Readers: Please take the poll and tell me how much you are willing to pay for an annual subscription. Please don't be shy, I really want your feedback. Thanks!
My gross monthly pension income is about half of average rent here, and about equal to a $60K car payment. Just can’t afford to do anything but read free, as much as it galls me to do so.
I did get an annual sub for 3 stackers, only one of which is turning out to be worth it.
One went to completely uninteresting interviews and podcasts or has been sick. One went from interesting philosophical debates to talking about his kid and life as a dad. But Substack doesn’t really give alternatives to an already paid annual subscription. I just learned a lesson.
Also, our Canadian prices mean your (in general) $50 per year is more like $85. A $5/mo is almost $9 here.
Just not doable for a lot of us, sad to say.
Commenting, interacting, restacking and noting are something I can do, and willingly and cheerfully I do it.
No worries, I just comped you for life. So you are all set as far as my substack goes. No need to pay ever. Your comments, restacks and noting are all very much appreciated. 👍🏻
That is so generous of you, thank you! I very much enjoy and appreciate your writing. Even the few I disagree with have viewpoints I had not considered and so I learn something.
I wouldn’t mind paying for some substacks but Stripe cancelled all payments to and from Russia. I kinda need to go to Belarus and make a proper unsanctioned card and I think I will... sometime.
Well, I know I'm willing to pay 40 because I did. If you could get together with some other writers, like Lake of Lerna, John Carter, and Holly Mathnerd , I would gladly pay substantially more. Just not as much as they all cost separately. Substack needs a bundle feature.
I'm changing my pricing, Laura. It'll be about $19.50. You paid $40 so I comped your sub to 1/28/2026. I don't want you to get screwed by paying the higher price.
I think $50 per year is a pittance for getting what you like to read, even if you only get it for 6 months of the year.
The problem with Substack might be that there are just overwhelmingly more writers who also read than there are people who just read. It's a problem with all social media that started when readers were referred to as lurkers because they did not interact. There are lurkers in face-to-face conversations, only we call them observers. Why the lurker stigma on social media? Lurkers very often are more like students who, when they have observed enough, either leave if the scene is not for them or start interacting when they become comfortable. Lurking for a living would be too boring for most.
WHAT?? Someone who actually obtains and analyzes details regarding fluctuations in his market demand?? And who then employs that information for the purpose of increasing his level of productivity and profits?? Let me shake your hand, Sir — we’ve got a businessman we’re dealing with here!! LOVE IT …
So here’s the thing, Sir (since you are interested in feedback) — I selected $50 per year for a subscription price that I would be willing to pay, BUT there’s a proviso there: I want to get $50 worth or more in provocative thoughts in return!! And, on the other hand, if it’s shit, I’m not interested in even paying five bucks a year … <huge grin>
I happened to notice, by the way, that so far in your poll, the $25 spot seemed to be the sweet one for those who’ve already answered … and I was wondering if there might be some kind of a Laffer curve present here to consider as well: sure, $50 per year get you more money — but if it cuts your volume in half as compared to the $25 fee that more people are willing to pay, that’s a push … can’t help, but wonder if pushing it down to 20 would get you more than enough people to make up for the extra five bucks, in the same way that Reagan’s tax cuts produced more income for the government (I hated that, by the way — not the tax cuts, I mean, but the government getting more money).
Good points, I don't know as I haven't looked at the poll results. I just had to step out and deliver a package to a neighbor and go to the recycling center. I'll check it in a bit.
You might be right about the $25, I will certainly bear that in mind when setting pricing.
Regarding provocative thoughts, I think that depends on your perspective. Some of what I've written might be considered provocative by some, but not by others. You must judge for yourself, I can only keep writing what I think and hopefully readers will appreciate it.
Well, my friend, you haven’t got my subscription yet, because I’m in the middle of a financial bind right now, having moved to a new state into a new house, but I’ll get there in the next few weeks — because I find your thoughts quite provocative, and very similar in many ways to many of my own … something tells me our paths will cross again!! I’ve been meaning to say hi to you for a while, but as a free subscriber right now the comment section has been closed … but I weaseled my way in through the poll comments, instead! LOL … “Improvise, adapt and overcome!!” DON’T STOP WRITING!! 😜🤓😵💫🗽🦅
Well it is nice to meet you, Bradley. No worries on the comments, I turned off the paid thing. I had it on because I didn't want certain vermin in the comments, but they don't seem to be showing up, so I will leave the paid thing off.
Sorry to hear about the financial bind, but you are not alone! Hang in there! 😂
Nice to "meet" you too ... Sorry I didn't get back to you sooner ... Needed to work last night and I finally got my butt out of bed a couple of hours ago ... LOL
I understand exactly what you mean about the "vermin" ... I've ran into some of it myself on occasion over the years, and I know, pretty well myself, of that which you speak.
But I never let such types stop me either -- unless they come equipped with superior syllogisms, that is ... Which, trust me, ain't often. <huge grin!!>
We'll talk later! Thank you for your words and your welcome! Looking forward to it ...
I mean trying to get lightning to work indefinitely. If I have the time tonight I'll see if I can find a decent lightning wallet that won't have that limitation.
Oh, I see. Gotcha. Thanks. I looked around but it seems like Lighning links seem to have a time limit or whatever. I couldn't find one where you could jusg get a link and have it work pemanently.
Morg, could you use a bitcoin wallet like Muun? I ask because lightning network payments - which are still bitcoin - are a few cents, while using the bitcoin network often results in a 7$ fee for a 5$ payment. Ouch.
I do hope you get some paid subs and more tips, and even though that guy you quoted was exaggerating - times are tough all over, and a lot of folks just don't have the extra cash.
And besides - we write because we have something to say to people - although for me, the covid bullshit, especially in Canada - really sapped me. I know I need to get back to pen and paper (or phone/computer), but I still feel more than a little incoherent, even now.
Well, one of these days.
I do wish you the best. Keep writing in any event! It really does matter.
I was using Wallet of Satoshi, but it got cancelled, so I changed to Blue Wallet but I can't get Lightning set up in it. Should I change to the Muun one? I am not familiar with it. Please advise me as all of these wallets are confusing as hell. 😂
Oh no worries on the writing, I love doing it and I always have something to say so I will continue.
I am sorry to hear the covid thing messed you up. Hang in there and do keep writing if you can. I find it helps me as I always feel good after finishing an article.
Muun isn't very difficult - you can go into the settings and change between bitcoin and lightning.
Play with it with maybe 500 sats - it really isn't difficult.
Also, I think Wallet of Satoshi is okay after the recent update - I only had 7$ or so in it, so I wasn't too fussed when all I got was a black screen, but after the update it's working again - apparently the update before that made it incompatible with older phones.
I don't think I can use lighning, Whiskeys. I need a standing link I can add to the bottom of my articles. But Muun says they expire after 24 hours, so I do not think it will work for people to send me money that way.
I just set it up, but it says the invoice will expire in 24 hours. I do not understand this. HOw do I get a lightning address and bitcoin address I can use forever?
Thanks so much, Joyce. I saw the notification from the coffee app but hadn't had time to get to it yet.
Here's a funny story for you. Somebody delivered the wrong package to my house, it was supposed to go to another house down the street. I was going to the recycling center anyway, so I grabbed the package and delivered it! 😂
Once a delivery driver, always a delivery driver, I guess. HA HA HA!!!!
The man I gave it to seem confused, but said he'd pass it on to the other guy that lives there who's name was on it. So all's well that ends well in that regard. ha ha.
I just signed up for $32/yr and then I read you are offering $19/yr. What gives?
I think the thing is that you cannot just subscribe to someone if you cannot read their work for awhile. Substack is expensive. It is only possible for someone like me to subscribe to maybe 5 different writers. And there are dozens who might catch my attention. There are a couple who are wonderful and are thankfully free. I do believe at some point Substack will have to bundle in some way. Maybe 10 writers for $25/yr. I think more people would pay if they didn’t have to pay $32-300/yr. The prices for some financial writers are insane. Obviously, I will never know if they are any good cause I cannot afford to find out.
I saw that you subbed but did not have time to thank you in email. The $19 offer expired, but I added one year to your sub for free. So you got two years for $32.50, which is about $16.25 per year, so you came out of it a bit lower than the $19.50.
I must remove that old deal from the article. Thanks for bringing it to my attention, and thanks so much for your paid sub. 👍🏻
Thank you, I appreciate that. And now I will be sure of a steady stream of interesting reading for two whole years. Not a bad deal. I do the restock thing and the like—thought I have to say I am not certain what it means. I am just recently branching out on Substack. I am glad I found you. Keep writing.
I cannot decide if The Donald needs to be punished. It seems like the nonstop attacks for the last few years have been more than enough punishment. I don’t know that I want him to go totally nuclear if he wins. What I would like to see is the people of this country—for the voters to wake UP from their slumber and VOTE TRUMP in so overwhelmingly that it cannot be challenged. I am not a Trump Maga devotee but he is the ONLY one who seems up to the task or willing to face the huge and overwhelming job of cleaning house. Wouldn’t it be nice if he could lock up all the vile prosecutors who have run amuck and all the judges who have refused to dole out justice regardless of political affiliation? Sorry, I drifted off—I think I was dreaming…
I have only just stumbled across your stacks. Not sure if I will subscribe (or even follow you) as there are a lot of stacks I already follow a lot and I subscribe to 4. I think $25 annual is very fair. As others have said, there is a limit to what people can afford. And then there is the currency thing too. I think some stacks have the same “local” currency price eg $5 Australian, $5 US , $5 CAD which works for me.
My gross monthly pension income is about half of average rent here, and about equal to a $60K car payment. Just can’t afford to do anything but read free, as much as it galls me to do so.
I did get an annual sub for 3 stackers, only one of which is turning out to be worth it.
One went to completely uninteresting interviews and podcasts or has been sick. One went from interesting philosophical debates to talking about his kid and life as a dad. But Substack doesn’t really give alternatives to an already paid annual subscription. I just learned a lesson.
Also, our Canadian prices mean your (in general) $50 per year is more like $85. A $5/mo is almost $9 here.
Just not doable for a lot of us, sad to say.
Commenting, interacting, restacking and noting are something I can do, and willingly and cheerfully I do it.
No worries, I just comped you for life. So you are all set as far as my substack goes. No need to pay ever. Your comments, restacks and noting are all very much appreciated. 👍🏻
That is so generous of you, thank you! I very much enjoy and appreciate your writing. Even the few I disagree with have viewpoints I had not considered and so I learn something.
You are most welcome, and I'm happy to read your thoughts in the comments even when we disagree as I also learn something. 👍🏻
I wouldn’t mind paying for some substacks but Stripe cancelled all payments to and from Russia. I kinda need to go to Belarus and make a proper unsanctioned card and I think I will... sometime.
Oh that sucks. Stripe joined the anti-Russia hate brigade. Idiots. Stupid decision on their part. 🙄
At least we don’t have any Youtube ads anymore😀
Well, I know I'm willing to pay 40 because I did. If you could get together with some other writers, like Lake of Lerna, John Carter, and Holly Mathnerd , I would gladly pay substantially more. Just not as much as they all cost separately. Substack needs a bundle feature.
I'm changing my pricing, Laura. It'll be about $19.50. You paid $40 so I comped your sub to 1/28/2026. I don't want you to get screwed by paying the higher price.
Thanks so much for your paid sub, Laura. I appreciate it. 👍🏻
You are right about the bundling. But I do not know if substack is thinking about it. They can't be unaware of it by now, can they?? 🤔
I think $50 per year is a pittance for getting what you like to read, even if you only get it for 6 months of the year.
The problem with Substack might be that there are just overwhelmingly more writers who also read than there are people who just read. It's a problem with all social media that started when readers were referred to as lurkers because they did not interact. There are lurkers in face-to-face conversations, only we call them observers. Why the lurker stigma on social media? Lurkers very often are more like students who, when they have observed enough, either leave if the scene is not for them or start interacting when they become comfortable. Lurking for a living would be too boring for most.
Me also.
WHAT?? Someone who actually obtains and analyzes details regarding fluctuations in his market demand?? And who then employs that information for the purpose of increasing his level of productivity and profits?? Let me shake your hand, Sir — we’ve got a businessman we’re dealing with here!! LOVE IT …
So here’s the thing, Sir (since you are interested in feedback) — I selected $50 per year for a subscription price that I would be willing to pay, BUT there’s a proviso there: I want to get $50 worth or more in provocative thoughts in return!! And, on the other hand, if it’s shit, I’m not interested in even paying five bucks a year … <huge grin>
I happened to notice, by the way, that so far in your poll, the $25 spot seemed to be the sweet one for those who’ve already answered … and I was wondering if there might be some kind of a Laffer curve present here to consider as well: sure, $50 per year get you more money — but if it cuts your volume in half as compared to the $25 fee that more people are willing to pay, that’s a push … can’t help, but wonder if pushing it down to 20 would get you more than enough people to make up for the extra five bucks, in the same way that Reagan’s tax cuts produced more income for the government (I hated that, by the way — not the tax cuts, I mean, but the government getting more money).
Good points, I don't know as I haven't looked at the poll results. I just had to step out and deliver a package to a neighbor and go to the recycling center. I'll check it in a bit.
You might be right about the $25, I will certainly bear that in mind when setting pricing.
Regarding provocative thoughts, I think that depends on your perspective. Some of what I've written might be considered provocative by some, but not by others. You must judge for yourself, I can only keep writing what I think and hopefully readers will appreciate it.
Well, my friend, you haven’t got my subscription yet, because I’m in the middle of a financial bind right now, having moved to a new state into a new house, but I’ll get there in the next few weeks — because I find your thoughts quite provocative, and very similar in many ways to many of my own … something tells me our paths will cross again!! I’ve been meaning to say hi to you for a while, but as a free subscriber right now the comment section has been closed … but I weaseled my way in through the poll comments, instead! LOL … “Improvise, adapt and overcome!!” DON’T STOP WRITING!! 😜🤓😵💫🗽🦅
Well it is nice to meet you, Bradley. No worries on the comments, I turned off the paid thing. I had it on because I didn't want certain vermin in the comments, but they don't seem to be showing up, so I will leave the paid thing off.
Sorry to hear about the financial bind, but you are not alone! Hang in there! 😂
Howdy Sir/Ma'am:
Nice to "meet" you too ... Sorry I didn't get back to you sooner ... Needed to work last night and I finally got my butt out of bed a couple of hours ago ... LOL
I understand exactly what you mean about the "vermin" ... I've ran into some of it myself on occasion over the years, and I know, pretty well myself, of that which you speak.
But I never let such types stop me either -- unless they come equipped with superior syllogisms, that is ... Which, trust me, ain't often. <huge grin!!>
We'll talk later! Thank you for your words and your welcome! Looking forward to it ...
Regards,
Brad
I enjoyed the prose of the
Complaint. Thank you very much. My writing will stay free, for reasons
of my own. I must always
remember, respect, goes
along way.
Me, I like a range of opinions.
I had a windfall and I'm happy to support your work! $40 for a year is more than reasonable! Don't be silly!
Thank you for the kind words, Laura. I appreciate them very much. 🥰
I mean trying to get lightning to work indefinitely. If I have the time tonight I'll see if I can find a decent lightning wallet that won't have that limitation.
Oh, I see. Gotcha. Thanks. I looked around but it seems like Lighning links seem to have a time limit or whatever. I couldn't find one where you could jusg get a link and have it work pemanently.
Perhaps a $12 per year option, a literal dollar a month. Or even $10 for the year since you are paying upfront.
Good ideas, I put that in as Other.
Morg, could you use a bitcoin wallet like Muun? I ask because lightning network payments - which are still bitcoin - are a few cents, while using the bitcoin network often results in a 7$ fee for a 5$ payment. Ouch.
I do hope you get some paid subs and more tips, and even though that guy you quoted was exaggerating - times are tough all over, and a lot of folks just don't have the extra cash.
And besides - we write because we have something to say to people - although for me, the covid bullshit, especially in Canada - really sapped me. I know I need to get back to pen and paper (or phone/computer), but I still feel more than a little incoherent, even now.
Well, one of these days.
I do wish you the best. Keep writing in any event! It really does matter.
Hi Whiskeys! Good to hear from you, brother.
I was using Wallet of Satoshi, but it got cancelled, so I changed to Blue Wallet but I can't get Lightning set up in it. Should I change to the Muun one? I am not familiar with it. Please advise me as all of these wallets are confusing as hell. 😂
Oh no worries on the writing, I love doing it and I always have something to say so I will continue.
I am sorry to hear the covid thing messed you up. Hang in there and do keep writing if you can. I find it helps me as I always feel good after finishing an article.
Muun isn't very difficult - you can go into the settings and change between bitcoin and lightning.
Play with it with maybe 500 sats - it really isn't difficult.
Also, I think Wallet of Satoshi is okay after the recent update - I only had 7$ or so in it, so I wasn't too fussed when all I got was a black screen, but after the update it's working again - apparently the update before that made it incompatible with older phones.
I don't think I can use lighning, Whiskeys. I need a standing link I can add to the bottom of my articles. But Muun says they expire after 24 hours, so I do not think it will work for people to send me money that way.
Also, do you recommend using QR codes? I hate how they look on the page so I just pasted in the bitcoin address. But I don't know what people use.
Damn crypto, so complicated. LOL
I just set it up, but it says the invoice will expire in 24 hours. I do not understand this. HOw do I get a lightning address and bitcoin address I can use forever?
I must be missing something.
Ok. Set it to lightning and hit receive . Press copy and you should get something like this:
lnbc1pju9v9qpp50h69ckfsydj3jaa7lj7g3m8vycs37vgdyyxsqqcljer9mpde0agsdqqcqzzgxqyz5vqrzjqwnvuc0u4txn35cafc7w94gxvq5p3cu9dd95f7hlrh0fvs46wpvhdk3wlhraeum6j5qqqqryqqqqthqqpyrzjqw8c7yfutqqy3kz8662fxutjvef7q2ujsxtt45csu0k688lkzu3ldk3wlhraeum6j5qqqqryqqqqthqqpysp5rgux950em53sjkrudyzp9wacnypxtz4kmaqm7f72dzj6pnysw53q9qypqsqs6y2tjy0m9etc0ytfm38flurrzlfq6u479mn4hfmdmknwqtp4vszlf8fszv7tcp6uprcvzwrfz9y8jljc6tsqrnant4kmqtdfplmgsqpfe6qty
Or just copy paste the QR code. Probably better because it's not as messy
Okay, I see that but doesn't it expire? That's what I was worried about as what happens after it expires in 24 hours?
It shouldn't if you just hit receive. Put it up here, I'll wait a day then send a small test amount?
No, the problem was that the US was removed as a region. It's not even in the US app stores now I believe.
https://bitcoinnews.com/legal/wallet-of-satoshi-quits-us-market/
I'll check out Muun in a few minutes though, if it does lightning I'll switch to it. Thanks for the recommendation.
Bought you some coffees 😋☕️
Thanks so much, Joyce. I saw the notification from the coffee app but hadn't had time to get to it yet.
Here's a funny story for you. Somebody delivered the wrong package to my house, it was supposed to go to another house down the street. I was going to the recycling center anyway, so I grabbed the package and delivered it! 😂
Once a delivery driver, always a delivery driver, I guess. HA HA HA!!!!
Oh my goodness, well, they should be happy you’re an honest guy and deliver it. Well done 👏
The man I gave it to seem confused, but said he'd pass it on to the other guy that lives there who's name was on it. So all's well that ends well in that regard. ha ha.
See, you are a good person 😊
I just signed up for $32/yr and then I read you are offering $19/yr. What gives?
I think the thing is that you cannot just subscribe to someone if you cannot read their work for awhile. Substack is expensive. It is only possible for someone like me to subscribe to maybe 5 different writers. And there are dozens who might catch my attention. There are a couple who are wonderful and are thankfully free. I do believe at some point Substack will have to bundle in some way. Maybe 10 writers for $25/yr. I think more people would pay if they didn’t have to pay $32-300/yr. The prices for some financial writers are insane. Obviously, I will never know if they are any good cause I cannot afford to find out.
Greetings Ellis,
I saw that you subbed but did not have time to thank you in email. The $19 offer expired, but I added one year to your sub for free. So you got two years for $32.50, which is about $16.25 per year, so you came out of it a bit lower than the $19.50.
I must remove that old deal from the article. Thanks for bringing it to my attention, and thanks so much for your paid sub. 👍🏻
Thank you, I appreciate that. And now I will be sure of a steady stream of interesting reading for two whole years. Not a bad deal. I do the restock thing and the like—thought I have to say I am not certain what it means. I am just recently branching out on Substack. I am glad I found you. Keep writing.
I cannot decide if The Donald needs to be punished. It seems like the nonstop attacks for the last few years have been more than enough punishment. I don’t know that I want him to go totally nuclear if he wins. What I would like to see is the people of this country—for the voters to wake UP from their slumber and VOTE TRUMP in so overwhelmingly that it cannot be challenged. I am not a Trump Maga devotee but he is the ONLY one who seems up to the task or willing to face the huge and overwhelming job of cleaning house. Wouldn’t it be nice if he could lock up all the vile prosecutors who have run amuck and all the judges who have refused to dole out justice regardless of political affiliation? Sorry, I drifted off—I think I was dreaming…
Ellie
I have only just stumbled across your stacks. Not sure if I will subscribe (or even follow you) as there are a lot of stacks I already follow a lot and I subscribe to 4. I think $25 annual is very fair. As others have said, there is a limit to what people can afford. And then there is the currency thing too. I think some stacks have the same “local” currency price eg $5 Australian, $5 US , $5 CAD which works for me.
My lovely comments. Oh, my goodness I didn't know l was so
Shy.
That sucks.
What sucks? Your comment is way at the bottom by itself.