My Brief Experiment with a Paywall

Remembering My WHY

Gratitude

A GREAT BIG thank you to ALL subscribers of Well Canto - all >500 of you! I also really appreciate all likes, comments, restacks, and follows.

And to the paying subscribers of Well Canto, I hope you grasp what your vote of confidence means. I know you are making a conscious decision to encourage and support me with your hard-earned cash. You put wind in the sails of this project and truly fill my heart with joy. My sincerest thanks and deepest gratitude for your thoughtful generosity.

HOWEVER, a few months ago I made some promises I have not kept.

You see, on the first anniversary of The Well Canto Newsletter, I published this article outlining a few features that I felt would justify putting some content behind a paywall. I was trying to take Well Canto ‘to the next level’ in a way so many business coaches advise.

And then immediately I had some life glitches. The result? I didn’t follow through with my plan. And just like that, an exciting creative process was transformed into just another chore.

Bummer.

Now, I enjoy being paid well for valuable work, and it’s true that money is a powerful tool most of us need to make our world go ‘round.

Cabaret | "Money" Musical Number | Warner Bros. Entertainment

For instance, I run an independent voice studio, and people pay me for what I provide, which is based on five decades of relevant experience. That is my business, and I follow most of the established rules about exchanging services for money.

But, as I revisit my original purpose for writing Well Canto, I realize my reasons were (are) simple:

1. Be helpful

2. Stimulate creativity

3. Be part of a community that reads and writes and interacts in a responsible way

This little list represents some of my personal values: things that feel right for me, that guide my choices, and help me find meaning and calm in my life.

The Pay-What-You-Want Business Model

I’ve been intrigued by this idea ever since I heard of it. It reflects compassion and a striving for equity. It also helps me visualize a kinder world where all of us have enough of what we need.

In The Neutral Zone (the finale of the first season of Star Trek: The Next Generation, 1988) the crew of the Enterprise discover a derelict vessel from 20th century earth that contains 3 cryogenically frozen people. One of the revived people is anxious to see how his financial portfolio has grown, estimating that he must now be very rich.

"A lot has changed in the past three hundred years. People are no longer obsessed with the accumulation of things. We've eliminated hunger, want, the need for possessions. We've grown out of our infancy."

- Picard to Ralph Offenhouse

Today, many companies offer some version of the PWYW model. In our neighboring state of New Jersey, the rock singer Jon Bon Jovi and his wife operate JBJ Soul Kitchen, an extension of the Jon Bon Jovi Soul Foundation, “to break the cycle of poverty, hunger, and homelessness in communities across America.” Patrons pay what they can for their meals. It is inspiring when people use their wealth and privilege to reach beyond themselves toward people in need.

Paywall

Paywalls became a survival strategy for news outlets after print publishing was obliterated by the internet. Yes, the free press is still critical to democracy, even if it costs money to access. I regularly read dozens of Substack offerings, and I would like to pay for each of them because I appreciate creative endeavors and wish to encourage writers and readers and the thoughtful exchange of ideas. I’d also like if all my subscribers converted to paid because I hear the view is excellent from the cat-bird seat.

And all of us Substack writers would love to make a million dollars a month like Heather Cox Richardson. It’s important to note that she has taught (Boston College) and written (7 books) about American history over 30 years and publishes her comprehensive newsletter every day. Her content is obviously quite relevant to the times. She accepts no sponsorship, and her paid-subscription price is lower than what Substack recommends. Notably, you don’t have to pay a dime to read Letters from an American.

Have you seen those ‘Buy Me a Coffee’ buttons, where you can offer a one-time donation to whomever has set this up? I do like this idea. Instead of subscribing at $80 per year (the yearly subscription price Substack recommends) to just 10 writers, one could spread the love with the same budget by tipping $5 to 160 individuals every year! Maybe no one gets rich on this idea, but it feels like a karmic bonanza. Are you listening, Substack?

Moving Forward

So, as I clarify my intention and align my values and actions, today I am removing any paywall nonsense from Well Canto even as I strive to implement the intended added content. That means anyone can access any of the Well Canto articles, which increases the potential that one essay - or even a single sentence - might help an individual think in a more positive way, feel better, or share beneficial ideas with someone else.

Writing freely with no hustle behind my action suits where I am in my life (I did the whole hustle-thing F.O.R.E.V.E.R.). Don’t worry, for those of you who wish to pay for Well Canto, I graciously accept your generosity.

Also, I want to read your writing! Please share with me and let me know a little about your why. And if you’re more of a reader than a writer, what do you read? What would you like to read about?

May you live in ease and kindness, with a free heart.

Well Canto is a registered trademark.

Singing lessons with Barbara: www.WAVS.info

Well Coaching with Barbara: www.BarbaraShirvisWellness.com