Thank you so much, Holly, for modeling generosity and a sense of abundance. I know many will take inspiration from your example. People lead in so many ways; this is a beautiful example of leadership. Grateful for you.
I hope the ease comes and stays for you, so that you can think and explore and create in a way that “incites joy”’(Gay). I value your time and your work and am happy to do so no matter your paywall settings.
Gosh, it seems like everyone on Substack is talking about how the paywall is detrimental to their creativity, lately. Is it an end of the year thing?
There's so much pressure to find some magical intersection between creativity and profit, which rarely happens naturally. For me, art and commerce play by different rules, and I must keep them separate to stay sane. I have a notecard on the corkboard in front of my desk that reads, "Art, not an Ad." I don't paywall anything, but it's to remind me to not get too caught up in worries about how my work might be received.
Yes to hearing that relief in your (written) voice. All the best to you, Holly. I get so much from your work and will continue to happily pay for it for the same reason I pay for Yoga with Adrienne. Because it's contributing to the world I want to live in. Thank you.
Your writing has saved my life, no joke, and also, I want you to be in love with it and the process and for it to feel expansive and freeing and empowering. I don't want anything hanging over your head while you do it. So good for you and fuck the paywall, killer of creativity and passion. Here's to EASE. I'm pointing myself toward that very thing in my life, too.
This is so encouraging, Holly. It never felt quite right for me to paywall content, for many of the reasons you outline here. I just turned on paid subs this week using the same model — a voluntary value exchange, content is the same for everyone. Maria Popova has shown us it‘s possible. I‘ll keep my day job as long as I need to in order to keep the creative process pure.
Keep up the great work. Reading your blog / book was what motivated me to start writing personal essays (and to write them vulnerably). Forever grateful for it (and you).
Really great perspective for a writer 🙋♀️🙋♀️🙋♀️ who is at the beginning of building an audience. I’ve never read that Liz Gilbert quote and, wow, that resonates. I hope subscribers still get the prompt to renew. :)
Beautifully put. We love reading about your process. Thank you for sharing that as well as this moment of clarity. Teaching and coaching, live events with others, creating courses for sale or subscription, etc. might provide the revenue and feed your creativity, not bleed it. 🧛♀️🧛♂️🧛 Good luck and take care.
I have never commented but have followed your writing as I sit here on my 3rd glass of wine thinking about how I become a better person. I appreciate what you do and will continue to support your work. My meager triumphs to reduce my drinking have been due to your work. Thank you.
I paid $11 for your 40 days Mantras a few years ago. They opened the door to my now 4+ years of sobriety. Your voice in my head and your words on the page are priceless Holly because I’m sober and alive to talk about it! I’ll remain a paid subscriber with pleasure.
Thank you so much, Holly, for modeling generosity and a sense of abundance. I know many will take inspiration from your example. People lead in so many ways; this is a beautiful example of leadership. Grateful for you.
I’d happily pay more for your freedom and fiscal detachment to allow your head and heart to sing. Generous and damn fine behaviour. Brava 🎯
I hope the ease comes and stays for you, so that you can think and explore and create in a way that “incites joy”’(Gay). I value your time and your work and am happy to do so no matter your paywall settings.
This echos my own thoughts around deciding not use the paywall in my newsletter in Substack. Thank you for sharing 💛
So thoughtful. Applause and awe.
Refund? Hell no. I wish I could pay more! How about a $10 a month option??
Gosh, it seems like everyone on Substack is talking about how the paywall is detrimental to their creativity, lately. Is it an end of the year thing?
There's so much pressure to find some magical intersection between creativity and profit, which rarely happens naturally. For me, art and commerce play by different rules, and I must keep them separate to stay sane. I have a notecard on the corkboard in front of my desk that reads, "Art, not an Ad." I don't paywall anything, but it's to remind me to not get too caught up in worries about how my work might be received.
Yes to hearing that relief in your (written) voice. All the best to you, Holly. I get so much from your work and will continue to happily pay for it for the same reason I pay for Yoga with Adrienne. Because it's contributing to the world I want to live in. Thank you.
Your writing has saved my life, no joke, and also, I want you to be in love with it and the process and for it to feel expansive and freeing and empowering. I don't want anything hanging over your head while you do it. So good for you and fuck the paywall, killer of creativity and passion. Here's to EASE. I'm pointing myself toward that very thing in my life, too.
This is so encouraging, Holly. It never felt quite right for me to paywall content, for many of the reasons you outline here. I just turned on paid subs this week using the same model — a voluntary value exchange, content is the same for everyone. Maria Popova has shown us it‘s possible. I‘ll keep my day job as long as I need to in order to keep the creative process pure.
Keep up the great work. Reading your blog / book was what motivated me to start writing personal essays (and to write them vulnerably). Forever grateful for it (and you).
I value you and your writing immensely so glad you will continue to share your words and insights.
Really great perspective for a writer 🙋♀️🙋♀️🙋♀️ who is at the beginning of building an audience. I’ve never read that Liz Gilbert quote and, wow, that resonates. I hope subscribers still get the prompt to renew. :)
Beautifully put. We love reading about your process. Thank you for sharing that as well as this moment of clarity. Teaching and coaching, live events with others, creating courses for sale or subscription, etc. might provide the revenue and feed your creativity, not bleed it. 🧛♀️🧛♂️🧛 Good luck and take care.
Yay for ease!! Yay for continuing to give you money because supporting you, whether it’s for one email a month or five, brings me delight!
I have never commented but have followed your writing as I sit here on my 3rd glass of wine thinking about how I become a better person. I appreciate what you do and will continue to support your work. My meager triumphs to reduce my drinking have been due to your work. Thank you.
I paid $11 for your 40 days Mantras a few years ago. They opened the door to my now 4+ years of sobriety. Your voice in my head and your words on the page are priceless Holly because I’m sober and alive to talk about it! I’ll remain a paid subscriber with pleasure.