As you know, I make virtually all my posts free access, because I’m more focused on communicating my approach to economics than I am in making money. Paid subscriptions are to support my work, rather than to gain access to it. I appreciate that support, because, though my overarching purpose is altruistic, I still need to pay my bills.
Substack only has 3 fee levels: a monthly fee, a yearly, and a “founding member” fee. I originally set the monthly fee at $10, because Phil Dobbie and I restricted our podcasts to paid subscribers, and $10 is what we charged on Patreon.
But now that we’ve made the podcast freely available (with subscribers getting it one day early), there’s no need to charge $10 any more.
Also, very few free subscribers are converting to paid, and I think that’s because my minimum fee is too high. So I am considering reducing the fee to the minimum Substack allows, which is $5.
If you are a free subscriber, can you help me out here by answering this poll? If there are a substantial number saying yes, I’ll take the punt and reduce my monthly fee to $5.
Steve, perhaps it’s just your sunny personality, but I appreciate hugely your trenchant insights. But I have umpteen subs and cannot afford every one. Soz. Is it then just the Wild West or is there something better? Please keep up your work. I’d sub at $5. 😊
Just subscribed, so you'll have it whether you stick with 10 or 5. Keep up the good work