Pay to Play? No Way.

In this world of online news and magazines, newsletters and blogs, there are paywalls everywhere.

I’m speechless. Well, no. I’m never speechless. I’m verklempt. Oh, there’s that Yiddish again! It means overcome with emotion. It’s been the most amazing week. I launched this newsletter with a small list of subscribers. In the first two days, the list grew and grew. But not only did the list grow, there were subscribers who chose to pay for their subscriptions. I started the newsletter because I want to share my experience with others. To make a difference in peoples’ lives. I hoped an audience would be interested in what I have to say. I’m blown away by your response, your support, and the encouragement I’ve received.

I go to a 12 Step meeting every morning. One day I shared my excitement about writing and launching the newsletter, and one of the women in the group reached out to me later and said,

“I really want to subscribe to your newsletter, but I can’t afford to pay right now.”

My reply?

“There are no dues or fees for subscribers. The only requirement is a desire to read The Next Write Thing!”

We laughed, because I was riffing on one of the most beautiful policies of 12 Step programs. 12 Step isn’t a business. There are no financial barriers to membership. 12 Step programs are accessible to everyone regardless of a member’s ability to pay. The only requirement is the desire to recover. Nobody makes a profit. This policy has been in place for the almost 90 years these programs have existed. It’s a very different model for healing than most of us are accustomed to. It’s an accessible model and it’s inspired.

In this world of online news and magazines, newsletters and blogs, there are paywalls everywhere. Some writers share certain content for all subscribers, and then create extra content for paid subscriptions. Free subscribers get teasers, like a carrot dangling from a stick. You can taste, but you can’t consume the whole thing unless you pay.

I love the idea of being paid for my work. But the idea of having my writing accessible to everyone appeals to me much more. It’s my way of expressing gratitude for the recovery I’m experiencing. I know that had I not joined a 12 Step program this past summer, and committed myself to recovering from my eating disorder, I wouldn’t be writing this newsletter today. Being in this program is teaching me how to live the best life I possibly can. It’s revealing me to myself. I’m writing, and sharing with you, because of my unfolding recovery. When I look at my face in the mirror now, I see a beautiful person smiling back at me, and that person is me. It’s extraordinary.

I welcome anyone who’d like to pay for a subscription (for themselves, or as a gift for someone else) to do so! Or buy me a symbolic cup of coffee. It’s an acknowledgement, and I appreciate it beyond words. But if you can’t afford to do that? Please just read. Last week, with my launch, when subscribers chose to support my writing by paying for it, it felt like a miracle. They made me a PROFESSIONAL writer. It’s the first time I’ve been paid for what I write.

There aren’t going to be any paywalls here. No special content for paid subscribers. Everyone will have access to what I’m writing.

I want you to know, reading my work, whether you have a paid subscription or a free one, you make a contribution to me, and for that I am grateful. I leave you with this:

There are no set dues or fees for subscribers. The only requirement is a desire to read The Next Write Thing! Pay if you can. Don’t if you can’t. It’s that simple. And do the next right thing, whatever that is for you.

Please support my writing and become a paid subscriber!

If you’re not into paid subscriptions but want to support me from time to time you can do that by buy me a coffee…