Why Pay For A Subscription When You Can Get The Words For Free?
Or, What's the value of an idea or solution?
Energy is Everything
There’s been a lively discussion on Substack, the platform I use to publish this letter, regarding paid vs free subscriptions. The viewpoints range from newbies’ concerns about worth to professionals offering services for a fee.
From my perspective, that writing is an art form and deserves compensation is a given. It’s work, folks. Whether one writes to fulfill their soul’s purpose or to share ideas, whether it’s a hobby or a job, it’s still a craft that requires time and skill.
We live in a society where “value” of one’s work can be compensated on a skewed scale. Certainly teachers and child care workers are important, maybe the most important jobs, yet they are not compensated monetarily in proportion to the value of their work.
CEOs and other top executives in corporations often make vastly more than the employees who make their jobs possible, yet that seems to be accepted as the inequities of our flawed system.
Back to writing on Substack…
Some writers on Substack paywall their work, meaning they’ll put a portion or all their content behind a paywall for paid subscribers only. Sometimes they offer a hook—pull you in—only to view a surprise message: This content is for paid subscribers only.
Others don’t even bother with the hook. You see a title, click the link, and come face-to-face with a chunk of blurred content. No money, no see.
Putting this in context, many different types of writers use the platform to publish their work. Of those many, a good portion are consultants/coaches who not only offer the value of their expertise in written material, but also offer memberships and programs in a particular area that you may wish to develop.
For those, the paywall makes sense. These writers are are giving valuable how-to advice. They invite readers to become part of their paying community (basically, a membership group) with value-added perks. The paywall separates serious readers (i.e., clients) from those simply hoping to glean some tips.
Some well-known writers also employ the paywall. These are established journalists, essayists, fiction and nonfiction authors—all with a large following from their outside work.
Some on Substack paywall the comments. You can read the post, but not give feedback. I get that on many levels. Not all writers prioritize community. But I think the reason stems from a desire to keep trolls out. Writers such as Heather Cox Richardson require a paid subscription to respond.
Writers like me who have a message to share or simply write because we must—that’s who we are and what we do—don’t fall into any of those categories. Some of us have only our words/thoughts/insights/mind-opening channels of wisdom to share. And for us, the sharing takes top billing.
What’s it worth to you?
Outside of the small percentage of authors with commercial success, most writers don’t make enough to cover living expenses, let alone compensate for the hours put into their craft.
But truly that’s not the reader’s issue, nor should it be how you decide whether or not to support an author’s work. The value of what you read lies in what you receive from reading.
Perhaps you received a helpful tip in an area of interest to you.
For many readers, the value of the writing is measured in the heart.
Did your heart swell while reading?
Did it sing with the words?
Did you cry or laugh?
Were you moved to consider a new idea?
It’s hard to put a dollar value on those kind of benefits. But value there is.
This I tell you from my heart
My intention since the inception of this site (hosted originally on another platform) was to connect with others. I started Shelley Writes at the height of Covid lockdown and just after losing my husband to cancer in three months from diagnosis to death. I needed to make sense of a world turned upside down.
Writing has been my life blood since I learned to read and write. I can honestly say that having this vehicle to experiment and express my experiences has kept me sane. Knowing that I had an audience of receptive subscribers, however small in number, kept me focused on that task, and often kept me going when I wanted to quit and just disappear.
I am deeply grateful for all my subscribers. Until recently, I knew almost every one of you personally! Not all were close friends, of course, but many were known to me for years. And some of you were kind and generous and upgraded to paid subscriptions—and renewed! Thank you all!
My stats for email opens and paid-to-free ratios are on the high side, indicating that more than half of you regularly open and read Shelley Writes. I’ve seen other writers on this platform publish their back-end numbers and I’m shocked that they have many more total subscribers but fewer paid and opens than me.
That alone is my reward for the work I put in and incentive to continue since my audience enjoys and benefits from what I write. I can’t put a price on that feeling, but I have to assign some monetary value so those who are motivated to support my work can do so.
I’m committed to keep this publication free of paywalls regardless if the reader is a paid subscriber or not. I do offer paid subscription and a founder level for interested readers. Although all new and archived posts will remain free for all, there are perks for paid subscribers.
Here’s why you might want to pay for a subscription to Shelley Writes
Let’s begin with why you may have initially subscribed (taken directly from the About page):
You enjoy inspired, thought-provoking ideas and stories.
You are intrigued with Tarot and the power of intuitive guidance.
You see the glass as half full, or want to. (Energy is Everything!)
You want to connect to a community of like-minded individuals.
You are an evolving soul who shares or wants to support my mission of raising the vibration of the planet for the highest good of all.
In addition to subscribing, a number of you have already committed to show your support with a paid subscription. You have my eternal gratitude!
✍🏼 ⭐️ Additional Paid Subscriber Perks ⭐️ ✍🏼
🔥 Exclusive previews of book excepts and articles published outside of this site
🔥 Discounts on courses and webinars conducted off-site
🌈 ☀️Founding Member Perks ☀️ 🌈
💥 All of the above PLUS a private 60-minute intuitive session of your choice with me. (A $111.US value)
🌍 🍁 FOR SEPTEMBER 2024 ONLY! 🍁 🌍
This is a very limited-time offer that I probably will never repeat.
For September 2024 only, YOU CHOOSE the price for Founding Member Level (normally $200.US). You are free to insert any price you wish to pay, as long as it exceeds the paid subscriber rate of $60.US.
Paid subscribers pay only the difference. All those upgrading or purchasing Founder Level subscriptions for the first time receive the free 60-minute session with me.
Still have questions or need clarification?
There are several openings for a 15- Minute FREE DISCOVERY CALL available. Schedule your time here.
I hope I’ve answered all your questions about why you would pay for something you can get for free. And, as always, I hope my words support you on your journey.
Until next time… My best, Shelley
