I, for one, am glad you’re free. One of my favorite Substacks (though I have email turned off and don’t get any, unless someone subscribes to my non-existent Substack). I had to laugh at your second reason, though, because I have made and continue to make many decisions based on whether they’ll make my life harder at tax time (and now, the looming Social Security, if it still exists when I reach full retirement age)!
I’m here because I like to read great authors who have the art of the swear word! I mean let’s face it, the last 5 weeks demand swearing! Plus X is a hell scape, BlueSky is a nice quick place to jump in and out, plus it’s a safe space for trolling the Felon and his ilk. FB and Insta are a place to say fuck off Zuckerberg and his ilk since they removed the fact checkers and a to share picture with close family and friends. Besides, Geoff you do inspire me to write!
the way I see it, we small writers who operate for free are actually doing them a service. sure, people mostly come here to read the "big names" that expect paid subs, but a lot of folks (I think) also like reading us smaller, free writers.
so we attract custom for them. call it a "loss leader". that inexpensive item that gets the shoppers in the door. sure, they lose a little money on that, but they gain when that shopper sticks around and subs to a paid writer.
that's one thing that kind of pisses me off. I have just over 1000 free subs. do I get any kind of badge or anything? any recognition at all? get 100 paid subs and you get a badge, get ten thousand free subs and you still get nothing, not even a "well done" email.
You are such a prolific and good writer. I adore your "fuck you's" and all the attitude. And it should go without saying your musical taste is magnificent
(since it seems to parallel with mine! 😂)
I restack you often, too, because people need to know Sweaty!
I admit I miss Human Garbage of the Week and This Fucking Guy. Damn, always spot on.
I always learn a little something and consider you a friend... ✌️
Cheers Geoff for this - I have re-stacked with a recommendation ;o) Yeah I can't publish for the same (sort of) reason as you - I can't afford to make money off it. I just pootle around reading the news and I absolutely take my hat off to people such as yourself, who really are good at the craft and I really appreciate being able to read you :o) Shine on, you crazy diamond!
I’ve actually had two free subscribers pledge money to me if I ever turn on paid, which I’ll never do (but thanks!). I don’t do many posts, mostly notes. Also, I don’t need to be paid. I do what I do because I want to, it’s not how I make or want to make a living. That’s what my retirement money is for.
I, for one, am glad you’re free. One of my favorite Substacks (though I have email turned off and don’t get any, unless someone subscribes to my non-existent Substack). I had to laugh at your second reason, though, because I have made and continue to make many decisions based on whether they’ll make my life harder at tax time (and now, the looming Social Security, if it still exists when I reach full retirement age)!
I’m here because I like to read great authors who have the art of the swear word! I mean let’s face it, the last 5 weeks demand swearing! Plus X is a hell scape, BlueSky is a nice quick place to jump in and out, plus it’s a safe space for trolling the Felon and his ilk. FB and Insta are a place to say fuck off Zuckerberg and his ilk since they removed the fact checkers and a to share picture with close family and friends. Besides, Geoff you do inspire me to write!
Aw shucks, that is high praise indeed!
the way I see it, we small writers who operate for free are actually doing them a service. sure, people mostly come here to read the "big names" that expect paid subs, but a lot of folks (I think) also like reading us smaller, free writers.
so we attract custom for them. call it a "loss leader". that inexpensive item that gets the shoppers in the door. sure, they lose a little money on that, but they gain when that shopper sticks around and subs to a paid writer.
that's one thing that kind of pisses me off. I have just over 1000 free subs. do I get any kind of badge or anything? any recognition at all? get 100 paid subs and you get a badge, get ten thousand free subs and you still get nothing, not even a "well done" email.
We read you because we like and want to hear what you have to say…any topic you want to delve into, I’m game…
You are such a prolific and good writer. I adore your "fuck you's" and all the attitude. And it should go without saying your musical taste is magnificent
(since it seems to parallel with mine! 😂)
I restack you often, too, because people need to know Sweaty!
I admit I miss Human Garbage of the Week and This Fucking Guy. Damn, always spot on.
I always learn a little something and consider you a friend... ✌️
Liked Crazy Diamonds. Also your comments on my posts.
Thanks.
Cheers Geoff for this - I have re-stacked with a recommendation ;o) Yeah I can't publish for the same (sort of) reason as you - I can't afford to make money off it. I just pootle around reading the news and I absolutely take my hat off to people such as yourself, who really are good at the craft and I really appreciate being able to read you :o) Shine on, you crazy diamond!
Well, since you mentioned Shine on You Crazy Diamond, here's a bonus. Steve Lukather with his rip snortin' cover: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4oW-9PdYglk
OMG face-meltingly brilliant! :o) It's the Brit Awards tonight - this is far better! LOL (Did you see they nominated the Beatles this year?!)
Cheers mate.
Steve has a way with his axe…
I learn something or discover something or someone or some band every time I read your posts.
Great article, Sweaty. I’ll be following you forever. Free is good.
I’ve actually had two free subscribers pledge money to me if I ever turn on paid, which I’ll never do (but thanks!). I don’t do many posts, mostly notes. Also, I don’t need to be paid. I do what I do because I want to, it’s not how I make or want to make a living. That’s what my retirement money is for.