For any non-payers out there, I put in $6 a month and it is the best money I spend. Seriously. And we're a single income family with two boys heading to college so no deep pockets here, fyi. Hamilton is the real deal, his writing is freaking awesome, and he is a tireless agitator and voice for unions and the working class. I met him at a bar in St. Paul and he is a nice dude, too! Please support him as he works for all of us. ~~ Joel
Regarding travel, here's a thought: Consider asking your readers to cover your expenses via a GoFundMe campaign (or some similar crowdfunding mechanism). Paid subscribers might be willing to kick in a bit more to get you to Chicago (or wherever), and even non-payers might see the value in having you do a special reporting trip once in a while. I did this several times on Uni Watch -- in the interests of transparency, I created a travel budget, showing how much I needed for airfare, lodging, meals, incidentals, etc. -- and my readers always came through.
Additional detail: When I've done this, I set a $50 contribution limit, because I didn't want one or two sugar daddies covering the whole thing. I wanted it to be a team/community effort. I think that helped create a good sense of "We're all in this together."
At the age of 85 and surviving on Social Security and a very modest fixed income living in an ACLF, I am at the limit of paid Sub stack subscriptions. But your willingness to keep your news open to non-paying subscribers is greatly appreciated. I clearly remember the euphoric day when I cut the cord from miserable employers and went on my own as an independent sales and marketing agent. It took two years to get the commissions up to the point where they were sustainable, and then they were the happiest working years of my entire life. So just keep sending out good words like these and you will get there!
Very happy to contribute to your continued viability HamNo, but I almost jumped out of my chair with glee at the prospect of seeing your byline at Defector under something other than Jaguars Junction. Yay Hamilton Nolan Defector Edition!
I'm subscribed, so I am doing my job there. And unfortunately I can't contribute extra, although I may drop the increasingly useless WA Post in September and kick you their $129 or whatever a year is. But I will try to find at least one other non subscriber to subscribe.
This level of transparency is appreciated. I'm increasing my contribution in the hope that you hit your sustainability goals, and more. Voices like yours are sorely needed.
Upgraded to founding tier! I actually didn’t even know this existed (and I think I read your posts at least 80% of the time even though I too have a bit of newsletter overload.)
One other thought: I just kicked in money to two campaigns being run by an alt-weekly in my home state: one to hire an agriculture focused reporter and the other to hire a Black reporter. They got a fiscal sponsor for these campaigns so contributions are tax deductible for those who care. Could be a good way to raise funds for an expansion, big reporting projects, etc.
Hamilton, is there any third path for those of us who would like to support you within our financial means, but cannot afford the Substack minimum? A Kofi account, for example?
I just hit the paid button for "How Things Work." I loved your Bitcoin piece the other day and am in the same boat with my substack. I'm keeping it open to everyone, but I'm hoping that people subscribe to the paid tier.
It could run against your plans and purposes for this substack, and maybe dry up some of your other sources for revenue, but I wouldn't mind seeing articles on additional topics here, for example boxing, physical training, and zen koans, and crock-pot cooking. Or you could link to them more consistently at the bottom of this page. Maybe you already include all the links, but I seem to stumble on your writings now and then and don't remember seeing links to them.
Honestly I would keep your focus on labor/politics. There are a few Substack sites whose authors I really like, but they wander off into movie reviews sports reviews, or Marvel Universe on top of the really good social and political commenting that they do. When I had to clean up my paid subscription roster andcut some of the fat, unfortunately those were the first to go.
Labor gives you a strong niche Leg up, and Your takes on the state of journalism and politics Are so strongly related to labor that they all feel of a 'piece'. You are where I go when I want that thing that only you can deliver. Branching out only works until you start thinning out. It's a balancing act
I'm a paid subscriber and I urge everyone (who can afford it) to upgrade to a paid subscription as well! I've shared your substack with my DSA comrades, too. Solidarity and thanks for all you do, Hamilton.
For any non-payers out there, I put in $6 a month and it is the best money I spend. Seriously. And we're a single income family with two boys heading to college so no deep pockets here, fyi. Hamilton is the real deal, his writing is freaking awesome, and he is a tireless agitator and voice for unions and the working class. I met him at a bar in St. Paul and he is a nice dude, too! Please support him as he works for all of us. ~~ Joel
Appreciate you Joel!
Regarding travel, here's a thought: Consider asking your readers to cover your expenses via a GoFundMe campaign (or some similar crowdfunding mechanism). Paid subscribers might be willing to kick in a bit more to get you to Chicago (or wherever), and even non-payers might see the value in having you do a special reporting trip once in a while. I did this several times on Uni Watch -- in the interests of transparency, I created a travel budget, showing how much I needed for airfare, lodging, meals, incidentals, etc. -- and my readers always came through.
Interesting, it's a thought.
Additional detail: When I've done this, I set a $50 contribution limit, because I didn't want one or two sugar daddies covering the whole thing. I wanted it to be a team/community effort. I think that helped create a good sense of "We're all in this together."
By contrast I wake up each morning praying for a sugar daddy....
At the age of 85 and surviving on Social Security and a very modest fixed income living in an ACLF, I am at the limit of paid Sub stack subscriptions. But your willingness to keep your news open to non-paying subscribers is greatly appreciated. I clearly remember the euphoric day when I cut the cord from miserable employers and went on my own as an independent sales and marketing agent. It took two years to get the commissions up to the point where they were sustainable, and then they were the happiest working years of my entire life. So just keep sending out good words like these and you will get there!
Appreciate you Albert, keep reading.
Very happy to contribute to your continued viability HamNo, but I almost jumped out of my chair with glee at the prospect of seeing your byline at Defector under something other than Jaguars Junction. Yay Hamilton Nolan Defector Edition!
Paid sub, old lady on SS & SSI here, trying to increase subscription amount but having trouble doing so. Please advise. Thank you.
Just keep reading Sylvia, thank you.
I'm subscribed, so I am doing my job there. And unfortunately I can't contribute extra, although I may drop the increasingly useless WA Post in September and kick you their $129 or whatever a year is. But I will try to find at least one other non subscriber to subscribe.
You are a soldier for the cause.
Thanks for the reminder. Subbed at last! Keep at it.
Thank you.
This level of transparency is appreciated. I'm increasing my contribution in the hope that you hit your sustainability goals, and more. Voices like yours are sorely needed.
Thank you Mark.
I just bought a subscription. As a long time fan, I a, requesting more yogurt content and Jaguars Junction.
Thank you Julia.
*I am wtf no edit
Upgraded to founding tier! I actually didn’t even know this existed (and I think I read your posts at least 80% of the time even though I too have a bit of newsletter overload.)
You are a champ.
One other thought: I just kicked in money to two campaigns being run by an alt-weekly in my home state: one to hire an agriculture focused reporter and the other to hire a Black reporter. They got a fiscal sponsor for these campaigns so contributions are tax deductible for those who care. Could be a good way to raise funds for an expansion, big reporting projects, etc.
Upgraded to Founding. Thanks for the reminder, Hamilton. We appreciate you.
Thank you Jason!
Will paying subscribers ever gain access to the secret orange pie recipe?
This recipe is available at the $10,000 level.
Hamilton, is there any third path for those of us who would like to support you within our financial means, but cannot afford the Substack minimum? A Kofi account, for example?
I've gotten a few questions like this, I can look into a "tip jar" or something similar. Stand by.
I just hit the paid button for "How Things Work." I loved your Bitcoin piece the other day and am in the same boat with my substack. I'm keeping it open to everyone, but I'm hoping that people subscribe to the paid tier.
Thank you Lloyd!
It could run against your plans and purposes for this substack, and maybe dry up some of your other sources for revenue, but I wouldn't mind seeing articles on additional topics here, for example boxing, physical training, and zen koans, and crock-pot cooking. Or you could link to them more consistently at the bottom of this page. Maybe you already include all the links, but I seem to stumble on your writings now and then and don't remember seeing links to them.
I do try to link all my freelance stuff here. I haven't really expanded this site past labor/ politics but it could happen one day, we shall see...
Honestly I would keep your focus on labor/politics. There are a few Substack sites whose authors I really like, but they wander off into movie reviews sports reviews, or Marvel Universe on top of the really good social and political commenting that they do. When I had to clean up my paid subscription roster andcut some of the fat, unfortunately those were the first to go.
Labor gives you a strong niche Leg up, and Your takes on the state of journalism and politics Are so strongly related to labor that they all feel of a 'piece'. You are where I go when I want that thing that only you can deliver. Branching out only works until you start thinning out. It's a balancing act
I'm a paid subscriber and I urge everyone (who can afford it) to upgrade to a paid subscription as well! I've shared your substack with my DSA comrades, too. Solidarity and thanks for all you do, Hamilton.
Thank you Elissa.