Just read (another) piece on the end of subscriptions via the Thread of Besidone Amoruwa, whose newsletter you should subscribe to because she knows what she is talking about when it comes to creators AND she is funny (rare). The Medium piece by Nick Hilton coincides with some thoughts I’ve been leaning into letting myself flesh out re: subscriptions. Would love to know if you have thoughts, especially if you’re a reader, although I love all expert POV in the comments. I wanted to share this piece because the numbers outlined in it are why I don’t plan on turning on my subscriptions, which I mentioned in August. I often have to pull back from explaining myself and just doing the work, because I know that certain topics and realizations will eventually be addressed. However, it took a break for me to figure out a more sustainable approach to not just newsletters, or to Substack, but my words. That approach is what I’m keen on sharing over time on here. In my eyes, all of this is really about my (our) words as the foundation of this platform.
I really like the tools on Substack, and I will use the platform for their editorial tools, but I don’t need the subscription option based on my experiences with it. It’s not an answer or solution to current media models for me. For others it is, and I think that’s bomb. The concept of doing more work via perks and tiers to justify why one should sign up hasn’t worked for me. I am standing on: the work is the work. The work is what you are paying for, the work is what I hope to produce. “Hope” is actually a very… light word to describe how I feel. In all honesty, I am very desperately want to make things! Let’s circle back to the mutual understanding that’s gotten lost among factors we don’t control, such as algorithms and VC money.
At first I thought that I might start making product suggestion posts behind a paywall and keep the beauty news and culture stuff free. I had to ask myself if I felt like keeping that up. Do I care enough? Unsure. So I might change my mind if I find that it suits me. Which is all I ever plan to do on these platforms.
Now let’s talk solutions. For starters, I have a book: Black Icons in Herstory 50 Legendary Women. I am a vendor of this book and people can buy directly from me. So I do have one product, which I think is crucial to have these days. (My feedback to myself is to promote this more.) I started a ticketed, IRL live music and beauty conversation series: SOUND OFF. In addition, I have been thinking up some new ways to source funding for reported stories I want to write. On top of that, it would allow the licensing of my work. I’ve been really hesitant to test it out, it’s really dependent on you all, but one idea has given me no rest, so I may give myself permission to try it out. Real g’s know great ideas come and go every day. We’ll see what sticks. Stay tuned!
September beauty news is almost finished! Just being a rising Virgo with final touches, but this right here was super easy to lay out.
Love your perspective and the Nick article. I struggle with this exact same thing. Subscriptions have been the creative economy topic du jour for years. Trying to answer when/if to turn them on and for how much or for what is exhausting. All while trying to make good work and pay the bills, it feels like an impossible juggling act.
Three things that have helped me take the pressure off:
1) Acknowledging that no one knows what's best for me, not even myself. There are a million different variables for each creator presenting a million different outcomes. It's a multiverse of possibilities.
2) I run lots of experiments because nothing is permanent. I'm never precious about any decision which gives me the chance to try (and learn) a lot.
3) I do the work, consistently. I make something, especially on the days you don't feel like it and it seems like no one cares. The "overnight" successes happen over the course of years.
Love your perspective and the Nick article. I struggle with this exact same thing. Subscriptions have been the creative economy topic du jour for years. Trying to answer when/if to turn them on and for how much or for what is exhausting. All while trying to make good work and pay the bills, it feels like an impossible juggling act.
Three things that have helped me take the pressure off:
1) Acknowledging that no one knows what's best for me, not even myself. There are a million different variables for each creator presenting a million different outcomes. It's a multiverse of possibilities.
2) I run lots of experiments because nothing is permanent. I'm never precious about any decision which gives me the chance to try (and learn) a lot.
3) I do the work, consistently. I make something, especially on the days you don't feel like it and it seems like no one cares. The "overnight" successes happen over the course of years.
Lenny's newsletter about hitting 500k subs is a good read that I think pairs nicely with Nick's article. https://www.lennysnewsletter.com/p/500000
And more Studio Symoné posts please!
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