First, a few comments. I recently joined Substack and have committed many of my writing endeavors to its platform. I’ve found it to be hip and really like its flexibility and exhaustive integration. So welcome to me!
Almost immediately upon joining, I subscribed to several Substacks which I found potentially enjoyable for me. A few of you were kind enough to return the favor. Thank you.
Here’s we’re my disappointment lies. I’ll visit my subscribed Substacks, read an entry or two, be intrigued enough to send a note or encouragement or supplementary comment only to find the comment thread LOCKED to paid subscribers. I realize that many of you agonize over your posts to get them just right, are proud of them, and wish to be justifiably compensated. May I submit to you that this, in my opinion, is an unwise thing to do IF you are looking to grow your audience. Or perhaps this is an attempt to “weed out” unsolicited, meaningless comments. However there is strength in numbers. If we can grow together, we become stronger and this platform grows exponentially. If we get “greedy”, we isolate ourselves and many of our writings may never see the light of day. What is your opinion on this?
Granted I am new to Substack so perhaps there is unstated reasons to counter what I have observed. If there are, kindly leave me a comment and let’s discuss it and grow together.
Thanks for reading and subscribing.
Jim
I, too, am new to Substack, perhaps too new to comment. However, it is the predicament of our age that it is increasingly difficult to be paid for art when so many have been led to the conclusion that art should be free. On the other hand, it has always been difficult.
Perhaps it is all in the emphasis. For some people, writing is vocation and a source of income, and has been for years. For others, it is a hobby and there is less need to fret and worry about money. I would love to support other writers in a financial way, but I just don't have the income to do so at this point in time. Not an easy question, however you slice it.