11 Comments

I’m looking to grow my Substack in similar ways. I’m especially interested in opening material to everyone and giving my readers a vision for what the space might become for all of us. Thanks for this transition in your work! This post in particular I am bookmarking as an example.

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Thanks! I’m hoping to research more how I can treat this like nonprofits do without becoming a nonprofit

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I appreciate you for sharing this! I have also been going back and forth between paywalling for the same reasons. The community aspect of Substack has always been the most appealing to me; however, I still wish to be paid for my work as well. I have been experimenting with asking for support rather than highlighting benefits that "customers" would receive from subscribing. Asking for support definitely feels more aligned for where my heart is at.

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I’ve experimented for the past 2.5 years and for this project it didn’t make sense anymore. But your project’s objectives might be different than mine. Hopefully this project helps me launch a book one day.

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Thanks for writing about this, Chanel. I've seen a few writers move in the direction of asking others to pledge support rather than subscribe. I like how you've framed your vision.

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I appreciate the feedback!

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Xx

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Feeling very similar over here, Chanel .

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Sending you lots of care from my keyboard, friend!

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You’re reading my mind Chanel. One of the biggest reasons I’ve not completed PWT’s About page is because I’ve been mulling over my discomfort in all this paywall philosophy and if I’m brutally honest the admin behind it too. So many decisions.

I’m still pondering how to articulate things but am much clearer in the past few days. Did you see Anne Kadet’s note about this too?

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It’s quite possible her note is what felt final to me, but I can’t recall the name behind the words! I think paying is great but for this project the “why” doesn’t align with the price.

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