Writers and creatives are among the hardest hit by the economic downturn. Yet readers are eager to directly support the creators they care about. Here are a few small ways we can help.
First. Incredibly generous. You have my business❤️ I also wanted to reach out to a writer this morning and ask if I could pay for his particular content like a book with a one-time payment and I also think people might be more generous and apt to pay that way, say for a particular/seasonal topic instead of the commitment for long term and avoiding the awkwardness of a break up if the material is no longer personally relevant or even (gasp!) interesting. Thoughts?
Seconding the request for a one-time payment. I've had people subscribe to my paid tier just to read a single interview, unsubscribe immediately after reading, and then send me a note saying something to the effect of: "Thanks for that great interview; I don't read often enough to spring for a subscription but just wanted to chip in $5 to express my appreciation!" And as a reader, I'd sometimes like to make a one-time payment to writers also. I hope you'll consider this option, Substack! And thank you so much for your unprecedented and ongoing support of writers in a world where we so often end up with the short end of the financial stick.
It may be unrealistic to expect even the most financially secure reader to commit to an annual newsletter subscription (in any amount) during a time of unprecedented financial/social shock. It is human nature to conserve in times of heightened uncertainty; yet, many readers now find themselves with more time to explore engaging content. "Tip jar" payment options, which allow a reader to say "that was great!" without making future commitments, are designed for these times. Please implement this option; and also allow this feature to be applied to archived posts.
This is a great initiative! I write on a number of platforms and Substack is the first to actually try to support its writers directly and take concrete steps to help fight COVID-19 (most platforms are just censoring content; few are actually facilitating donations to help). I will definitely be sharing this to Blogging Guide newsletter subscribers! https://bloggingguide.substack.com
It's exciting that there will be new payment features and options. I'm hoping something akin to a tip function will be included for those who may want to give a one-time payment to a publication. Thanks for the update.
This is a great letter. I'm new to the platform and was about to write into support today to ask about a 'pay what you want' subscription tier. You've answered that for me beautifully. Love the community you're building here!
Are these announced yet? I like the initiative but do not see who has won the grants (or is that a secret unless they reveal themselves publicly)? I have found much value in Substack and am always looking for newest top newsletters!
Wow, that is so wonderful.... and to Chris, Hamish and Substack crew I want to thank you so so much for Substack - it is a great encouraging platform for these times, and I wish you well as everyone navigates the impact of the virus and the shutdown over the next many months, and beyond. I am so grateful that I started my newsletter before all this happened - the weekly deadline keeps me going in uncertain times. I sincerely hope that you will all weather the changes, keep the doors open for us all, and thrive!
I am an independent journalist and I run a small Facebook community of geeks. I am releasing my first newsletter from Substack tomorrow. Do I count as an individual? Because my account is under my community name.
Nonetheless, thank you for doing this! I can't explain how amazing it feels to have a support system around.
We are new to Substack and are so grateful for their commitment and care for writers and creatives. My husband and I are both teachers and since we've been home, we started a free daily newsletter providing games, videos, and activities for families. We are so proud to be a part of the Substack family.
First. Incredibly generous. You have my business❤️ I also wanted to reach out to a writer this morning and ask if I could pay for his particular content like a book with a one-time payment and I also think people might be more generous and apt to pay that way, say for a particular/seasonal topic instead of the commitment for long term and avoiding the awkwardness of a break up if the material is no longer personally relevant or even (gasp!) interesting. Thoughts?
Seconding the request for a one-time payment. I've had people subscribe to my paid tier just to read a single interview, unsubscribe immediately after reading, and then send me a note saying something to the effect of: "Thanks for that great interview; I don't read often enough to spring for a subscription but just wanted to chip in $5 to express my appreciation!" And as a reader, I'd sometimes like to make a one-time payment to writers also. I hope you'll consider this option, Substack! And thank you so much for your unprecedented and ongoing support of writers in a world where we so often end up with the short end of the financial stick.
It may be unrealistic to expect even the most financially secure reader to commit to an annual newsletter subscription (in any amount) during a time of unprecedented financial/social shock. It is human nature to conserve in times of heightened uncertainty; yet, many readers now find themselves with more time to explore engaging content. "Tip jar" payment options, which allow a reader to say "that was great!" without making future commitments, are designed for these times. Please implement this option; and also allow this feature to be applied to archived posts.
This is a great initiative! I write on a number of platforms and Substack is the first to actually try to support its writers directly and take concrete steps to help fight COVID-19 (most platforms are just censoring content; few are actually facilitating donations to help). I will definitely be sharing this to Blogging Guide newsletter subscribers! https://bloggingguide.substack.com
It's exciting that there will be new payment features and options. I'm hoping something akin to a tip function will be included for those who may want to give a one-time payment to a publication. Thanks for the update.
That would be a fantastic addition.
A request from a writer: Add RTL language support. Thank you
This is a great letter. I'm new to the platform and was about to write into support today to ask about a 'pay what you want' subscription tier. You've answered that for me beautifully. Love the community you're building here!
This is the spirit that made me start my newsletter here and not somewhere else. Thanks for your support.
This is really lovely to hear right now. Thank you.
Hai..
I want my subdomain to be indexed to the google search console. How to? I index the link but it is blocked by robot.txt
Are these announced yet? I like the initiative but do not see who has won the grants (or is that a secret unless they reveal themselves publicly)? I have found much value in Substack and am always looking for newest top newsletters!
Wow, that is so wonderful.... and to Chris, Hamish and Substack crew I want to thank you so so much for Substack - it is a great encouraging platform for these times, and I wish you well as everyone navigates the impact of the virus and the shutdown over the next many months, and beyond. I am so grateful that I started my newsletter before all this happened - the weekly deadline keeps me going in uncertain times. I sincerely hope that you will all weather the changes, keep the doors open for us all, and thrive!
Awesome response. Just another reason for one I'm glad I shifted my whole business model over to Substack.
This is so great! Thanks guys! I really appreciate the ability to customize giving. I have some readers who will love this option.
Hi Chris,
I am an independent journalist and I run a small Facebook community of geeks. I am releasing my first newsletter from Substack tomorrow. Do I count as an individual? Because my account is under my community name.
Nonetheless, thank you for doing this! I can't explain how amazing it feels to have a support system around.
Loving your work! Thanks!
We are new to Substack and are so grateful for their commitment and care for writers and creatives. My husband and I are both teachers and since we've been home, we started a free daily newsletter providing games, videos, and activities for families. We are so proud to be a part of the Substack family.
I’m still not out of the chute, but this sure impresses and inspires me.