Why cutting off opposite opinion is the unkindest cut of all . A rant on how ‘paid only’, ‘blue ticks’ and ‘friends and family only’ culture is eroding free speech
I agree with you Julie. I haven't been on Substack but a few months, but I did notice the paid subscriptions right out of the gate. Sean Dietrich moved here, and he is writer, songwriter, and a performer. He has been on The Grand Ol Opry a few times. He doesn't charge for his daily stories and since I don't post something every day, I don't think I will ever charge. If you want to read my stories, I think that is great, but I don't think I will ever need the money just to write.
I see social commentary and fiction as very different. It is the people charging for social commentary pieces I take issue with.
I suppose I naively think people write those things wanting to help the world, and if so, they would better achieve this by distributing their points to as wide an audience as possible and encouraging debate. But sadly not everyone does have this in the forefront of their mind.
I also dislike it when you get part way through reading a substack and it says you can’t read the rest without paying. Feels like you’ve been strung a long a bit.
Very interesting dissection of the cowardice and self cosseting of many deploying pomposity and confirmation bias; surrounding themselves with sycophants and thus remaining on the fringe of genuine public discourse. I’d never thought much about it. Thanks.
'When you speak your mind with good intention and a willingness to engage respectfully, any haters or shit stirrers will be EXPOSED not buoyed by that environment.'
Well said, Julie. When it comes to placing our content behind a paywall, I'd say that it's only fair if we provide a fair amount of free articles to readers in general.
Cause similar to what you mentioned, placing all (or almost all) of our articles behind a paywall is counterproductive in terms of its very limited reach and hence, lack of sufficient discourse on those topics.
individual as to whether to paywall their work or not. That’s fine.
BUT when it’s an article about wanting what’s best for the world/exposing bad shit, then when you paywall it you are highlighting money as your primary motive for writing it rather than any desire for
social justice. Let’s just say, I then take your work a little less seriously knowing this was the driving force.
I am a newbie to Substack. I set up the pay to read more, then I thought, what the hell? Why would I do that, when all I want to do is possibly encourage someone who suffers from PTSD or depression that they are not the only one out there. So, yes, my posts are free and will probably always be that way.
Seriously this is me and my daughters with kids. I'm not allowed to guide my kids on their parenting, which is like watching a train wreck sometimes. You gave me something to think about though!
I absolutely see where you’re coming from but I don’t share your fire. I don’t think the internet (as in, the collective who voluntarily generate “content”) owes us anything. If someone is putting something out there, it’s okay for them to say “my house, my rules”. They make their bed and they lie in it - with whatever paying or non-paying bedfellows that leaves them with.
You, Julie, set a very high bar when it comes to free speech credentials. You pass the purity test. But not everyone is operating at that level. Until they do, I’d still rather they say something than nothing - even if it mildly frustrates me when I can’t access their comment section.
Anyway, I appreciate your anger, because it’s never not funny.
As I say I think it depends on what our objectives are as writers. Do we want to influence as many people as we can or not? Do we want to hone our thoughts and challenge our biases?
Maybe not everyone does and maybe it’s naive and hopeful of me to believe that most people would prioritise that above all else.
Thanks for giving a different view though. You’re blocked now, obviously…….. I only want ‘Yes men’ on my page 😂😂😂
I couldn't agree more with the political posts. I started reading one this morning only to be blocked by a paywall. So freaking annoying! I also went to comment on someone's post and got blocked with that. I have more sympathy with the latter as it wasn't a political or social post but never the less......!
Yes I suppose for me political/ commentary posts must always be born of passion and desire for social justice first, a thirst to get an idea into the world. When that is thwarted by its own creator, I can’t help but conclude it’s first and foremost about the cash.
I have zero influence. No one gets plugged. I just try to get them to read my comment. You're in a different situation. You write and post essays. I just comment.
I agree with you 100% Julie if you are writing about important spiritual truths and world truths then you should consider a way to post it free for every reader. One writer I follow to is not on Substack and you can only follow him through his website charges $16 a month to read his world view and what he believes is important truth and information.
He’s paid subscribers can view his work one week earlier than he’s on paid subscribers. As a paid subscriber you can also join the discussions and his social community. I think it’s a good deal because he has found a way to have paid and unpaid subscriptions. He also produces a weekly podcast which is free to every user the second week.
Thank you for playing this issue to everyone’s attention!
People want their own fan club - which is cool enough - but when we write about social injustice/current affairs etc, surely the main thing we are trying to do is effect a change of some sort or get a message to people, which will never happen if you’re hiding your work behind paywalls or making them pay to chew the fat over it.
Ha - and so a mid week rant was born. Might get roasted on here seeing as Substack is a place for money making. 😂😂
Just to be clear I am talking about posts about political and social commentary issues. I disagree putting those kind of posts behind paywalls.
Fuck it anyway. Bring it on.
For the benefit of non Brits/young
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jimmy_Corkhill
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beasley_Street
Just stuck it on Facebook too.
PUBLIC of course!
It’s a bit long for it really, but fuck it.
Just brilliant. I loved reading this and totally agree. Own what you believe.
Cheers Trudi. Yeah say it loud and proud and ready to engage…..or don’t bother.🔥
I agree with you Julie. I haven't been on Substack but a few months, but I did notice the paid subscriptions right out of the gate. Sean Dietrich moved here, and he is writer, songwriter, and a performer. He has been on The Grand Ol Opry a few times. He doesn't charge for his daily stories and since I don't post something every day, I don't think I will ever charge. If you want to read my stories, I think that is great, but I don't think I will ever need the money just to write.
I see social commentary and fiction as very different. It is the people charging for social commentary pieces I take issue with.
I suppose I naively think people write those things wanting to help the world, and if so, they would better achieve this by distributing their points to as wide an audience as possible and encouraging debate. But sadly not everyone does have this in the forefront of their mind.
I also dislike it when you get part way through reading a substack and it says you can’t read the rest without paying. Feels like you’ve been strung a long a bit.
I agree
Very interesting dissection of the cowardice and self cosseting of many deploying pomposity and confirmation bias; surrounding themselves with sycophants and thus remaining on the fringe of genuine public discourse. I’d never thought much about it. Thanks.
It’s interesting how many people saw this piece on here and Fb but didn’t comment. Makes me think a few recognised facets of themselves.
Good.😂🔥
Yes, good 👍
'When you speak your mind with good intention and a willingness to engage respectfully, any haters or shit stirrers will be EXPOSED not buoyed by that environment.'
Well said, Julie. When it comes to placing our content behind a paywall, I'd say that it's only fair if we provide a fair amount of free articles to readers in general.
Cause similar to what you mentioned, placing all (or almost all) of our articles behind a paywall is counterproductive in terms of its very limited reach and hence, lack of sufficient discourse on those topics.
It’s the choice of each
individual as to whether to paywall their work or not. That’s fine.
BUT when it’s an article about wanting what’s best for the world/exposing bad shit, then when you paywall it you are highlighting money as your primary motive for writing it rather than any desire for
social justice. Let’s just say, I then take your work a little less seriously knowing this was the driving force.
I am a newbie to Substack. I set up the pay to read more, then I thought, what the hell? Why would I do that, when all I want to do is possibly encourage someone who suffers from PTSD or depression that they are not the only one out there. So, yes, my posts are free and will probably always be that way.
Well all mine are free but people can donate too . That felt like the ideal option for me. I only have 4 paid but still it’s lovely that they do :)
You go, girl!
Well said !
Get em all called out 🔥
Seriously this is me and my daughters with kids. I'm not allowed to guide my kids on their parenting, which is like watching a train wreck sometimes. You gave me something to think about though!
Love and strength to you xx
I absolutely see where you’re coming from but I don’t share your fire. I don’t think the internet (as in, the collective who voluntarily generate “content”) owes us anything. If someone is putting something out there, it’s okay for them to say “my house, my rules”. They make their bed and they lie in it - with whatever paying or non-paying bedfellows that leaves them with.
You, Julie, set a very high bar when it comes to free speech credentials. You pass the purity test. But not everyone is operating at that level. Until they do, I’d still rather they say something than nothing - even if it mildly frustrates me when I can’t access their comment section.
Anyway, I appreciate your anger, because it’s never not funny.
As I say I think it depends on what our objectives are as writers. Do we want to influence as many people as we can or not? Do we want to hone our thoughts and challenge our biases?
Maybe not everyone does and maybe it’s naive and hopeful of me to believe that most people would prioritise that above all else.
Thanks for giving a different view though. You’re blocked now, obviously…….. I only want ‘Yes men’ on my page 😂😂😂
…and breath. 🤣🤣🤣
Got myself a cup of coffee now, Mikeybuoy, got it all off me chest😂😂
Quite entertaining when you get sweary! 🤣🤣
Yes, I entertain myself too😂😂
I couldn't agree more with the political posts. I started reading one this morning only to be blocked by a paywall. So freaking annoying! I also went to comment on someone's post and got blocked with that. I have more sympathy with the latter as it wasn't a political or social post but never the less......!
Yes I suppose for me political/ commentary posts must always be born of passion and desire for social justice first, a thirst to get an idea into the world. When that is thwarted by its own creator, I can’t help but conclude it’s first and foremost about the cash.
I agree.
100% Agree. Well said.
Fucks me right off.
When I try to comment and hit a paywall I restack with a note, and put my comment there.
So do I sometimes but then I feel guilty for plugging a person who is promoting such a thing by doing that. Moral dilemmas eh?😂
I have zero influence. No one gets plugged. I just try to get them to read my comment. You're in a different situation. You write and post essays. I just comment.
I think we all have influence.
I have changed the image on this because I realised I had used the other one in the past and I like this one better anyway.
I agree with you 100% Julie if you are writing about important spiritual truths and world truths then you should consider a way to post it free for every reader. One writer I follow to is not on Substack and you can only follow him through his website charges $16 a month to read his world view and what he believes is important truth and information.
He’s paid subscribers can view his work one week earlier than he’s on paid subscribers. As a paid subscriber you can also join the discussions and his social community. I think it’s a good deal because he has found a way to have paid and unpaid subscriptions. He also produces a weekly podcast which is free to every user the second week.
Thank you for playing this issue to everyone’s attention!
😂😂😂
People want their own fan club - which is cool enough - but when we write about social injustice/current affairs etc, surely the main thing we are trying to do is effect a change of some sort or get a message to people, which will never happen if you’re hiding your work behind paywalls or making them pay to chew the fat over it.