After three months, of Twittering and Substacking anonymously, I’ve gained nearly 1200 Twitter followers and approaching 200 Substack subscribers.
I did not ask to become a pundit. No one asked me either. I do this because I’m extremely frustrated about my job, the industry, and the people I care for, and work with.
However, it’s been a good outlet. I’ve met a lot of people. I think I’ve even helped some of you find your voice in the extreme weirdness of the Coronapanic debacle which it seems like we’re slowly making our way out of.
So, here it is: I make a good living as a doctor (although it’s gotten hard lately on the job). Sharing my thoughts, hopefully educating some of you - I’ve really enjoyed that. But - I’m considering enabling the paid option for Substack. Yes, basically coffee money (consider me the anti RIsa Hoshino).
Is this a good idea? I have a lot of misgivings about that. I don’t want to lose readers. I really appreciate all of you reading. But - I feel like in order to justify saying more, I need to try and make this into a sustainable affair.
What do you all think? Bad idea, good idea? Honestly - I don’t think there’s a right answer.
I'd like to pay but money is super tight right now with a spouse out of a career at this time and our tanking retirement plans. I wish there was a way to bundle writers you enjoy on this forum. Appreciate your views and wisdom and respect whatever you decide. Thank you for advocating for the vulnerable and those often forgotten by our society.
i would be happy to pay! You have shown great courage to speak out. You have brought to light the harm these lock downs have done to the very people Fauci etc claimed to care about.. thank you
I really appreciate that. What I'd like to do is keep an overwhelming majority, if not all of my posts still free for the public - but, let people who are willing or able donate (that way Substack can get a cut too - and frankly they deserve it - they are really helping to facilitate a fantastic service to the world).
It would depend on cost - money isn't flowing freely here either. I would very much like to support you, though, because what you're doing is so valuable.
My 2¢... with the cost of everything being more expensive now, fewer people have disposable income to spend on luxuries, like subscriptions, etc. I would leave it free if you could, hoping to reach more readers. You have a wonderful manner of writing and important messages to share for a population often overlooked or forgotten. Why restrict those who would like to hear more of it?
First, thank you for advocating for those who cannot always do so for themselves, and lending a compassionate view into their lives.
As a consumer of information demonstrating our humanity, and sometimes lack thereof, I certainly enjoy your essays. Who doesn't like everything for free?
As a business person, I would suggest building up your subscriber base more. When you go paid, people will expect regular content, even when you don't feel the urge. :-) Just make sure that is what suits you.
In addition, you will find that you will post a provocative article because that is what you want to talk about, and some people will take offence and drop their subs. Basically, people are more likely to ask for your 'service' in the form of confirmation of what they believe when they pay than when they do not. That may or may not be worth the coffee money to you.
You have (imho) a good plan, give it some time, see how you feel. Who knows, maybe this is a good gig for later and this is the pre-season. Good luck, and your wife is (always) right.
I'd like to pay but money is super tight right now with a spouse out of a career at this time and our tanking retirement plans. I wish there was a way to bundle writers you enjoy on this forum. Appreciate your views and wisdom and respect whatever you decide. Thank you for advocating for the vulnerable and those often forgotten by our society.
I'll pay, it's worth it, whatever. I have no clue as to monetization of anything. I'm just a doctor.
I appreciate that Dr. Lane! One option I was considering was making any and all “advocacy” & opinion posts about COVID free.
Longer form & more educational pieces maybe would be for paid, I DK.
i would be happy to pay! You have shown great courage to speak out. You have brought to light the harm these lock downs have done to the very people Fauci etc claimed to care about.. thank you
I really appreciate that. What I'd like to do is keep an overwhelming majority, if not all of my posts still free for the public - but, let people who are willing or able donate (that way Substack can get a cut too - and frankly they deserve it - they are really helping to facilitate a fantastic service to the world).
It would depend on cost - money isn't flowing freely here either. I would very much like to support you, though, because what you're doing is so valuable.
I'm still subscribed to several people on substack who only allow comments from paid subscribers and lock most of their posts.
The little bit of free content is still good enough to stay on their lists.
100% paywall on all articles, I'm done though. I can barely afford my own subsistence, much less paid subscriptions
Ugh right?
Same as the dude here.
My 2¢... with the cost of everything being more expensive now, fewer people have disposable income to spend on luxuries, like subscriptions, etc. I would leave it free if you could, hoping to reach more readers. You have a wonderful manner of writing and important messages to share for a population often overlooked or forgotten. Why restrict those who would like to hear more of it?
My wife tells me we are not in need of money and I'm providing a public service, so why go paid?
I think she's probably pretty smart. I may let this go for a year as a free blog and re-evaluate later.
First, thank you for advocating for those who cannot always do so for themselves, and lending a compassionate view into their lives.
As a consumer of information demonstrating our humanity, and sometimes lack thereof, I certainly enjoy your essays. Who doesn't like everything for free?
As a business person, I would suggest building up your subscriber base more. When you go paid, people will expect regular content, even when you don't feel the urge. :-) Just make sure that is what suits you.
In addition, you will find that you will post a provocative article because that is what you want to talk about, and some people will take offence and drop their subs. Basically, people are more likely to ask for your 'service' in the form of confirmation of what they believe when they pay than when they do not. That may or may not be worth the coffee money to you.
You have (imho) a good plan, give it some time, see how you feel. Who knows, maybe this is a good gig for later and this is the pre-season. Good luck, and your wife is (always) right.
we will understand if you choose to limit to paid Substack, good luck and thank you for everything.