I’m noticing something on Substack. More and more writers who have turned on paid subscriptions are becoming increasingly concerned with justifying that decision, it would appear. They’re offering paid only articles, emailed to all 'subscribers as ‘Previews’, they’re opening comments only to paid subscribers, they’re fretting about not putting out enough material and they seem to be churning out material, not because they are inspired necessarily, but because they feel obligated to give people their dime’s worth (or penny’s worth).
I don’t want to get into that situation. All my stuff is free to view. Comments are open to all. I’ve got a few pledges which I’m extremely grateful for and view these as a token of appreciation, not as payment for a service. Hence I’m reluctant to open my account to paying subscribers, lest I fall into the trap of thinking that I have to produce material on a regular basis, simply in order to justify my ‘fees’. Not going there. This is not how creativity works. Money makes the world go round. You need it to put food on the table and pay the bills. It’s a fact of life. However, the commercialisation of talented writers, who are also often dissident voices, on Substack, does make me feel slightly uncomfortable.
Anyway, here’s a 10CC song, gratis (no thanks to Youtube; I had to search around for a version that would embed on Substack):
Bravo. 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
They were a great band.
And your honesty and pure motives are why I love your work!! Thank you for sharing. Love, Steshu.