husband's health. Umm, interesting question. I don't look for escapism or joy, perhaps restoring faith in connectivity and support, but mostly to channel this fire in my belly and try to support other caregivers. I appreciate your grounded pragmatism & authenticity - especially in this article.
Appreciate these insights and thoughtful notes on making money. I feel my journey with this aspect of Substack has been really experimental. I've tried out paywalls, special paid offerings, sales, etc. I found the greatest movement forward when I stepped back and simplified my approach. It never felt right to me to paywall my work as its focused on education and self-development. I love referencing old posts and sending them off as resources. Sometimes I would add bonus content for paid subscribers like a recording at the end of a post. But then it'd block free subscribers from commenting, which didn't feel right.
So I decided that all of my written/audio posts would be free, and I would weave in my classes to the paid tier option. Replays are set behind a paywall, everything else is accessible. I've seen so much growth in the paid member community since then. And it feels joyful, fun and in alignment. Still much to learn, but I'm grateful for the growth and lessons so far.
Oh this is an interesting option and direction. I still haven’t figured out what my “proper” paid offer might look like. But perhaps something along these lines??
Yea I’ve started reminding folks at the top of the call to be discerning because my stay creative approach means we cover lots of breadth and depth but they are not always relevant to everyone depending on where they are in their journey. ✨✨❣️ We have time, there is so much time!
May I ask how paid subscriptions work. Is it free subscribers upgrading or someone just joins paid? A bit confused about how to turn on paid and just leave it as that
I'd recommend reading the guides Substack offers on going paid and strategies, lots of helpful information there.. To answer your questions briefly, subscribers can upgrade from free or can become paid the first time they join.
Hey Natalia - you can set up paid subs in your settings - people can pay monthly or annually to access your work. You can add a paywall in any post. Substack have some guidelines here - https://substack.com/going-paid-guide
What wonderful insight and strategy sharing Alyssa - thank you. Yes like with this post - I'm mentioning the members call next week but I wanted to open the discussion up to all 3200 subscribers here - I'm very excited that so many people wanted to chat on this topic - it's so important to me. This sounds such a savvy approach - where do you stand on growth - are you growing at the rate you want to?
Hi Claire! The question of how to encourage paid subs is increasingly important to me. Thank you for tackling this subject. My Substack is about moving from midlife into the foreign country of old age. (I am 72, a published author, a podcaster, decades of experience as a journalist and nonfiction editor, etc.) I’ve been on Substack for less than a year; I publish without fail on Fridays. With the help of my editor Erin Shetron I’ve “diversified” how I write about my topic; I now have four sections. Most recently I decided to host a discussion space for old(er) women writers on Substack, meaning 60s, 70s, 80s. (And am also welcoming women in their 40s & 50s). The response has been remarkable. Over 75 or 80 women have written lovely long comments to introduce themselves. Who knew there were so many of us?! It feels like a good moment to push for more paid subs (I have about 60). And yes, as you suggest, offering something in addition. Perhaps it could be a monthly Zoom to host a [b]old women writers gathering - ? Noting however, that my overall focus on “old age” is inclusive and not gender or pronoun specific. Would love to yours and other readers’ ideas!
Ooo what a brilliant publication Debbie - have you thought about guest posts? A curated get together/ circle is a great idea too! 60 is great and it won't take you too long to get 100 which is a Substack bestseller and the opportunity for even more social proof. What is that as a percentage of your overall subs?
Thanks Claire! I am considering to turning on paid subscription. I write and I play music and if one of those two things can benefit the other why not. So turning paid for some posts would make me earn a bit of money to put into my music. Is that realistic? Is that viable ? I don't know. I just don't want to turn paid for the sake of money and let money influence my creative decisions.
It is for sure. I think it’s actually super helpful to have a goal about “what” subs pay for. On CC they pay for my time to host the live workshops and invite those who can’t afford to pay into them. My friend set up a savings account for her kids and puts her Substack subs into there. ✨ 🥰
Thank you, Claire! Your real talk was great. Not everything we do needs to revolve around making money. While it's great to have that as a goal, there should always be room for other goals. My goal has always been to build a good community on Substack first and then decide in the future what else to do. Of course, I'm privileged to have another job that pays my bills, so I don't have the pressure of making money.
That's so great Tugba - it's wonderful to have a place to create and build community isn't it and Substack does so much to help us grow... are you finding it quite easy to learn the platform? Let me know what would be helpful for me to share. ✨
Brilliant post Claire and thanks for including the survey ❤️
I think the question around money mindset and how that already sets you up to some extent as to what your “potential” is, is very important and something I’ve really come to understand through the years of selling my art…
Also think it was incredibly valuable that you included the reference to smart business decisions… Substack is not the place to get Rich in your art. Then you better sell your creations off platform and just use it to grow your audience. But if you do see it as a side project that nurtures you and you keep a healthy balance to it; the sky is the limit (and frankly you can still sell programs off platform to increase roi from the most which you’re weaving in very smoothly) xxx
Exactly Elin and thanks - there is so much scope to pulling back from how hooked in we are.. as business owners, the real numbers we need to dance with are those in our bank balance. Loved your survey and the fascinating results - such great timing for me to bring this class forward and to life. Thank you for everything. ✨
All of this stuff is so interesting to me. I’ve always been a creator and made money here and there but honestly never focused on making money, just did things because I liked doing them and it was a bonus to score some money. But I’m now in a place where I am wanting to make my words into something paid, (not just on Substack) but it seems like a great platform to start on. My question to myself lately has been, but what would you offer? Why would people pay?
I want to dive in and explore this further. Your survey was very helpful btw Elin!
Yes Tansie - two great questions - we'll explore more in the call next week. One thing I've learnt is there are a high percentage of your paid subscribers who expect very little - they are paying in support.
Thank you for this post, Claire. Tough love is good. I'm still a small fry here, and while of course I want to grow and be paid for writing, I don't expect Substack to replace my day job anytime soon. Hopefully someday, but as you said, running a Substack is more work than one would think haha. I'm focusing on using this space as a training ground for my writing and building my community here, and I'm grateful to those reading my words.
Thanks for this post Claire, it's super helpful. It's really useful to see a breakdown of the numbers and what it takes to reach certain thresholds. My aim is to be more strategic with my content and follow a similar pattern to what you suggested 2 paid posts and 1 free. I want to figure out how I can add value to my paid subs and I think that will come when I offer breathwork and mindfulness workshops as part of a bonus. Food for thought!
My understanding is that you can change the settings for each post or strategically place a paywall somewhere in your post so that what is above it is free and what is below it is for paid subs.
So if you select the settings to say that a post is for paid subscribers, Substack will show an amount of preview text (which you can also customise in general settings to be short/medium etc) and the post is shown as ‘paid’
A paywall might be more appropriate if you have a longer article with sections where there is a lot of free content you want to share and then pop additional resources or points pertaining to that content below the paywall (which you physically insert at a specific point in your article by selecting the button More - Paywall in the editor)
But I’ve not done either of these as yet so I’d like more clarity too.
I guess where I'm at with it IS firey where I did just roll my eyes for a good time...
So for a few months, I've noticed people on Notes complaining about Substack growth posts/ Substack educators and then a 'pile on' of opinions which feels very low vibe.
To me, growth or behind the scenes of our Substack posts are simply a celebration of being seen and a space to offer some reciprocity with our peers.
Given that Notes is all our writerly colleagues and no readers (as far as I can see) it's like trying to whisper about someone's style/ work in an open plan office - it just feels unnecessary and actually quite mean...
I know my work here at Sparkle helps people and supports them in service so why on earth would it be relevant to call out me and other Substack educators or people writing about Substack on Substack if that's what we want to do? Just move on by and don't read them?
I don't feel I'm part of a "pyramid scheme" - I think I'm a cog in a "new engine for culture" supporting people to stay creative here and make money if they want to. My strongest pull is self expression....I never set out to do this work, it called to me to pick it up and so I did and I'm so grateful to do it.
Being in service and feeling grateful for our work shouldn't have to come with a safety warning - it's the purest form of self expression and sharing our art. So yep I started feeling firey but I don't need to try and convince those outside of my space or start a Note in opposition because all my energy needs to be in the Sparkle circle - I know that in my heart! 💕
All this is fire 🔥 what blesses me is the experience of criticism which will ALWAYS come from those who claim to sit on higher artistic morals. Those who complain about substack writers about substack can as easily block those posts as you can block their criticism.
I think to express criticism is a way of story branding where an author wants to attach him/herself with aforementioned higher artistic standards.
I’ve been critisised loads in the past of being part of the artists that “sell themselves by pivoting to teaching” which I think is absolute bullshit. And even if it was true - I’d much rather do it to still love my life free in my creativity than to be submitted to a second bill paying job I hate just to maintain those unrealistic and plain stupid morals who nobody cares about at the end of the day. I guess the only people who care are those who put themselves in the niche elite where all the awards and status symbols matters. But frankly I don’t want to get involved in that. I’ve still been chosen to work for luxury brands despite doing my shit which I think goes to show that maybe it doesn’t matter a great lot either way.
Last point, I think we need to change our perspective about who’s a reader and who’s a writer. The best clients for artists are usually artists themselves. Writers are to my knowledge always readers too… so let’s not separate them into different categories and we’ll all be better off I think! 🙏🏼❤️
LOVE your thoughts on this. Yes writer colleagues also our readers and in my opinion that's what makes it harder for me. It would be easier if a reader who wasn't a writer said - I don't care about Substack as your tool or how it works - I think that's fair! In the cultural sector we often joke we are all each other's audience and when we get others outside of that we've 'made it'. You're right on the BS Elin for sure! Art is what you deem it to be. ✨
right! And it's not all about money is it - that's like a TINY part of it for most of us... I mean don't get me wrong I'd LOVE a 6 figure Substack but...
I enjoy reading Substack growth posts! Not from everyone and not all the time…but from folks like you and @Sarah Fay, writer, I can’t get enough.
Personally, I find the “game” of Substack growth fun and a playful challenge. I want to engage with writing that speaks to this and helps make it fun. I also appreciate being in community with others enjoying the game and supporting each other.
And as you said, @Claire Venus, people can just choose to not read and even mute if it’s not for them. Grateful for your writing and community building here!
Aww Dana this is SO kind and lovely of you to say. Yes it's all fun and enjoyable to me too - I wanted to point out the money mindset stuff because it's linked to growth and also very separate and often hard work!
Brilliant - and yes this is the space where people, subscribers, readers, want to hear from you!! That’s why we’re here!! Like you say, the rest can walk on by. I’ve never understood the ‘pile on’ culture, it’s sad and hurtful. Mindful and kind growth is in these safe spaces 💕💕💕 don’t stop doing what you’re doing for as long as it feels right for you as you have much support here ❤️
Thank you Emma yes I have SO much support, we all do here and I did a training last week 'managing trolls and online criticism online' which made me laugh so much I was ready to step into the fire...
Thank you for asking Trudi. I'm copying and pasting as a few of you have asked now - I guess where I'm at with it IS firey where I did just roll my eyes for a good time...
So for a few months, I've noticed people on Notes complaining about Substack growth posts/ Substack educators and then a 'pile on' of opinions which feels very low vibe.
To me, growth or behind the scenes of our Substack posts are simply a celebration of being seen and a space to offer some reciprocity with our peers.
Given that Notes is all our writerly colleagues and no readers (as far as I can see) it's like trying to whisper about someone's style/ work in an open plan office - it just feels unnecessary and actually quite mean...
I know my work here at Sparkle helps people and supports them in service so why on earth would it be relevant to call out me and other Substack educators or people writing about Substack on Substack if that's what we want to do? Just move on by and don't read them?
I don't feel I'm part of a "pyramid scheme" - I think I'm a cog in a "new engine for culture" supporting people to stay creative here and make money if they want to. My strongest pull is self expression....I never set out to do this work, it called to me to pick it up and so I did and I'm so grateful to do it.
Being in service and feeling grateful for our work shouldn't have to come with a safety warning - it's the purest form of self expression and sharing our art. So yep I started feeling firey but I don't need to try and convince those outside of my space or start a Note in opposition because all my energy needs to be in the Sparkle circle - I know that in my heart! 💕
Thank you for asking Sarah - copying and pasting now - I guess where I'm at with it IS firey where I did just roll my eyes for a good time...
So for a few months, I've noticed people on Notes complaining about Substack growth posts/ Substack educators and then a 'pile on' of opinions which feels very low vibe.
To me, growth or behind the scenes of our Substack posts are simply a celebration of being seen and a space to offer some reciprocity with our peers.
Given that Notes is all our writerly colleagues and no readers (as far as I can see) it's like trying to whisper about someone's style/ work in an open plan office - it just feels unnecessary and actually quite mean...
I know my work here at Sparkle helps people and supports them in service so why on earth would it be relevant to call out me and other Substack educators or people writing about Substack on Substack if that's what we want to do? Just move on by and don't read them?
I don't feel I'm part of a "pyramid scheme" - I think I'm a cog in a "new engine for culture" supporting people to stay creative here and make money if they want to. My strongest pull is self expression....I never set out to do this work, it called to me to pick it up and so I did and I'm so grateful to do it.
Being in service and feeling grateful for our work shouldn't have to come with a safety warning - it's the purest form of self expression and sharing our art. So yep I started feeling firey but I don't need to try and convince those outside of my space or start a Note in opposition because all my energy needs to be in the Sparkle circle - I know that in my heart! 💕
I hear you Claire. There’s no need for people to pile on any of us who are just doing the work and raising others with us. I mean, you could argue we’re all in some kind of pyramid, including in our family trees, it’s how we learn, we climb up a branch and then pull others up with us. We need someone on the branch above and for our business to work we need someone on the branch below ready to raise up.
And I think we could all use a nudge to keep our best energy where it’s appreciated! 🙌✨
I absolutely want to pour more into my Substack and do more with it! This school year really threw me for a loop with both of my children now in school and separate pick up and drop off times and all the comes with being a mother and trying to find pockets of time to focus. I have however, made it a point in the last few weeks or so to really fall back in love with writing and get back into the swing of things! Maybe it’s the promise of spring on the horizon? 🌼 I enjoy these posts Claire and am super grateful to continue to learn from you! 🥰
Yes, massive congratulations to Lindsey. And thanks for this post, Claire.
After a few false starts here on Substack last year (family issues etc.) I'm doing great this year with the writing, the commitment, I'm giving myself a year, this whole year, to see where I want to go with paid for subscriptions. At nearly 60 y/o I am massively experienced and ambitious, I do have targets, and I'm prepared to put in the work, I've always put in the work, but I need a year on here to see where it goes. Meantime, I don't put anything behind a paywall myself, because I get irritated by not being able to read all of something.
I do, however, pay-subscribe to a fair number of publications (yours included :) One thing I'm finding FYI (I'm sure many others incl. yourself have thought about this, too) is that I'll pay xx for a one year subscription, and often receive the generic Substack reply "thanks for subscribing" etc. I really wish some folk would make a little more effort with their personal emails after one has paid for a subscription (or even when they haven't!) After all, we're investing our hard-earned cash into their Substack and buying their books, we're invested in THEM.
For me, I'm not so interested in bonus posts, rewards or what have you. If I like the writing, I just want to pay when I can to help support a fellow writer.
Substack is changing all the time, that's to be expected, I know, and I'm sure we're all rightly cautious about where it's going and what could happen. There's lots of talk about overwhelm at the moment, in fact, I'm writing a post about how I "manage" what I'm reading and it would be good to have a chat with you at some point about that.
Thank you so much for writing about this, Claire. I try not to focus on how much time I devote to my substack compared to how much I get paid - my hourly wage is probably mere cents! But, of course, it’s about way more than dollar signs anyway. I’ve also been paying close, uncomfortable attention to how much of my identity feels wrapped up in my work here.
Similar to you, I keep monthly subs relatively high (and annual subs low). This is in part because I share vulnerable content and feel gross when people subscribe to read one article then duck out (not that this happens tons, but still). I want to "reward" people who commit for a year.
In WTAF news: I recently had someone (a free subscriber, no less) pop into my substack and shame me for charging anyone anything because I write about addiction recovery and "should" be giving that away as an act of service. I wrote a rather spicy essay in response that’s coming next week.
Dana! Yes wow that's exactly it - the identity, the experimentation around our words, the feeling of safety around our words behind a paywall. Goodness I'm so sorry this happened to you - that is RIDICULOUS and obviously someone who doesn't understand the platform - did you mute and block? I watched a training from my mentor called' 'How to deal with online trolls and criticism the other day' - it was time - it actually had me laughing out loud and I think that's my medicine for the online space - feels better than taking anything to heart because I am super sensitive! Sending love. ✨
Thank you, Claire! I’d be interested in (and probably need) that training!
When I’ve gotten unkind comments and email responses in the past, I’ve blocked the person. That’s only happened a few times, however, and the person was using language that felt unsafe to me on some level, even if that was just my subjective, reactive experience. (For example, one guy emailed and said: "You’re dead wrong.") With the person who took issue with me charging, I didn’t block but unsubscribed him...then he immediately resubscribed so I left it. I do plan to block if he pursues this further. I mean, if he has such an issue with me, why does he insist on reading and subscribing?!
Thank you for creating a space where I can share these sorts of things and feel supported! Hearts to you!
We’ve had so much strange behaviour the last few months too Dana - you’re not alone…. The insight that chimed the most for me and I uphold this is that this is MY online space. It’s like my living room or a garden party and I have to hold space for the participants and guests. If some barges in and hasn’t “read the tone” of the the room you have options. Either you lean in and question or you remove… for me at the moment I’m observing how it feels and learning and then making embodied decisions based on those observations…. I think when we understand that our online spaces belong to us the same way our home or car does it shifts the dial on what we welcome, ignore and remove. I’ll get the link for you for the training too. ✨✨
Yes! Totally agree, Claire! Our home is not a public space and not every one needs or gets access (whatever our reasons).
💪🏽✨⭕️❤️
Wow -- that person has issues and well done for writing the essay in reply. He probably feels it's okay for him to charge as he's a psychotherapist -- a whole other essay on gatekeeping and the cult of experts (expertise is great but there are so many more ways to get it than some people want to imagine).
The upside is -- he felt threatened by what you were offering -- enough to try to destablise you and I'm so glad that your response to that has been to advocate for what you give. Service and making a decent income are not opposites.
Thank you, Jan! And yeah, there are so many issues tangled up in his public assessment and shaming of me (which he also broadcast on Notes). Those issues extend far wider than the addiction recovery space.
My goodness - please will you let me know if any of this happens live again - I want to support you.
Wow, this is horrible, Dana! Who are they to tell you what to do? Also, we pay a price for any book we read, so why would you not charge for the valuable content you deliver if that is what you want? I'm really shocked by some people's behaviour.
Yeah, it got me quite heated. AND this guy is a psychotherapist. I have to imagine he’s worked with people struggling with addictions and charged for it. He also has published books in his field. His logic is that AA meetings and sponsors don’t charge. But I don’t even belong to AA (although I greatly respect the program). Even if I were in AA, my substack is NOT an AA meeting or sponsor! Sigh.
This is wild - you do you - do not take ANY of his nonsense on - this is why I wanted to open a discussion about money mindset - how we make spend and donate our time/ money is completely unique and special to us.
Wow, this is even wilder now! His profession is psychotherapy, so he charges people for his service. It's not like you are taking advantage of people. It's horrible to try and gaslight people. And since it's your Substack, you can do whatever you want. Who is he to tell you what to do?
Right!
good for you! “giving away” essays about addiction recovery is nonsense… if you don’t already know him you might enjoy Dee Rambeau’s Substack https://substack.com/@deerambeau love the way he writes
Thanks for sharing Debbie.
Thank you, Debbie! And yes - I know Dee!
The harsh truth, and I apply this to myself, is that not everything written is of top quality. I aspire to that—and whenever I publish I think I’ve written something worth sharing—but when I look at some of my writing in hindsight, its shortcomings are evident.
I try to focus on publishing pieces that are truly valuable. Then I hope that I’ll get subscribers. I recognize it’s a bit naive, but I’d rather put 95% of my energy into improving the quality of what I’m writing and 5% into trying to grow my subscribers than 50/50 or some other combination that might produce faster growth.
I like that you've thought about that Dan... it's a wonderful space to hone your craft and spend time with those edits if that fills you up - I've worked with the mantra of perfectly imperfect for a few years now which is liberating and helps me if I do send something out with a typo in - in the end we are all human and humans make 'mistakes' - our harshest critic is ourself I think. Sending sparkles to you.
Thanks for the sparkles😊. Yes, I like the teaching that “perfect is the enemy of good.” I don’t expect perfection BUT I also want to assess my writing honestly and accurately. It’s easy for me to mis-assess my writing. Only when I return to it after a long period am I able to recognize how much room for improvement there is. When I publish I often think it’s a million dollar post. Sometimes when I return, it’s more like a 50 cent post.
Nice post. Clarifies some things for me in terms of what to realistically expect. I actually participate here on Substack because I love to educate and inform. I've been fortunate as an author and find joy in passing on what I've learned. My primary source of income is still the books I write, but I'll be honest. It would be nice to be well compensated here, too, eventually Fortunately my other income offers some time to experiment with what does and does not work for me here.
And that's the key here Connie 'time to experiment' - I don't think I've ever sat still when it comes to experimenting with my content and my paid offer and the comms around that... it's really beautiful work - what are your books about? ✨
Again, thanks for clarifying/confirming some of my thinking on writing here and that experimenting is key. As for my books, I write nonfiction and fiction, mostly novels. My latest is domestic suspense and I have a second suspense novel coming out next year.
I hope your post goes viral, Claire! Love your calm, sane voice, with straightforward facts. Thank you! Role Modelling is your Mojo gift to others.
These are the 2 lines that had me nodding vigorously: ‘there are dashboards that lasso our eyeballs and pull on our innate need to be seen in the world’ AND ‘It’s really no good at all to get addicted to the way people interact with your online hologram if you’re looking to grow your business and/ or a best selling Substack, you have to be smart with your time.’
I can’t participate live so here’s my long comment (sorry!). For me, 80% of my time is dedicated to caregiving for Mum. We are beholden to medical appointments, comms, chasing things etc …oh, and her direct care. 80% is better than the 200% time for Dad’s palliative end-of-life care, though. I share that context because I carefully try to optimise the remaining 20%, i.e., align to values with the most meaning. My Substack mission is to support other carers or people who face similar challenges/life decisions about work and/or caregiving. I’m a resource & info sharing writer. This mission can only happen because I made my own financial strategy and built two small companies to sustain me now and for the future (outside of Substack)
We all need money in terms of ‘physiological and safety needs’ Maslow & Hierarchy of needs https://www.simplypsychology.org/maslow.html, but there are NO quick and easy ways to get it. Even ‘passive income’ isn’t so passive despite what some people may promo. Developing a financial strategy to sustain short-term and future personal needs and goals can deliver more straightforward, predictable income than pushing for Substack subscriptions. I had to figure out mine out when I resigned from corporate to be a caregiver for my parents, and it keeps evolving. (Imagine what havoc 18 relocations does!)
I have no paywalls because I want any caregiver to receive my support. My fee-paying mentoring clients outside Substack are 'Comp'd' to use the site. I have some paid subscribers who believe in my mission and work.
All those facts get forgotten when I get The best ‘payments’; feedback messages saying how something has helped/resonated/supported someone, because it shows me my efforts have been worth my time. This is a passion & purpose project https://www.carermentor.com/p/back-office-operations-intro-to-notion
I wholeheartedly agree with you: ‘No, I don’t believe all of us will grow a 6 figure Substack, and I don’t think we should all be aiming for that in a million years’- for all the reasons you state.
So, I'll continue learning & evolving a financial plan. In terms of success, I’m already winning compared to 3 previous websites, thanks to Substack outreach and community!
The outreach and community is just brilliant isn't it Victoria - it blows me away to be honest... yes I hear you on this and it sounds like you are bringing a very smart and balanced approach to your Substack. We have so many options here... I'm sorry to hear about your mum - that's really tough. Do you find some joy and escapism here? I definitely do when things are tough with my husband's health.
Thanks, Claire. Times were tougher caring for Dad. Now, Mum and I find our way to thrive and giggle together. I'm sorry to hear about your husband's health. Umm, interesting question. I don't look for escapism or joy, perhaps restoring faith in connectivity and support, but mostly to channel this fire in my belly and try to support other caregivers. I appreciate your grounded pragmatism & authenticity - especially in this article.
Appreciate these insights and thoughtful notes on making money. I feel my journey with this aspect of Substack has been really experimental. I've tried out paywalls, special paid offerings, sales, etc. I found the greatest movement forward when I stepped back and simplified my approach. It never felt right to me to paywall my work as its focused on education and self-development. I love referencing old posts and sending them off as resources. Sometimes I would add bonus content for paid subscribers like a recording at the end of a post. But then it'd block free subscribers from commenting, which didn't feel right.
So I decided that all of my written/audio posts would be free, and I would weave in my classes to the paid tier option. Replays are set behind a paywall, everything else is accessible. I've seen so much growth in the paid member community since then. And it feels joyful, fun and in alignment. Still much to learn, but I'm grateful for the growth and lessons so far.
Oh this is an interesting option and direction. I still haven’t figured out what my “proper” paid offer might look like. But perhaps something along these lines??
It's a great strategy Linn - one of the main things to balance out is 'time it takes' - we'll look at this in the call...
Super! I should be able to make it on Monday :)
It's actually on thurs this week - in the afternoon x
Oh bummer… Not sure I’ll be able to make the live then 🥴 I’ve so many replays to catch up on 🙈
Once I finish my studies in early May I’ll have to binge watch them all!
Ahh. Oh fun! Mostly they are Mondays.
Yea I’ve started reminding folks at the top of the call to be discerning because my stay creative approach means we cover lots of breadth and depth but they are not always relevant to everyone depending on where they are in their journey. ✨✨❣️ We have time, there is so much time!
It's working well for me so far!
May I ask how paid subscriptions work. Is it free subscribers upgrading or someone just joins paid? A bit confused about how to turn on paid and just leave it as that
I'd recommend reading the guides Substack offers on going paid and strategies, lots of helpful information there.. To answer your questions briefly, subscribers can upgrade from free or can become paid the first time they join.
https://substack.com/going-paid-guide
Hey Natalia - you can set up paid subs in your settings - people can pay monthly or annually to access your work. You can add a paywall in any post. Substack have some guidelines here - https://substack.com/going-paid-guide
What wonderful insight and strategy sharing Alyssa - thank you. Yes like with this post - I'm mentioning the members call next week but I wanted to open the discussion up to all 3200 subscribers here - I'm very excited that so many people wanted to chat on this topic - it's so important to me. This sounds such a savvy approach - where do you stand on growth - are you growing at the rate you want to?
Hi Claire! The question of how to encourage paid subs is increasingly important to me. Thank you for tackling this subject. My Substack is about moving from midlife into the foreign country of old age. (I am 72, a published author, a podcaster, decades of experience as a journalist and nonfiction editor, etc.) I’ve been on Substack for less than a year; I publish without fail on Fridays. With the help of my editor Erin Shetron I’ve “diversified” how I write about my topic; I now have four sections. Most recently I decided to host a discussion space for old(er) women writers on Substack, meaning 60s, 70s, 80s. (And am also welcoming women in their 40s & 50s). The response has been remarkable. Over 75 or 80 women have written lovely long comments to introduce themselves. Who knew there were so many of us?! It feels like a good moment to push for more paid subs (I have about 60). And yes, as you suggest, offering something in addition. Perhaps it could be a monthly Zoom to host a [b]old women writers gathering - ? Noting however, that my overall focus on “old age” is inclusive and not gender or pronoun specific. Would love to yours and other readers’ ideas!
Ooo what a brilliant publication Debbie - have you thought about guest posts? A curated get together/ circle is a great idea too! 60 is great and it won't take you too long to get 100 which is a Substack bestseller and the opportunity for even more social proof. What is that as a percentage of your overall subs?
Claire, I love the idea of guest posts — stay tuned!
Such a fun project!
Thanks Claire! I am considering to turning on paid subscription. I write and I play music and if one of those two things can benefit the other why not. So turning paid for some posts would make me earn a bit of money to put into my music. Is that realistic? Is that viable ? I don't know. I just don't want to turn paid for the sake of money and let money influence my creative decisions.
It is for sure. I think it’s actually super helpful to have a goal about “what” subs pay for. On CC they pay for my time to host the live workshops and invite those who can’t afford to pay into them. My friend set up a savings account for her kids and puts her Substack subs into there. ✨ 🥰
Salut Jakub - in case this Substack is of interest: https://songletter.substack.com/ Songletter has some great decouvertes.
Thanks for being in touch with each other...
Thank you, Claire! Your real talk was great. Not everything we do needs to revolve around making money. While it's great to have that as a goal, there should always be room for other goals. My goal has always been to build a good community on Substack first and then decide in the future what else to do. Of course, I'm privileged to have another job that pays my bills, so I don't have the pressure of making money.
That's so great Tugba - it's wonderful to have a place to create and build community isn't it and Substack does so much to help us grow... are you finding it quite easy to learn the platform? Let me know what would be helpful for me to share. ✨
Brilliant post Claire and thanks for including the survey ❤️
I think the question around money mindset and how that already sets you up to some extent as to what your “potential” is, is very important and something I’ve really come to understand through the years of selling my art…
Also think it was incredibly valuable that you included the reference to smart business decisions… Substack is not the place to get Rich in your art. Then you better sell your creations off platform and just use it to grow your audience. But if you do see it as a side project that nurtures you and you keep a healthy balance to it; the sky is the limit (and frankly you can still sell programs off platform to increase roi from the most which you’re weaving in very smoothly) xxx
Exactly Elin and thanks - there is so much scope to pulling back from how hooked in we are.. as business owners, the real numbers we need to dance with are those in our bank balance. Loved your survey and the fascinating results - such great timing for me to bring this class forward and to life. Thank you for everything. ✨
All of this stuff is so interesting to me. I’ve always been a creator and made money here and there but honestly never focused on making money, just did things because I liked doing them and it was a bonus to score some money. But I’m now in a place where I am wanting to make my words into something paid, (not just on Substack) but it seems like a great platform to start on. My question to myself lately has been, but what would you offer? Why would people pay?
I want to dive in and explore this further. Your survey was very helpful btw Elin!
Yes Tansie - two great questions - we'll explore more in the call next week. One thing I've learnt is there are a high percentage of your paid subscribers who expect very little - they are paying in support.
Thank you for this post, Claire. Tough love is good. I'm still a small fry here, and while of course I want to grow and be paid for writing, I don't expect Substack to replace my day job anytime soon. Hopefully someday, but as you said, running a Substack is more work than one would think haha. I'm focusing on using this space as a training ground for my writing and building my community here, and I'm grateful to those reading my words.
Aww Tiffany and that's all so possible - growth happens a step at a time... and by using Substack's tools too. Sounds brilliant. ✨
Yes! I'm learning so much from both you and Sarah. Thank you!
Thanks for this post Claire, it's super helpful. It's really useful to see a breakdown of the numbers and what it takes to reach certain thresholds. My aim is to be more strategic with my content and follow a similar pattern to what you suggested 2 paid posts and 1 free. I want to figure out how I can add value to my paid subs and I think that will come when I offer breathwork and mindfulness workshops as part of a bonus. Food for thought!
That sounds a great offer Steve - I'm not seeing too much of that here so it will be a welcome niche I'm sure.
Thanks Claire.
What is the difference please between oaywalled posts and posts for subscribers? A bit confused still thank you
Subscribers are your free audience, paid subscribers are the audience who pay for your work.
My understanding is that you can change the settings for each post or strategically place a paywall somewhere in your post so that what is above it is free and what is below it is for paid subs.
So if you select the settings to say that a post is for paid subscribers, Substack will show an amount of preview text (which you can also customise in general settings to be short/medium etc) and the post is shown as ‘paid’
A paywall might be more appropriate if you have a longer article with sections where there is a lot of free content you want to share and then pop additional resources or points pertaining to that content below the paywall (which you physically insert at a specific point in your article by selecting the button More - Paywall in the editor)
But I’ve not done either of these as yet so I’d like more clarity too.
Claire why are you feeling fiery!!?!! 🔥🔥
Ha thank you for asking Emma....
I guess where I'm at with it IS firey where I did just roll my eyes for a good time...
So for a few months, I've noticed people on Notes complaining about Substack growth posts/ Substack educators and then a 'pile on' of opinions which feels very low vibe.
To me, growth or behind the scenes of our Substack posts are simply a celebration of being seen and a space to offer some reciprocity with our peers.
Given that Notes is all our writerly colleagues and no readers (as far as I can see) it's like trying to whisper about someone's style/ work in an open plan office - it just feels unnecessary and actually quite mean...
I know my work here at Sparkle helps people and supports them in service so why on earth would it be relevant to call out me and other Substack educators or people writing about Substack on Substack if that's what we want to do? Just move on by and don't read them?
I don't feel I'm part of a "pyramid scheme" - I think I'm a cog in a "new engine for culture" supporting people to stay creative here and make money if they want to. My strongest pull is self expression....I never set out to do this work, it called to me to pick it up and so I did and I'm so grateful to do it.
Being in service and feeling grateful for our work shouldn't have to come with a safety warning - it's the purest form of self expression and sharing our art. So yep I started feeling firey but I don't need to try and convince those outside of my space or start a Note in opposition because all my energy needs to be in the Sparkle circle - I know that in my heart! 💕
All this is fire 🔥 what blesses me is the experience of criticism which will ALWAYS come from those who claim to sit on higher artistic morals. Those who complain about substack writers about substack can as easily block those posts as you can block their criticism.
I think to express criticism is a way of story branding where an author wants to attach him/herself with aforementioned higher artistic standards.
I’ve been critisised loads in the past of being part of the artists that “sell themselves by pivoting to teaching” which I think is absolute bullshit. And even if it was true - I’d much rather do it to still love my life free in my creativity than to be submitted to a second bill paying job I hate just to maintain those unrealistic and plain stupid morals who nobody cares about at the end of the day. I guess the only people who care are those who put themselves in the niche elite where all the awards and status symbols matters. But frankly I don’t want to get involved in that. I’ve still been chosen to work for luxury brands despite doing my shit which I think goes to show that maybe it doesn’t matter a great lot either way.
Last point, I think we need to change our perspective about who’s a reader and who’s a writer. The best clients for artists are usually artists themselves. Writers are to my knowledge always readers too… so let’s not separate them into different categories and we’ll all be better off I think! 🙏🏼❤️
LOVE your thoughts on this. Yes writer colleagues also our readers and in my opinion that's what makes it harder for me. It would be easier if a reader who wasn't a writer said - I don't care about Substack as your tool or how it works - I think that's fair! In the cultural sector we often joke we are all each other's audience and when we get others outside of that we've 'made it'. You're right on the BS Elin for sure! Art is what you deem it to be. ✨
Just be you 🥰❤️🙏🏼🌟🔥👊🎊💯
love this response!
Thank you Claire.
I guessed this is what it would be and I so agree with you.
(See also: we shouldn’t think about numbers, we should do it for love. Have heard this so often about creative work and love don’t pay my bills.)
Right! Like last time I checked we can just all do what we want!?
This! Fine if you don’t want/need to make money but don’t tell me I shouldn’t either.
right! And it's not all about money is it - that's like a TINY part of it for most of us... I mean don't get me wrong I'd LOVE a 6 figure Substack but...
1000 percent, @Keris Fox!
🔥
I enjoy reading Substack growth posts! Not from everyone and not all the time…but from folks like you and @Sarah Fay, writer, I can’t get enough.
Personally, I find the “game” of Substack growth fun and a playful challenge. I want to engage with writing that speaks to this and helps make it fun. I also appreciate being in community with others enjoying the game and supporting each other.
And as you said, @Claire Venus, people can just choose to not read and even mute if it’s not for them. Grateful for your writing and community building here!
Aww Dana this is SO kind and lovely of you to say. Yes it's all fun and enjoyable to me too - I wanted to point out the money mindset stuff because it's linked to growth and also very separate and often hard work!
Brilliant - and yes this is the space where people, subscribers, readers, want to hear from you!! That’s why we’re here!! Like you say, the rest can walk on by. I’ve never understood the ‘pile on’ culture, it’s sad and hurtful. Mindful and kind growth is in these safe spaces 💕💕💕 don’t stop doing what you’re doing for as long as it feels right for you as you have much support here ❤️
Thank you Emma yes I have SO much support, we all do here and I did a training last week 'managing trolls and online criticism online' which made me laugh so much I was ready to step into the fire...
Okay, why are you fired up? I’m curious.
Thank you for asking Trudi. I'm copying and pasting as a few of you have asked now - I guess where I'm at with it IS firey where I did just roll my eyes for a good time...
So for a few months, I've noticed people on Notes complaining about Substack growth posts/ Substack educators and then a 'pile on' of opinions which feels very low vibe.
To me, growth or behind the scenes of our Substack posts are simply a celebration of being seen and a space to offer some reciprocity with our peers.
Given that Notes is all our writerly colleagues and no readers (as far as I can see) it's like trying to whisper about someone's style/ work in an open plan office - it just feels unnecessary and actually quite mean...
I know my work here at Sparkle helps people and supports them in service so why on earth would it be relevant to call out me and other Substack educators or people writing about Substack on Substack if that's what we want to do? Just move on by and don't read them?
I don't feel I'm part of a "pyramid scheme" - I think I'm a cog in a "new engine for culture" supporting people to stay creative here and make money if they want to. My strongest pull is self expression....I never set out to do this work, it called to me to pick it up and so I did and I'm so grateful to do it.
Being in service and feeling grateful for our work shouldn't have to come with a safety warning - it's the purest form of self expression and sharing our art. So yep I started feeling firey but I don't need to try and convince those outside of my space or start a Note in opposition because all my energy needs to be in the Sparkle circle - I know that in my heart! 💕
Absolutely right. Stay on the light side and continue your pour your energy into what makes you sparkle ✨
✨ 😅 i will and I'll feel my fire over here lol
Come on then Claire, why are you feeling fiery?
Thank you for asking Sarah - copying and pasting now - I guess where I'm at with it IS firey where I did just roll my eyes for a good time...
So for a few months, I've noticed people on Notes complaining about Substack growth posts/ Substack educators and then a 'pile on' of opinions which feels very low vibe.
To me, growth or behind the scenes of our Substack posts are simply a celebration of being seen and a space to offer some reciprocity with our peers.
Given that Notes is all our writerly colleagues and no readers (as far as I can see) it's like trying to whisper about someone's style/ work in an open plan office - it just feels unnecessary and actually quite mean...
I know my work here at Sparkle helps people and supports them in service so why on earth would it be relevant to call out me and other Substack educators or people writing about Substack on Substack if that's what we want to do? Just move on by and don't read them?
I don't feel I'm part of a "pyramid scheme" - I think I'm a cog in a "new engine for culture" supporting people to stay creative here and make money if they want to. My strongest pull is self expression....I never set out to do this work, it called to me to pick it up and so I did and I'm so grateful to do it.
Being in service and feeling grateful for our work shouldn't have to come with a safety warning - it's the purest form of self expression and sharing our art. So yep I started feeling firey but I don't need to try and convince those outside of my space or start a Note in opposition because all my energy needs to be in the Sparkle circle - I know that in my heart! 💕
I hear you Claire. There’s no need for people to pile on any of us who are just doing the work and raising others with us. I mean, you could argue we’re all in some kind of pyramid, including in our family trees, it’s how we learn, we climb up a branch and then pull others up with us. We need someone on the branch above and for our business to work we need someone on the branch below ready to raise up.
And I think we could all use a nudge to keep our best energy where it’s appreciated! 🙌✨
This is so beautiful Sarah! Just having a look at your Substack!
Ooh that's exciting!!
Can I quote some of this in my 91 article, Claire? It feels relevant to a part I’ve written about generosity of spirit!
Of course lovely. xx
I absolutely want to pour more into my Substack and do more with it! This school year really threw me for a loop with both of my children now in school and separate pick up and drop off times and all the comes with being a mother and trying to find pockets of time to focus. I have however, made it a point in the last few weeks or so to really fall back in love with writing and get back into the swing of things! Maybe it’s the promise of spring on the horizon? 🌼 I enjoy these posts Claire and am super grateful to continue to learn from you! 🥰
Hey Mackenzie. So glad. And yes all we do is pick back up from where we left off and stay honest with our readers... 💕
Yes, massive congratulations to Lindsey. And thanks for this post, Claire.
After a few false starts here on Substack last year (family issues etc.) I'm doing great this year with the writing, the commitment, I'm giving myself a year, this whole year, to see where I want to go with paid for subscriptions. At nearly 60 y/o I am massively experienced and ambitious, I do have targets, and I'm prepared to put in the work, I've always put in the work, but I need a year on here to see where it goes. Meantime, I don't put anything behind a paywall myself, because I get irritated by not being able to read all of something.
I do, however, pay-subscribe to a fair number of publications (yours included :) One thing I'm finding FYI (I'm sure many others incl. yourself have thought about this, too) is that I'll pay xx for a one year subscription, and often receive the generic Substack reply "thanks for subscribing" etc. I really wish some folk would make a little more effort with their personal emails after one has paid for a subscription (or even when they haven't!) After all, we're investing our hard-earned cash into their Substack and buying their books, we're invested in THEM.
For me, I'm not so interested in bonus posts, rewards or what have you. If I like the writing, I just want to pay when I can to help support a fellow writer.
Substack is changing all the time, that's to be expected, I know, and I'm sure we're all rightly cautious about where it's going and what could happen. There's lots of talk about overwhelm at the moment, in fact, I'm writing a post about how I "manage" what I'm reading and it would be good to have a chat with you at some point about that.
Is that the welcome email? So the welcome to paid subs bee?
Both, sometimes Claire. But yes, the paid subs emails *sometimes* have no thought behind them, they’re just the generic email.
ooof - that's not good - I wonder why - maybe people just don't realise? I'll do some work on it - thanks for flagging... xx
Not yours! Just generally. X