If Signal Fire Was Free, Would You Support To Keep It Going?

No Paywall = More Support? You Tell Me

Wishes and coins

To quote the 2006 Oscar winner for Best Original Song: “It’s hard out here for a pimp.”

Ok, I am not, nor have I ever been a pimp, not in any way, but still, it’s hard out here for a newsletter writer/photographer/poet/Autistic/Buddhist who is incapable of doing anything but create and write and photograph.

I’ll be very blunt (as I always am) for a second: I’ve lost quite a few paid subscribers over the last few months, and after looking at the growth of this place over all-time, somehow I’m at less paid subscriptions than when I began, despite other places seeing a pretty consistent and regular upward trajectory. I could guess at the reason why, or I could just bypass the B.S. and ask you directly. I need to right this ship to keep Signal Fire sailing, as truly without paid subscriptions, the hundreds of hours I spend on this place each month just aren’t sustainable, and so something’s gotta give.

If I made ALL my content free, would that make you More or Less likely to upgrade to a paid subscription?

Many highly successful Substacks and newsletters operate solely on the “Gift Economy” where they just give away all content for free—no paywalls on any posts—and then just rely on kindness, and people who wish to financially support them to be paid for their efforts.

It is scary even asking this as I cannot afford to gamble if I am going to lose all my current paid subscribers, as it really is the only way I’m able to afford to keep this place running and one of only two ways I am able to financially support my family, but I am genuinely curious.

Secondly, if you’ve made it this far, can you answer me this:

If you’re NOT currently a paid subscriber, what kind of content here would make you MORE likely to upgrade your subscription?

Signal Fire exists because I believe in storytelling, in true connections with all of you, in sharing the raw and real parts of life, and in writing essays that help you connect with something bigger and deeper in your own lives. I try—multiple times per week through my poetry, essays, and photography—to create something that makes you pause, reflect, and truly feel. Creating takes time, it takes effort, and it takes a lotta heart—I want to make sure I’m able to do this in a way that serves you best.

If you’ve EVER loved a piece I have written, if a poem has ever hit home at the perfect moment—imagine what this Signal Fire could be with even more support.

Paid subscriptions aren’t just about access and goodies, it’s about keeping this fire burning.

Anyway, as a thank you, I wanted to make it easier for any of you on the fence about upgrading, and extend the insane 50% off annual subscription offer. Just click the button below to do so, and help keep the wind in these sails.

Thank you for taking the time to read this. It’s hard sending things like this, but I owe it to you, and this place, to do so.

See you tomorrow.