23 Comments

This piece so beautifully echoes my own sentiments. "Content Creator" is such an empty word. We're writers, comedians, musicians, educators, chefs, etc. with a platform to showcase our craft. I'd love it if talented people stopped calling themselves Youtubers, Reelers, Tiktokers and the like and instead introduce themselves by their professions. The only people that should hide behind that term are jerks harassing old couples for TikTok. Good read Thomas!

Expand full comment

Happy Birthday. One more turn around the sun! Glad you were born to write. :-)

Expand full comment

I love the simplicity and sincerity of this approach to monetization. Your commitment to creating an oasis of art without the usual pop-ups and sales tactics is refreshing. It's a great reminder that readers can support writers without the constant pressure, and it's up to them to choose if and how they want to contribute. Kudos for setting a better example in the online content world! 💰📝👏

Expand full comment
author

Thanks for this Jonah, I’m glad that this came across as I hoped it would. The hard sell just seems like a lose lose to me. Because even if it ‘works’ you are then beholden to the treadmill of growth and delivering what the audience expects to a strict deadline. Can only lead to burnout as far as I can see.

With this approach I can take as long as I need to write something (because all payment is more of a gift rather than a quid pro quo) which in turn will make the work better which will then improve the readers enjoyment. A win win. And life, I believe, is all about trying to find the win win.

Expand full comment

Right on Tom, I think this is an admirable approach.

Expand full comment
author

Thanks very much Tom, we’ll see how it pans out. You never know…

Expand full comment
founding

Happy birthday Tom, my founder's subscription here is the happiest money that leaves my account every year.

Expand full comment
author

From a Scotsman this is about as strong an endorsement as you can get! But seriously, thanks , it’s been great to have you on board since the very beginning.

Expand full comment
Jan 25Liked by Thomas J Bevan

Happy Birthday and Χρόνια πολλά!

Expand full comment
author

Спасибо!

Expand full comment
Jan 24Liked by Thomas J Bevan

I like the cut of your jib Thomas

Expand full comment
author

Thank you kindly. I think I finally hit my intrusive ad threshold and thought ‘this cannot stand! Someone has to try and buck this trend’

I tend to get like that.haha.

Expand full comment

I agree with pretty much everything you said in this piece. Shilling is not 'cool'. I mean, I get why people do it, but I would never

Expand full comment
author

Yeah, whatever happened to playing it cool?

Expand full comment
Jan 24Liked by Thomas J Bevan

You’ve piqued my curiosity. I’d like to see a bit before before I depart with my hard earned pesos. Keep writing!! 😂

Seriously, this looks like something good.

Expand full comment
author

Piquing curiosity rather than trying to finesse people for money is the way to go I’d say. My next piece will be out a week on Monday, touch wood. No pesos required ofc, but I won’t say no if they happen to come my way…

Expand full comment

Happy birthday Tom! You’re one of the first ever people I followed on Substack and I respect your mission a lot. I hope the approach works, I’m rooting for you 🤲🏻

Expand full comment
author

Thanks a lot, that means a lot! Fingers crossed, hey?

Expand full comment

Nice approach. And happy bathday!

Expand full comment
author

We’ll see how it pans out. Cheers Terry!

Expand full comment

😁

Expand full comment
deletedFeb 1
Comment deleted
Expand full comment
author

Thanks on both counts, Jamie!

Expand full comment
deletedJan 26
Comment deleted
Expand full comment
author

As someone who has known both unemployment and sickness I get it, I really do. I hope you feel better soon.

With this voluntary approach there will be several ‘whales’ who have the resources and generosity to pay more than there share which will then allow others to read for free. But having said that I will keep writing regardless even if there is no money coming in whatsoever.

I think this is the way it has to be for both my own sanity and the quality of the readers experience.

Thanks for the lovely comment.

Expand full comment