Something I've seen several writers do on Substack is to turn on subscriptions but make nothing behind the paywall. So if people *want* to support the work, great. But for people who can't (e.g., me; an unemployed single mom) no value/beauty/ministry is lost. And I really appreciate it, and hope someday to be back able to support the people who bless me. ❤️
I appreciate the slowing and spiritual "heavy lifting" behind this decision. Thank you for sharing these thoughts and continuing to live from your values and God's love for you, rather than being tied to content production or fear. It encourages me today, and I' am grateful for your life, your journey, your writing, and your voice.
Love your final comments. So much peace and comfort in that attitude. I'm in a caregiving stage of life and have been for four years. If my mom (91) remains healthy, it could easily be another four. So I'm not writing much. My writing was never about generating income, but nonetheless, it's on hold for the most part. It's a joy and privilege to ensure that Mom has a vibrant and engaged life even in her old age. It's liberating to trust that my writing life is safely held in God's hands. I'm freed to love.
I've recently become a Stacker. I began with paywalls as a standard. Last week, I began challenging this idea mainly because I began feeling, for me, that it was a forced subscription. I'm not against paywalls, yet for me, it doesn't sit right in my spirit. Reading your post has been a help in that decision to remove the wall. Thanks, and may you see a great increase beyond what you can imagine.
I appreciate these thoughts! I have wrestled with the desire to make money, because everyone could use more of it right now, but also the knowledge that the paid subscription model adds a layer of heaviness to the work that makes it burdensome in a way that is not good for me or my family (right now). I had started another more health related Substack that was supposed to be more subscription based, but I simply don’t have the time to make it with that model. In the (painstaking. I am not tech-y) process of combining the two, and planning to go back to a patronage model. I just keep thinking about my own family’s finances and how difficult things are for most families right now.
If my goal is to provide encouragement and camaraderie (it is), then the paid model is at odds with that. It’s not really about whether my work is “worth” something, but whether I feel the freedom to offer it and if it can stay unencumbered by the weight of delivering a product.
Jen, thank you again for your honesty, I am joyfully a paid subscriber gleaning so much from your words. I also support you in prayer, seeing far reaching Kingdom impact. However, In this post, you validated thoughts I have wrestled with for many years. Until recently I would refer to my 40+ years of ministry (along side other work) as non-vocational. Something John Mark Comer said, helped reframe my understanding of calling/ministry as bi-vocational, but the ministry part has never been attached to a paycheck. Finally really ok with that, as God has provided other ways. I actually want to pursue setting up an ROL workshop for a group of younger women that I’m mentor. Perhaps early in 2025, I’ll reach out by email soon. Keep on writing!
You've been such an encouragement to me, thank you! And I would love to set up this workshop if it can work! Such a joy to work with groups who are in relationship with each other.
I reread the piece you wrote about the complicated relationship with your aunt. Thank you for sharing from your heart. I am praying for you during this time.
I’m sorry for the loss of your aunt. I will go back and read your previous posts about her, but I wanted to send you my condolences. I’m of the same mindset on all you have said in this piece. I have never paywalled anything, and never will. I did set up paid subscriptions, and I am very grateful for those who support me. Do I wish I could support myself with my writing? Of course I do, but I don’t want the pressure of feeling I must produce content either. I’m sure you will grow as a writer and in your purpose for writing by doing exactly what you are doing. I have just subscribed.
I have seen in myself some of the things you mentioned. Although I have been writing online for a long time, I don’t have a large enough audience to paywall my writing. I might paywall something to keep it private. But when I allowed the payment option, I began wrestling with writing with integrity (being a product, being a content maker, being service oriented, etc and more). Mind you I only have had two people pay for my words, I still keep the payment option open as a supportive way to encourage me as a writer. That feels more like I am still able to be me without selling my soul. Thanks for naming that tension. It was helpful and kind in that way. Blessings!
Your writing has been a blessing to me Jen, look forward to continue supporting you in that endeavor. I resonated with your highlighting the importance of collaborative spaces (and thank you for highlighting some new to me publications, will look to check them out!). Will continue to pray for you as you navigate familial dynamics.
Great thought on the work of writing needing "simmering" and totally agree the lack of communal spaces for writing is probably a net negative even though it provides writers more flexibility.
Love your words and the thoughts behind this journey. Sighhh so much to ponder. Recently I have even burned out on writing itself and am taking time off to be still with God and my thoughts. I want time to listen to Him and rest in Him. Appreciate you sharing the journey you are on.
Thank you. I have some, but they are all online, and it is challenging not to have some tangible encouragement. Still, perhaps this season, God is calling me to slow down and listen.
Something I've seen several writers do on Substack is to turn on subscriptions but make nothing behind the paywall. So if people *want* to support the work, great. But for people who can't (e.g., me; an unemployed single mom) no value/beauty/ministry is lost. And I really appreciate it, and hope someday to be back able to support the people who bless me. ❤️
That’s my plan, exactly for the reasons you describe! So glad you can benefit from the good work of many here on Substack!
I appreciate the slowing and spiritual "heavy lifting" behind this decision. Thank you for sharing these thoughts and continuing to live from your values and God's love for you, rather than being tied to content production or fear. It encourages me today, and I' am grateful for your life, your journey, your writing, and your voice.
Suzanne - how wonderful to see your name here this morning. I'm thankful for your words of encouragement.
Love your final comments. So much peace and comfort in that attitude. I'm in a caregiving stage of life and have been for four years. If my mom (91) remains healthy, it could easily be another four. So I'm not writing much. My writing was never about generating income, but nonetheless, it's on hold for the most part. It's a joy and privilege to ensure that Mom has a vibrant and engaged life even in her old age. It's liberating to trust that my writing life is safely held in God's hands. I'm freed to love.
You're doing good, eternal work, Cathy!
I've recently become a Stacker. I began with paywalls as a standard. Last week, I began challenging this idea mainly because I began feeling, for me, that it was a forced subscription. I'm not against paywalls, yet for me, it doesn't sit right in my spirit. Reading your post has been a help in that decision to remove the wall. Thanks, and may you see a great increase beyond what you can imagine.
I'm glad this was helpful to you - and may God establish the work of your hands, Byron!
I appreciate these thoughts! I have wrestled with the desire to make money, because everyone could use more of it right now, but also the knowledge that the paid subscription model adds a layer of heaviness to the work that makes it burdensome in a way that is not good for me or my family (right now). I had started another more health related Substack that was supposed to be more subscription based, but I simply don’t have the time to make it with that model. In the (painstaking. I am not tech-y) process of combining the two, and planning to go back to a patronage model. I just keep thinking about my own family’s finances and how difficult things are for most families right now.
If my goal is to provide encouragement and camaraderie (it is), then the paid model is at odds with that. It’s not really about whether my work is “worth” something, but whether I feel the freedom to offer it and if it can stay unencumbered by the weight of delivering a product.
I don't think we can ignore the financial realities, for sure. And getting clear on our "whys" will help us make good decisions!
Jen, thank you again for your honesty, I am joyfully a paid subscriber gleaning so much from your words. I also support you in prayer, seeing far reaching Kingdom impact. However, In this post, you validated thoughts I have wrestled with for many years. Until recently I would refer to my 40+ years of ministry (along side other work) as non-vocational. Something John Mark Comer said, helped reframe my understanding of calling/ministry as bi-vocational, but the ministry part has never been attached to a paycheck. Finally really ok with that, as God has provided other ways. I actually want to pursue setting up an ROL workshop for a group of younger women that I’m mentor. Perhaps early in 2025, I’ll reach out by email soon. Keep on writing!
You've been such an encouragement to me, thank you! And I would love to set up this workshop if it can work! Such a joy to work with groups who are in relationship with each other.
I reread the piece you wrote about the complicated relationship with your aunt. Thank you for sharing from your heart. I am praying for you during this time.
Annette, I always appreciate when readers say they are praying for me. Thank you!
I’m sorry for the loss of your aunt. I will go back and read your previous posts about her, but I wanted to send you my condolences. I’m of the same mindset on all you have said in this piece. I have never paywalled anything, and never will. I did set up paid subscriptions, and I am very grateful for those who support me. Do I wish I could support myself with my writing? Of course I do, but I don’t want the pressure of feeling I must produce content either. I’m sure you will grow as a writer and in your purpose for writing by doing exactly what you are doing. I have just subscribed.
Thanks for your condolences, Sally, and for your words of encouragement!
I just found you. I'm looking forward to more. Thank you for your honesty.
You're welcome!
I have seen in myself some of the things you mentioned. Although I have been writing online for a long time, I don’t have a large enough audience to paywall my writing. I might paywall something to keep it private. But when I allowed the payment option, I began wrestling with writing with integrity (being a product, being a content maker, being service oriented, etc and more). Mind you I only have had two people pay for my words, I still keep the payment option open as a supportive way to encourage me as a writer. That feels more like I am still able to be me without selling my soul. Thanks for naming that tension. It was helpful and kind in that way. Blessings!
I'm glad you found it helpful, Jamie! Thanks for reading!
I appreciate this and the thoughtfulness behind it.
Thank you!
Your writing has been a blessing to me Jen, look forward to continue supporting you in that endeavor. I resonated with your highlighting the importance of collaborative spaces (and thank you for highlighting some new to me publications, will look to check them out!). Will continue to pray for you as you navigate familial dynamics.
Thank you, Steve! And I hope you’ll find some new goodness to read in this list!
This is beautiful, thank you.
You are welcome!
Your closing paragraphs spoke deeply to my soul. Thank you.
I am grateful!
Great thought on the work of writing needing "simmering" and totally agree the lack of communal spaces for writing is probably a net negative even though it provides writers more flexibility.
I may simmer longer than most writers, ha! And flexibility for writers - I hadn't thought of that, but yes.
Love your words and the thoughts behind this journey. Sighhh so much to ponder. Recently I have even burned out on writing itself and am taking time off to be still with God and my thoughts. I want time to listen to Him and rest in Him. Appreciate you sharing the journey you are on.
Hope you have voices of encouragement in your writing life!
Thank you. I have some, but they are all online, and it is challenging not to have some tangible encouragement. Still, perhaps this season, God is calling me to slow down and listen.
I can see and sympathize with that challenge!