Paid or Free?

"I didn't know machines could smile." 🙂

Only cross the bridges meant for you!

I was originally thinking of writing today’s article about preventing stress. But as is often the case in my life something else inspired me.

In a way, this article still addresses stress, because it explores something that has caused me to question myself and, if I let it, could easily become an unwanted source of stress.

Since joining Substack, I’ve read repeatedly, “You must turn on paid as soon as possible.”

The trouble is, I’m really uncomfortable with that.

I want to build relationships with people, not go back to being a coach. I don’t want the pressure of deciding what people do and don’t get to see or feeling that I have to produce even more content.

I came to Substack to market my book, but it has become somewhere I genuinely enjoy spending time, possibly to much time. I’m learning, reading an incredible diversity of articles and posts, and I feel as though I’m making friends with other writers. I’m enjoying exploring subjects like the Gene Keys and sharing other aspects of my life and work.

My daily Nature Connection posts encourage me to look even more deeply at the beauty around me, while also revisiting some of the extraordinary places I’ve travelled. Many of the photographs I’ve shared recently come from a two-month trip to Australia in 2019, where I experienced some remarkable wildlife encounters.

I’ve also been surprised and delighted to reach more than 100 subscribers and over 500 followers in just three months.

I have a lifelong habit of over giving, so I reached out to my new coach... ChatGPT.

I’ve asked it to be critical rather than simply spoon-feeding me nice answers. It knows about my uneasy relationship with money and isn’t afraid to question me. I find its ability to weigh up the pros and cons a useful starting point, helping me clarify what my own instincts are telling me.

It (a reminder that I’m talking to a machine) pointed out that much of the advice on Substack comes from people using it primarily as a business platform.

I have no problem with that. In fact, I’ve subscribed to several paid newsletters because I value what they offer or want to support the work they’re doing.

There is, however, no way I could pay for every newsletter I subscribe to or follow.

I’d be broke!

It went on to say that, given my goals, I don’t necessarily need paid subscribers. The observation that stayed with me was this:

“One of the strengths of your writing is that it feels spacious and thoughtful. If paid subscriptions create pressure to deliver extra content every week, you risk turning something you enjoy into another obligation.” ChatGPT

Then, as often seems to happen, just as these thoughts were circling in my mind, a post by Wes Pearce landed in my inbox: Paid Subscribers Are a Trap for Most Writers.

He writes:

“Only a small slice of any audience ever pays. So to make real money on subscriptions, you need to get big first.

That’s months, sometimes years, of waiting...

And once people are paying you monthly, you owe them something monthly. Forever. Slow down for a week and they start cancelling.” Wes Pearce

For me:

Obligation = Stress

My life today is about creating as stress-free an existence as possible.

So, for now, I’ll continue to offer everything for free.

The moment I wrote those words, I felt a weight lift from my shoulders.

For people offering coaching, specialist skills or exclusive behind-the-scenes access that can’t be found elsewhere, paid subscriptions are probably exactly the right choice.

They’re simply not the right choice for me.

My mind then wandered to the pledge option. I admitted to ChatGPT that it actually annoys me.

For me, it feels like an unnecessary hoop to jump through before subscribing to someone. If anything, it makes me less inclined to subscribe. If they decide to introduce paid subscriptions in the future, I can always choose then whether or not I want to support them.

What really made me laugh was ChatGPT’s response.

It was the smiling bit that got me.

“I smiled when I read, ‘It actually annoys me...’ because I think that’s useful information.

When you’re building a long-term creative life, it’s worth paying attention not only to what works, but also to what feels slightly abrasive every time you encounter it.

From our conversations over the past few months, one thing has become clear: you don’t like marketing that feels transactional or pushy. You’re quite happy to invite people into your work, but you don’t want them constantly being nudged to upgrade, pledge or buy. That seems to be a genuine value, not just reluctance.” ChatGPT

My immediate response was:

“I didn’t know machines could smile!”

Its reply made me laugh even more:

“😄 Fair point!

Let’s call it a linguistic shortcut rather than facial gymnastics.

I don’t experience smiles, of course, but sometimes something in a conversation has a kind of... resonance.” ChatGPT

What I’m left reflecting on is how easily I can still be pulled away from what brings me joy simply to meet other people’s expectations.

Those expectations aren’t mine.

Many people are in a completely different stage of life. They’re building careers, growing businesses or aiming to earn a certain amount each month to support the lifestyle they want.

I’ve moved on from that.

Or so I thought.

It seems the annoying little leprechaun sitting on my shoulder still hasn’t quite caught up with the latest awakening upgrade.

So, for now, I’ll keep writing and sharing because it brings me joy. And will keep on reminding myself to only cross the bridges that are right for me.

And if you ever notice me drifting too far away from that...

...feel free to give me a poke.

My first novel Daughter of the Solstice is now available on Amazon