Making something free
resisting pure capitalism in any small way
A year ago I launched the paid version of this newsletter. The money helped pay for various software so I could experiment with all kinds of creation, and it made me feel warm and fuzzy to see people actually WANT to pay me for my writing. About 50 of you have supported me this way, and I say a HUGE and public THANK YOU.
I know money can be scarce, and many needs compete for your dollar. It’s a true privilege to inspire and entertain you.
Funds for extras is also rare, and it’s bothered me to hoard my content behind a paywall. This has been an on-going bugbear for me, and I have brainstormed a balm.
Releasing my older paid posts for free
Now that I have a year’s worth of paid content in my library, I don’t need to be stingy. Every three months I’ll release a back catalog of paid posts and make them free going forward. I’ll start with the oldest posts and work forward. I would love additional readers on that content, but I also need to fund the entire enterprise so this is a happy medium.
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Enjoy these newly public posts from last year. Feedback welcome.
A new perk for paid subscribers: an Annual Zoom
Being a paid subscriber will still get you my latest and greatest (and most relevant) content, but I like the idea of general availability over time. That said, I feel like I owe my paid folks a little extra attention…but what?
I just saw another Substacker do her annual Zoom/Meet/Whatever video call with her followers, and I got excited about having my own yearly call with my best buds. I think that sounds fun?!? ❤️ ❤️ ❤️
It’s a date! First call in May if you are a paid subscriber; I’ll send an invitation in April!
Hey, that paid subscription looks really good!
I think it is, especially since you can access the new book’s audiobook chapters as part of the deal. But just to sweeten the pot, an anniversary special:
An extra note: Super Sponsor looks expensive at $120/year, but I’ve allowed you to edit that price to anything above the annual cost ($45). As I get more subs in that “super fans” tier who want to sponsor this work further, I’ll sweeten the perks there too…
Upcoming content
I keep sending myself emails with ideas for articles, so there’s no end to my content in sight. Current ideas brewing:
The assholes be assholeing - Mulling over why we keep seeing videos of billionaires saying the douchiest of things
Why I didn’t love Buddhism but really flirted with it - A reflection on the number of Buddhist quotes I wrote down and saved in my 20s
Does good leadership matter? - A question I recently received from a long-time colleague at the end of their rope
The devil has a beautiful smile - A line that popped into my head and I emailed myself with no context, but I think it’s about why we like danger
The perils of high empathy - It would be nice to just ignore how others feel sometimes…
Anyway, you get the picture. Requests welcome in the comments below for your fave from this list or other requests!
From this week
To wrap up, I had a lovely event at Accenture this week that I co-hosted with Aishwarya Srinivasan. We discussed our books, what we’re doing now, and AI of course. Thanks to Sonika Singal for making this happen along with the great team at Accenture.
In the meanwhile, stay safe out there.