"As a matter of principle we believe that publishers and their subscribers should get to determine the terms of their relationships. That’s why publishers on Substack set their own prices, and why they can leave and take their mailing list, content, and payment relationships with them any time they want. And that’s why publishers can opt out from not only the leaderboards but also the community features (likes and comments) generally."
"When you buy a subscription to a publication, you are making a considered choice. Rather than refreshing a feed in search of a dopamine hit, you are deciding that you want to bring the publisher’s voice into your mind. This dynamic is the antidote to the attention economy because it puts your best self back in charge."
I appreciate this post. I have only recently learned about substack and love writers like you in this space. I look forward to being able to pay a few of y'all soon. But until then, I will always enjoy the scraps and crumbs that fall off your table. You are amazing and inspiring. And yes.... I know what it is like to be appreciated, but to have kind words as the tip given over the needed jingle-jangle. I will be working on getting 42 bucks together.... one day you might read my posts on here (when I start posting them), and you will then understand how much appreciation for your work I have. Thank you.
I'm not one of your readers, but I did just sign up for my first paid substack account with a historian I've been getting free newsletters from, and was looking for some idea of how that will help her. I know it might seem obvious, but I don't automatically trust the obvious. Your post is informative. I wish you and your readers well!!
Just a few thoughts for you: it’s not that writing doesn’t deserve compensation, it’s that by putting up a paywall you are limiting access to literacy online. We have libraries for people who want to be literate and partake of literacy, but cannot afford books. But with the subscription trend for online reading, there are no longer any options for underprivileged readers to partake in online literacy anymore. It’s a barrier to people and it’s not good for humanity or democracy.
Hey Lore, appreciate your perspective on this and while I’ve only just been introduced to you I’m curious to read some more of your free articles to see if I want to subscribe. However US$30 is not what I’m being asked - your website is showing AUD$105 - exchange rate should be AUD$45 ?
I have had a little experience over the years as a free lance writer. I was always thrilled with it. For me, it was very tiny local newspapers I wrote for. I had a deadline (helped with being consistent) I had a lot of leeway in what I would submit. I had an excellent editorial person who always seemed to make my writing shine. I am a (currently-since covid rules) a retired Canadian RN. The money I have received from freelance has always been small-still I am incredibly grateful for it. If I could I would financially support every single writer on Substack (I of course can not) I think Substack is a little like my psychiatric nursing experiences -one has to be willing to see success even if it seems minuscule. Thank you for receiving my comment!
Thank you for this. As someone who’s looking for ways to write meaningful words and put them out into the world, your thoughts on this matter are entirely helpful. I’m saving this article to reference when I begin to try and talk myself out of charging anything for my work/words.
I love that you are getting paid at least a little bit for the work you do, and for less than a Starbucks a month, I'm more than happy to do it :) I spend my money on far less worthy things. Thanks for the work you do!
I appreciate this post, Lore, and your writing. As a long (long) time reader and now paying subscriber, it’s a joy to get to support your work and know that that little offering is a kindness to you at the soul level. How often can we (people anywhere) give each other a gift like that? Anyway, happy to see this and happy to support you as long as I am able.
I agree with everything here about the worth of a paid substack, both for the writer and the reader. The principle of it all is valuable in itself.
Additionally, if I think to myself, “If Lore writes two books in the next year, I’ll more than likely buy them both,” then what is stopping me from paying the price of 1 or 2 books ($30 substack subscription) for an entire year of regular long form writing? And the fact that the subscription dollars go more directly to you than published book dollars? Just one way to view it!
Your substack was actually recommended to me from another account. After reading and realizing I had to pay, I was like nah i’m not going to pay for that. I thought I had so many other options😆. But after months of getting the free content I realized I wanted to read what you were writing about. Your writing is so engaging and honest. Thanks for sharing with us!
As a person of low income I was thrilled that I could say thank you by subscribing to your content for a year! $30 was doable for me at the time I joined.
I am also more motivated to read your posts when they come because I have “paid” for that content.
Personally I have appreciated your work. It speaks the truth I need to hear at the moment. And I want to say it by paying. I’m so glad to hear you have made the switch and it is giving you space to breathe and create more good work
I just read this post from Substack from a few years ago on the algorithm, etc. Love the points they're making here. https://on.substack.com/p/why-we-have-a-leaderboard
Pertinent paragraphs:
"As a matter of principle we believe that publishers and their subscribers should get to determine the terms of their relationships. That’s why publishers on Substack set their own prices, and why they can leave and take their mailing list, content, and payment relationships with them any time they want. And that’s why publishers can opt out from not only the leaderboards but also the community features (likes and comments) generally."
"When you buy a subscription to a publication, you are making a considered choice. Rather than refreshing a feed in search of a dopamine hit, you are deciding that you want to bring the publisher’s voice into your mind. This dynamic is the antidote to the attention economy because it puts your best self back in charge."
I read this and this is the quote that I pulled as well. Thank you for sharing!
I appreciate this post. I have only recently learned about substack and love writers like you in this space. I look forward to being able to pay a few of y'all soon. But until then, I will always enjoy the scraps and crumbs that fall off your table. You are amazing and inspiring. And yes.... I know what it is like to be appreciated, but to have kind words as the tip given over the needed jingle-jangle. I will be working on getting 42 bucks together.... one day you might read my posts on here (when I start posting them), and you will then understand how much appreciation for your work I have. Thank you.
Thank you Lore!
I'm not one of your readers, but I did just sign up for my first paid substack account with a historian I've been getting free newsletters from, and was looking for some idea of how that will help her. I know it might seem obvious, but I don't automatically trust the obvious. Your post is informative. I wish you and your readers well!!
No idea why this was just recommended to me. $30/yr is pretty cheap for here.
Just a few thoughts for you: it’s not that writing doesn’t deserve compensation, it’s that by putting up a paywall you are limiting access to literacy online. We have libraries for people who want to be literate and partake of literacy, but cannot afford books. But with the subscription trend for online reading, there are no longer any options for underprivileged readers to partake in online literacy anymore. It’s a barrier to people and it’s not good for humanity or democracy.
Hey Lore, appreciate your perspective on this and while I’ve only just been introduced to you I’m curious to read some more of your free articles to see if I want to subscribe. However US$30 is not what I’m being asked - your website is showing AUD$105 - exchange rate should be AUD$45 ?
Hi Mike, I raised my prices in the new year, this piece was published in 2023 =) Thank you for being here and i hope you've stuck around!
I have had a little experience over the years as a free lance writer. I was always thrilled with it. For me, it was very tiny local newspapers I wrote for. I had a deadline (helped with being consistent) I had a lot of leeway in what I would submit. I had an excellent editorial person who always seemed to make my writing shine. I am a (currently-since covid rules) a retired Canadian RN. The money I have received from freelance has always been small-still I am incredibly grateful for it. If I could I would financially support every single writer on Substack (I of course can not) I think Substack is a little like my psychiatric nursing experiences -one has to be willing to see success even if it seems minuscule. Thank you for receiving my comment!
Thank you for this. As someone who’s looking for ways to write meaningful words and put them out into the world, your thoughts on this matter are entirely helpful. I’m saving this article to reference when I begin to try and talk myself out of charging anything for my work/words.
I love that you are getting paid at least a little bit for the work you do, and for less than a Starbucks a month, I'm more than happy to do it :) I spend my money on far less worthy things. Thanks for the work you do!
Thank you! 1I did notice that when I looked at your last post is show7s me as subscribed.
I am glad for your thoughtful work here - and it's making me rethink my own position. Thank you, friend!
Can I still get half off? Just read the post. Thanks.
That one is expired, but there's a 30% coupon coming for free subscribers tomorrow!
I appreciate this post, Lore, and your writing. As a long (long) time reader and now paying subscriber, it’s a joy to get to support your work and know that that little offering is a kindness to you at the soul level. How often can we (people anywhere) give each other a gift like that? Anyway, happy to see this and happy to support you as long as I am able.
I agree with everything here about the worth of a paid substack, both for the writer and the reader. The principle of it all is valuable in itself.
Additionally, if I think to myself, “If Lore writes two books in the next year, I’ll more than likely buy them both,” then what is stopping me from paying the price of 1 or 2 books ($30 substack subscription) for an entire year of regular long form writing? And the fact that the subscription dollars go more directly to you than published book dollars? Just one way to view it!
Thank you!
Your substack was actually recommended to me from another account. After reading and realizing I had to pay, I was like nah i’m not going to pay for that. I thought I had so many other options😆. But after months of getting the free content I realized I wanted to read what you were writing about. Your writing is so engaging and honest. Thanks for sharing with us!
Thank you for being here!
As a person of low income I was thrilled that I could say thank you by subscribing to your content for a year! $30 was doable for me at the time I joined.
I am also more motivated to read your posts when they come because I have “paid” for that content.
Personally I have appreciated your work. It speaks the truth I need to hear at the moment. And I want to say it by paying. I’m so glad to hear you have made the switch and it is giving you space to breathe and create more good work