It's so tricky to negotiate all this, isn't it Matthew? I've swung between paid posts and pay walls in the past, and it's always left me feeling awkward in one way or another. I think it's good to be able to say when you've had a change of heart and be open about it. Hopefully, by sharing our best work (and showing up as our best selves) on this platform, we will find the people who resonate with our work.
It is such a challenge. I was confident in my decision when I sent out the first email but then it just didn't sit right with me. It reminded me of how I feel when I hit a paywall and I know I can't afford to support every single writer. So I have to be selective. I think you are correct that when we share our best work and our best selves supporters will find us.
Beautifully put, Matthew. After two years of seeking the right words for the tension between community building and compensation, I tip every hat in my collection to you. I’m proud to join your tribe of paid subscribers.
Matthew, I so appreciate you taking down the paywall. I basically came to that decision about my own stack this year, although I certainly appreciate my paid subscribers. I do believe that in this time of media cooptation and filtering, everyone needs access to independent writing, especially if they can't afford subscriptions. That said, it IS work writing and maintaining a newsletter with quality content — so I am now upgrading to a paid subscription with you because I support the work you're doing. Thank you!
Your open and honest communication with your readers is well-appreciated, Matthew. Currently, I leave my posts up for a almost a week before they are archived behind a paywall. I have to be judicious about paid subscriptions because I am retired and live on a fixed income. I wish I could support financially the many very fine writers I find here.
Your model makes sense, especially because so few of us writers and poets especially make much, even when published, yet reading and reading some more is one of the best ways to become a better writer. Thank you for your generosity.
Thanks Maureen. It is a hard balance to find but I have decided this is the right path for me. I don't know if there is a right answer. Everyone has to figure out what works best for their situation.
Thanks, Matthew. I agree with you on the free vs. paywall dilemma. I'm almost at my 2 year mark publishing essays on the platform. I came in with no paywalls, did a very brief experiment of paywalling my 1 month old archived posts, and then received a breathtaking message from a reader. A college professor, she'd assigned one of my essays as required reading on her syllabus to her graduate and undergraduate students. They came to my post and discovered the paywall. To say I was flattered is a gross understatement. You've never seen a paywall disabled faster. And yes, I too would like more paid subscribers, though first and foremost, I write for myself, the connections I'm forging here with readers and other writers, and feeling like I'm making some kind of contribution to the lives of others. And buying groceries is something I need to do, too. I've decided to trust in my readers, and in grace, to supply what I need. The rest is cake. xo
Thank you Nan. I appreciate your insights here and it confirms my ideas about the whole business. When I was young my family utilized our local public library constantly. What a tremendous gift that free resource was to the community and to my family. In the same way, I want my writing to be available to others as I trust in the generosity of those who can give something more.
Precisely. I love trusting that generosity...and sometimes, (every time I publish) I provide all kinds of invites to upgrade. Sometimes it comes, sometimes it doesn't, but I'm not going to stop writing. I really just got started! xo
Matthew: your generosity of spirit and support in your reading community goes way beyond this decision on paywalls. I regret not always being able to read and comment – life is taking me away from Substack more and more these last six months – but yours is one of the most impressive and conscientious projects on this platform. Carry on and I am sure your readers will follow and support you for a long time yet.
Matt, thank you for taking the time to read and respond. It means a great deal coming from anyone but especially a writer I admire. I know that life has kept you busy and honestly that is more important than anything going on here. Wishing you all the best as always and I look forward to reading your impactful words when they arrive.
Always love your honesty and open heart, Matthew. I think your booklist is such a fun option for your readers to show support! I'm hoping you received the copy of James I chose for you several months back. I loved that book and suspected you might too.
This, too, Matthew, is why I am free except for my course that does have serious copyright issues--not so much of my work though that too in the teaching method--but also because of stories I quote and provide links to.
I so agree with all you say here--and praise you for your humanity and, for the ability to rethink a major issue for all Substack writers.
Thank you Mary. It is a hard decision and sometimes ego gets in the way but at the end of the day I had to go with my gut. I was never going to get rich on Substack so in any case. This ensures I continue to have the opportunity to engage with thoughtful readers even if their situation doesn't allow them to support me financially.
I appreciate you, Matthew. Where does one find your book list?
Thanks Cams. Here is the link: https://matthewmlong.substack.com/p/support
What a thoughtful and generous approach. I have appreciated your work; that’s why I’m a paid subscriber. Looking forward to the future of BYB!
Thank you so much Alison! You are truly appreciated. Glad to have you here. I think 2026 is going to be a great reading year.
Thank you. I feel the same about my substack writings.
Thanks Nancy. Glad to have you here.
It's so tricky to negotiate all this, isn't it Matthew? I've swung between paid posts and pay walls in the past, and it's always left me feeling awkward in one way or another. I think it's good to be able to say when you've had a change of heart and be open about it. Hopefully, by sharing our best work (and showing up as our best selves) on this platform, we will find the people who resonate with our work.
It is such a challenge. I was confident in my decision when I sent out the first email but then it just didn't sit right with me. It reminded me of how I feel when I hit a paywall and I know I can't afford to support every single writer. So I have to be selective. I think you are correct that when we share our best work and our best selves supporters will find us.
Beautifully put, Matthew. After two years of seeking the right words for the tension between community building and compensation, I tip every hat in my collection to you. I’m proud to join your tribe of paid subscribers.
I am truly grateful Rona.
Matthew, I so appreciate you taking down the paywall. I basically came to that decision about my own stack this year, although I certainly appreciate my paid subscribers. I do believe that in this time of media cooptation and filtering, everyone needs access to independent writing, especially if they can't afford subscriptions. That said, it IS work writing and maintaining a newsletter with quality content — so I am now upgrading to a paid subscription with you because I support the work you're doing. Thank you!
Thank you Martha. Your support and encouragement has meant a great deal to me.
Your open and honest communication with your readers is well-appreciated, Matthew. Currently, I leave my posts up for a almost a week before they are archived behind a paywall. I have to be judicious about paid subscriptions because I am retired and live on a fixed income. I wish I could support financially the many very fine writers I find here.
Your model makes sense, especially because so few of us writers and poets especially make much, even when published, yet reading and reading some more is one of the best ways to become a better writer. Thank you for your generosity.
Thanks Maureen. It is a hard balance to find but I have decided this is the right path for me. I don't know if there is a right answer. Everyone has to figure out what works best for their situation.
A change of heart that I deeply appreciate, thank you.
It also resonates strongly with my own perspective on Substack.
Many thanks my friend. Grateful for your presence here.
So grateful for your generous voice, Matthew. Heading over to your Bookshop wish list....happy to contribute!
Jody, you are too generous. Many thanks for your continued support and encouragement.
Beautiful and generous. Thank you.
Thank you Erin. Glad to have you here.
Thank you. I so appreciate the work you do.
Bravo my friend 👏👏👏👊
Thanks Dee. Grateful to have you on this journey with me.
Thanks, Matthew. I agree with you on the free vs. paywall dilemma. I'm almost at my 2 year mark publishing essays on the platform. I came in with no paywalls, did a very brief experiment of paywalling my 1 month old archived posts, and then received a breathtaking message from a reader. A college professor, she'd assigned one of my essays as required reading on her syllabus to her graduate and undergraduate students. They came to my post and discovered the paywall. To say I was flattered is a gross understatement. You've never seen a paywall disabled faster. And yes, I too would like more paid subscribers, though first and foremost, I write for myself, the connections I'm forging here with readers and other writers, and feeling like I'm making some kind of contribution to the lives of others. And buying groceries is something I need to do, too. I've decided to trust in my readers, and in grace, to supply what I need. The rest is cake. xo
Thank you Nan. I appreciate your insights here and it confirms my ideas about the whole business. When I was young my family utilized our local public library constantly. What a tremendous gift that free resource was to the community and to my family. In the same way, I want my writing to be available to others as I trust in the generosity of those who can give something more.
Precisely. I love trusting that generosity...and sometimes, (every time I publish) I provide all kinds of invites to upgrade. Sometimes it comes, sometimes it doesn't, but I'm not going to stop writing. I really just got started! xo
I applaud your decisionbut will continue to subscribe as well. Thanks for your hard work.
Thank you Camila. I appreciate this and am glad to have you here.
Matthew: your generosity of spirit and support in your reading community goes way beyond this decision on paywalls. I regret not always being able to read and comment – life is taking me away from Substack more and more these last six months – but yours is one of the most impressive and conscientious projects on this platform. Carry on and I am sure your readers will follow and support you for a long time yet.
Matt, thank you for taking the time to read and respond. It means a great deal coming from anyone but especially a writer I admire. I know that life has kept you busy and honestly that is more important than anything going on here. Wishing you all the best as always and I look forward to reading your impactful words when they arrive.
Always love your honesty and open heart, Matthew. I think your booklist is such a fun option for your readers to show support! I'm hoping you received the copy of James I chose for you several months back. I loved that book and suspected you might too.
I did receive it! I had no idea who sent it but now I do! Thank you so much. It is on my list to read in the coming year.
Oh shoot, I guess they didn’t include the gift message! Who knows what happened, but I’m glad it made it to you.☺️
This, too, Matthew, is why I am free except for my course that does have serious copyright issues--not so much of my work though that too in the teaching method--but also because of stories I quote and provide links to.
I so agree with all you say here--and praise you for your humanity and, for the ability to rethink a major issue for all Substack writers.
Thank you Mary. It is a hard decision and sometimes ego gets in the way but at the end of the day I had to go with my gut. I was never going to get rich on Substack so in any case. This ensures I continue to have the opportunity to engage with thoughtful readers even if their situation doesn't allow them to support me financially.