I think the world needs to further normalize jobs like this. You arent asking for a big subscription fee and your words/shared experiences have been so wise and helpful.
Thank you Lillen. It means a lot to be witnessed in this way. I continue to think about how we'd never question paying an artist for their music, or a performer for their play. And yet somehow, readings are still expected to be free. Makes my little writer heart a little sad.
Love this feedback! The only way to do this is to create a special discount code that can be applied to the paid membership. I created one for $2/month: https://carescapes.substack.com/61aee614
I think the other way to get around that, if I’m not mistaken, is to just make your annual subscription cheaper. For instance, if it’s $36/year, that comes out to $3 a month. I’ve seen some other folks do that to get around the $5 minimum thing.
I am so happy to contribute $5/month towards your work and dreams. It's such a tough time to be hustling because folks are genuinely strapped for cash, and at the same time I think in the age of streaming, a never ending stream of free content, etc. it's hard to recognize that we actually really *should* pay artists for their labor. Five dollars is not that much really, in the grand scheme of things. Only those who are most on the edge (whom do exist, I would not want to be perceived as not acknowledging that) would feel the difference. I think ppl conceptualize paying an artist as "a luxury", a fluffy expense, something they can do when "things are better for them" vs. a thing they could afford right now if they prioritized it, even just for one month every once in awhile.
I believe the occasional $5 does make a difference - I do this with certain publications that I'd like to support, but can't afford continuously to do so. So, occasionally, as a treat to myself, I might switch on the $5/month for one month, read as much as I can and then cancel. I'll do this every few months to try out new newsletters, or just support someone who I can't quite justify fitting into my budget (patreons and substacks combined I'm already contributing ~$50/month to various artists). I'm sorry you're feeling you have to hustle harder and find new ways to add value to the immense value you've already created and continue to create. Anyways, stepping off my soap box now.
Thank you for sharing these thoughts Lexi. I know that a large reason behind the why here is that folks are all just struggling through this recession. It's hard out there. And I also agree, as someone on IG who makes free content daily, that we've really become so accustomed to consuming art for free. This is how capitalism keeps itself alive. I often think about how we'll pay to go to a concert or a play, but still believe that readings should be free. It's fascinating and heartbreaking to me. Anyways, thank you for taking the time to share. It means a lot.
Although I'm already a paid subscriber, if I weren't, I would love the creation of space to explore myself and be in community with people doing the same thing (voted for monthly live co-writing meet up). In my personal experience, it's hard to connect sometimes (time, environment, etc.) and when someone else is creating the space for connection, I'm much more drawn into the experience! I say this because maybe it's another's experience as well. Thanks for all you do <3
Hello Margeaux, I have been following you on Instagram and been reading your newsletter and it has been relatable and educational for me as a elder daughter who was a caregiver, as a queer person who is navigating through trauma. Thank you! I am currently figuring out my employment (I have financial support from family but I do not have individual income currently as I am tending to my chronic illnesses and mental health. ) so I will not be able to pay at the moment. I make this request with utmost respect for your creativity and your time, if I could have access to free paid subscription. Please do not feel obliged. I am hoping to be a paid subscriber in the near future!
I think the world needs to further normalize jobs like this. You arent asking for a big subscription fee and your words/shared experiences have been so wise and helpful.
Thank you Lillen. It means a lot to be witnessed in this way. I continue to think about how we'd never question paying an artist for their music, or a performer for their play. And yet somehow, readings are still expected to be free. Makes my little writer heart a little sad.
A less expensive monthly paid tier ($1-$3/month). The same benefits as the free version would work just fine.
Love this feedback! The only way to do this is to create a special discount code that can be applied to the paid membership. I created one for $2/month: https://carescapes.substack.com/61aee614
Yay! Thank you! Subscribed!
I think the other way to get around that, if I’m not mistaken, is to just make your annual subscription cheaper. For instance, if it’s $36/year, that comes out to $3 a month. I’ve seen some other folks do that to get around the $5 minimum thing.
Totally hear that, and I would like to strive for $5/month being the amount folks sign up for <3
Ah gotcha, that’s fair! Apologies, I misunderstood your previous comment. Wishing you all the good luck! :)
Appreciate you 🫶
I am so happy to contribute $5/month towards your work and dreams. It's such a tough time to be hustling because folks are genuinely strapped for cash, and at the same time I think in the age of streaming, a never ending stream of free content, etc. it's hard to recognize that we actually really *should* pay artists for their labor. Five dollars is not that much really, in the grand scheme of things. Only those who are most on the edge (whom do exist, I would not want to be perceived as not acknowledging that) would feel the difference. I think ppl conceptualize paying an artist as "a luxury", a fluffy expense, something they can do when "things are better for them" vs. a thing they could afford right now if they prioritized it, even just for one month every once in awhile.
I believe the occasional $5 does make a difference - I do this with certain publications that I'd like to support, but can't afford continuously to do so. So, occasionally, as a treat to myself, I might switch on the $5/month for one month, read as much as I can and then cancel. I'll do this every few months to try out new newsletters, or just support someone who I can't quite justify fitting into my budget (patreons and substacks combined I'm already contributing ~$50/month to various artists). I'm sorry you're feeling you have to hustle harder and find new ways to add value to the immense value you've already created and continue to create. Anyways, stepping off my soap box now.
Thank you for sharing these thoughts Lexi. I know that a large reason behind the why here is that folks are all just struggling through this recession. It's hard out there. And I also agree, as someone on IG who makes free content daily, that we've really become so accustomed to consuming art for free. This is how capitalism keeps itself alive. I often think about how we'll pay to go to a concert or a play, but still believe that readings should be free. It's fascinating and heartbreaking to me. Anyways, thank you for taking the time to share. It means a lot.
Although I'm already a paid subscriber, if I weren't, I would love the creation of space to explore myself and be in community with people doing the same thing (voted for monthly live co-writing meet up). In my personal experience, it's hard to connect sometimes (time, environment, etc.) and when someone else is creating the space for connection, I'm much more drawn into the experience! I say this because maybe it's another's experience as well. Thanks for all you do <3
Thank you for sharing Courtney! I love to build community and had no idea that this is what folks might want over on substack.
Hello Margeaux, I have been following you on Instagram and been reading your newsletter and it has been relatable and educational for me as a elder daughter who was a caregiver, as a queer person who is navigating through trauma. Thank you! I am currently figuring out my employment (I have financial support from family but I do not have individual income currently as I am tending to my chronic illnesses and mental health. ) so I will not be able to pay at the moment. I make this request with utmost respect for your creativity and your time, if I could have access to free paid subscription. Please do not feel obliged. I am hoping to be a paid subscriber in the near future!
Hi Sini, I'm more than happy to give you a free paid membership. Just send me an email at hello@margeauxfeldman.com <3
Thank you so much!! I have sent the email🌻
It feels worth paying for as it is 💖
🥹🥹🥹 thank you
I wish I knew, Margeaux. Best of luck making some money here on Substack.
Thanks Diana <3