In terms of a tip jar, I saw Sophia Efthimiatou, Substack’s Head of Writer Relations, address this on a video call with Sarah Fay. At about 44:00 of this video she gets into it.
EDIT: Just watched it and she has the exact attitude that I argue against in my post. She sees it as "charity." I see it as gratitude and appreciation. It's just different mindsets, not a rule.
For sure. I just thought it was interesting that I saw both sides of it within days of each other. Whether charity or gratitude, I’m curious how often it works. Wikipedia has been asking for money for years and rarely do I donate. But maybe if it was just a monthly $5 subscription it would be more effective? I have no idea. 🤷
Maybe Sophia Efthimiatou, Substack’s Head of Writer Relations is an example of what's wrong with Substack. We are not Wikipedia, we are your writers, developing a new business for many reasons, one of which is to make money and give something back of worth.
Maybe not the best example, but it came to mind for how frequently they ask when they do ask. And I guess tipping is different than donations. Kristi makes a good point that Substack could take a cut of the tips, as they do with subscriptions.
I have no data to back this up, but I dunno that writers would even tip other writers that much if it were available. It would have to be pretty low friction. Maybe do like the Starbucks app and let me “load up my tip wallet”, from which I can then fill tip jars. One click or tap away. Like Amazon’s 1-click purchase.
Allowing for cheaper subscriptions than $5, or enabling writers to create a bundle subscription of multiple newsletters could be some other options. Like let’s say 5 people come together and want to offer their paid posts for $10 total. That’s only $2 each per month but there might be more people who would do it since there’s even more value and variety 🤷♂️
It’s definitely the case that people aren’t likely to subscribe to all the newsletters they’d LIKE to subscribe to. That could be hundreds of dollars per month. A tip jar could be one way around that.
Some of my followers on Facebook have exclaimed in response to a post on there, "I really needed to hear (read) this today. How is it you seem to know exactly when I'm struggling with an issue ('cause I've got a fucking crystal ball sitting in my lap nearly all the time these days)?!" When our post speaks acutely and directly to someone, wouldn't it be FABULOUS if they could instantly shoot us a few bucks (or more) for that brilliant little piece of wisdom, guidance or spot-on resonance? Me thinks it'd be a brilliant way to say THANK YOU!!!
Hmm... charity? Your story around the Big "Tip" you received completely frames the experience as reciprocity with a side of generosity... As does the graphic. I never get a charity vibe when I tip folks.
Sorry for the late addition to this conversation. I'm just now finding this post because I'm rethinking the subscription model on my own Substack. But a few thoughts: when we see musicians busking on a street corner with a hat, we don't think "begger who needs charity." We think "artist offering beauty and audience invited to respond to beauty." Putting a "tip" button on a Substack feels like the same thing to me -- like an exchange of gifts rather than a business transaction. There's room for both. One might nurture our spirit and sense of interconnection, while the other might nurture respecting our craft as a professional. They're just two different ways of valuing the work.
I'd LOVE a tip jar feature! Personally, I hate recurring payments, like when ya donate to a cause, and ya get hounded for the rest of your natural life, to give more, and more and more. If Substack takes a poll on the "TIP JAR" idea of donating to writers, you can bet I'm gonna be all for it!
It's honestly uncanny how every week on here, your articles are exactly what I'm thinking about working on or planning to do! I think a Tip Jar is a great idea and much more palatable for most readers than committing to a full subscription. It's something I see a lot in the music world, where it's very common for audience members to offer a little tip if they're enjoying the performance and it's a wonderful way for them to show their appreciation. I think the same thing could work very well for writing. I do have one question, though. Are we only permitted to use 'Buy Me A Coffee' for Tips, as it's part of Stripe, or can we use PayPal as the provider instead/as well? Thanks... 😎
I'm glad my posts are hitting the spot with you Chris.
And as far as permission, there are no rules about this. We're free to post what we want to post. There are plenty of methods you could use for your tips. They don't have to be Stripe-related. It's your choice.
That's great, thanks! It's definitely a tricky one, because even on Reddit a lot of people say they're using PayPal on here but they don't know if it's actually 'allowed' or against the Terms and Conditions. It's good to hear it's not. I think it would be good to give readers the option of different payment methods, and I'm looking into several, but as with most things on here, it's just a case of figuring out how to integrate it in the right way! Like you've done there with the box at the bottom. It's nice and easy to use, and it's got a fun caption, too - which always helps a lot. Well done... 😎
This is the thing. It would be amazing if Susbstack just introduced their own Tip Jar system, so we didn't have to use outside providers. Apparently, they don't want to do it in case it damages Subscriptions because they want that to be the focus. But so many other sites, like You Tube, are introducing their own Tip features now, because it's wanted and needed, so it does seem invevitable it will have to eventually be offered here as well. It's just a question of when... 😎
Absolutely. Especially as many people are not willing to buy a full Subscription anyway, but they might be willing to offer an occasional Tip. And they would trust an official Substack Tip Jar a lot more. That is all extra money they could be having a share of, rather than potentially letting it go to PayPal and Revolut instead... 😎
It's a great feature. You may need a certain number of Subscribers to access it, but all you have to do is turn it on. Then once they've taken their cut, they pay you through Adsense. It's incredibly simple. Good luck with it... 😎
I'd definitely prefer PayPal, too, but unfortunately, 'Buy Me a Coffee' only use Stripe. And of all the platforms I've researched, that does seem to be the best one to use for Tips. Hopefully, at some point, Substack will introduce more payment options and ways to receive funds, or even a way to more easily implement a Tip Jar... 😎
Negative, I have BuyMeACoffee (@lostinwriting) and have it configured with PayPal. I think they support both now, you just select one from the drop-down. I hate Stripe because it isn't available in 🇵🇦
I'm sure Substack thinks people will tip instead of subscribing, but it's at least equally possible that people who weren't going to be paid subscribers will tip from time to time.
Readers are, for the most part, oriented toward individual transactions, like buying a book. Sure, magazines and newspapers have always worked on subscriptions models, but at least in print, they're rapidly declining. People who read nonfiction may still subscribe to online newspapers, but people who read mostly fiction aren't as likely to do that. And some moves to subscription models, like with software, have been very unpopular with consumers.
We also need to be conscious of the fact that Substack is a lot for people who aren't used to it. Many readers are highly reluctant to give up emails, aren't used to the concept of getting huge amounts of reading in their inbox, and they're possibly a little phobic about long-term commitments. One-time donations may be a nice bridge between the free internet and the Substack model.
Bill thanks for your insight on it. I agree and I've always seen tipping as sort of an experiment. When I was writing heavily on Medium I always included a tip button just to see what would happen. And it happened way more often and more generously than I thought it would.
For me personally, I'm more likely to tip than pay monthly so I have to assume there are others out there with the same mindset.
I understand where you're coming from. But I think it's useful to distinguish the specific situation on Substack from society in general.
We're accustomed to not tipping professionals. You don't tip your doctor, your lawyer, your professor, etc. It would actually be considered rude (and raise ethical issues in the case of educators). Of course, most professionals are very well paid for what they do (K-12 teachers being an exception). As a result, I think we see tipping as something reserved for less skilled occupations. That may be part of why you're thinking of tipping as somehow less respectful, as equating a writer with a less skilled or less educated employee.
But the writers here aren't highly paid employees of Substack. They are people who, if they make any money at all here, make it from subscriptions. A few make a lot; a lot more make a little. If readers are willing to settle for what they can read for free, they need not pay anything at all. This situation differentiates readers here from people using, for example, a restaurant or a parking garage. In either case, they pay for the meal or the parking place already. A tip is a way of thanking one of the providers who facilitates the already paid service. But on Substack, there may not be an already paid service.
From that standpoint, I would suggest that the term "tip" is probably a misnomer, as what we do isn't analogous with other times when tips are given.
A tip is a one-time payment. A subscription is a continuing payment. That's really the only distinction here. Making a subscription more respectful would be true only if everyone had ample financial resources. As a retired school teacher, am I being less respectful to authors because I have paid subscriptions to fewer Substacks than a billionaire might have? I'd say not. There's a lot of great writing here, and if I were a billionaire, I'm sure I'd have hundreds of paid subscriptions. We all would. But we aren't all billionaires. So if someone doesn't become a paid subscriber, that isn't a sign of disrespect. Nor is wanting to give an occasional tip a sign of disrespect. It's just a reflection of economic realities.
I know that's an unconventional way to look at the issue, but I do think there is truth in it.
It actually drives me nuts here, because I forget it and hate the reminders of that failing by my companheira. I find it awful that it feels compulsory to me.
I have the same instinct as you here, but my rational head says I'm wrong. Sometimes I read a post so good than I feel a strong urge to thank the author in some extravagant way. And 12 years ago when I put out my first tips book that one buyer sent me a case of wine and later would send me random e-mails every few years telling me to send an invoice for thousands of euros just as a thank-you for time she felt I had saved in her work. And I've had other, unexpected thanks, usually of lesser measure, but not always. Blows my mind.
I agree that writers should be paid and have no objection to various options being displayed within the newsletter. I feel differently though about separate emails being sent out, explaining what is expected from the reader, if they appreciate the writer’s work. There was also a Note very recently, openly complaining about 799 people who had opened such an email and had not upgraded to a paid subscription. This I feel is going too far and can be very upsetting for those unable to pay.
I don’t think it’s cheesy to ask for a tip, or a subscriber for that matter.
I have a couple people I pay small subscription fees, but you are correct that I would be much more moved to give an occasional “tip” when moved by something.
To me, this is not so much about the specifics of asking or not asking, but about our relationship to this thing called 'money.' And there is no personal failing or shame here -- most of us have been brought up into a culture and mindset that worships money and makes everything transactional, including our relationships. For a great book on this, read "The Soul of Money" by Lynne Twist.
When we shift our perspective and see relations with each other as the most valuable thing, and our relationship with the earth, we take care of those relations in a different way. When money comes into the equation it's not something to be hoarded but something to be moved around -- currency, think about that word! Currents... meant to stay in circulation.
I love your story about receiving the large sum of of money, and realizing you had an imperative to keep passing it along. That's beautiful!
Here's to collectively transforming our perception of money and supporting each other in all ways.
Exactly!!! Actually that reminds me of another book that really helped to transform my relationship with $ -- "The Energy of Money" by Maria Nemeth. be well!
I think a tip jar makes more sense on Medium. The way the revenue model is set up, it's an extra/specific way to acknowledge a writer or story. There's no real other way to do it there (other than clapping, which obvs. isn't monetary).
On Substack, the physics are different, and the way to do that is by supporting a project. The argument that a 1 time tip vs. a recurring subscription is fair, but I'd counter that one can also "go paid" for a month, and then unsubscribe if they choose. It's $5 either way. And tbh, as a writer, both feel great. But with a tip, the odds are pretty good that it'll be a one and done--it's how we've been conditioned to look at tipping/busking/etc. But with a subscription, there's agency, and the odds are better that it'll become a recurring stream for the writer.
I hear ya. And again, fair points all around. From what I've seen, a lot of people feel that way. I just think the "better" long term option for us as writers is a subscription--specifically a monthly one for those not yet ready to commit.
I posted a Note about a tip jar a couple days ago. I'm new so I should've known that this has already been discussed.
My two cents is that I'm already overwhelmed with Follows and Subscriptions to other stacks. So I'm not likely to go paid at the moment. But being able to tip someone a buck for a really good post seems a lot less scary than giving them 40 bucks upfront or committing to that 5.88 a month every month for the next year. It's like I'm committing to a stupid Verizon contract.
Kristi, I joined Substack to write about our journey, to get it out of my system, and to make money, isn't that part of the point. I haven't subscribed to people because I don't have the money, 2 subscribers. Really I would if Substack writers supported me as I would them. So why should we have to ask. Everyone on here knows that people on here enjoy writing and in turn would like to be rewarded for it, it's a business.
You have to ask and provide a call to action button to different links, different tip jars, different subscriptions… For the exact same reason that you know exactly what is on a Big Mac and yet McDonald’s pays billions every year for marketing.
You have to ask because though YOU remember and feel like it’s a business, we don’t. You have to ask because unless you catch us in that exact moment, where we are willing and interested in buying the thing… As opposed to just scrolling during our morning dump, we won’t even remember your name in 10 minutes. It’s not an insult, am I a priority to you? Do you even know what I write? No.
But let’s just take Neurodivergents like me, for example.
I have 25,000 unread emails in my inbox. No, that is not an exaggeration, and because I’ve avoided emails the last week it’s probably higher. But there is a workshop I have been waiting to join by one of my favorite creators. Does my brain remember that? Sure at 2 AM. I follow this woman on five different places, and I have for six years. I know exactly who she is, exactly what she brings to the table, and how much I will enjoy her workshop.
I didn’t sign up because I missed all the notifications. Because she didn’t put the call to action on all of her posts while she was launching. Because my ADHD ass was looking for a giant button, and it was a link inside a post.
So worst case scenario, you’re doing it for the same reason McDonald’s does. To make sure that your message and business gets out to as many people as possible.
But if you’re waiting for the tit for tat of Substack writers supporting you in order for you to support them (because you’re assuming everyone writes on here for their business), then you’re already missing the point.
The best advice I heard was that mentioning your tip jar was giving people a chance to support you. I’ve valued someone’s work and done it a few times.
In terms of a tip jar, I saw Sophia Efthimiatou, Substack’s Head of Writer Relations, address this on a video call with Sarah Fay. At about 44:00 of this video she gets into it.
https://www.writersatwork.net/p/live-q-and-a-with-substacks-sophia
She says “we don’t think it’s actually good for writers” and explains why Substack has purposefully avoided adding that feature.
Worth checking out, for an alternative viewpoint :)
I will check that out. I'm curious.
EDIT: Just watched it and she has the exact attitude that I argue against in my post. She sees it as "charity." I see it as gratitude and appreciation. It's just different mindsets, not a rule.
For sure. I just thought it was interesting that I saw both sides of it within days of each other. Whether charity or gratitude, I’m curious how often it works. Wikipedia has been asking for money for years and rarely do I donate. But maybe if it was just a monthly $5 subscription it would be more effective? I have no idea. 🤷
Maybe Sophia Efthimiatou, Substack’s Head of Writer Relations is an example of what's wrong with Substack. We are not Wikipedia, we are your writers, developing a new business for many reasons, one of which is to make money and give something back of worth.
Also, Substack makes their money when we make money. If there were a built-in tip button it would only benefit them in the long run.
Maybe not the best example, but it came to mind for how frequently they ask when they do ask. And I guess tipping is different than donations. Kristi makes a good point that Substack could take a cut of the tips, as they do with subscriptions.
I have no data to back this up, but I dunno that writers would even tip other writers that much if it were available. It would have to be pretty low friction. Maybe do like the Starbucks app and let me “load up my tip wallet”, from which I can then fill tip jars. One click or tap away. Like Amazon’s 1-click purchase.
Allowing for cheaper subscriptions than $5, or enabling writers to create a bundle subscription of multiple newsletters could be some other options. Like let’s say 5 people come together and want to offer their paid posts for $10 total. That’s only $2 each per month but there might be more people who would do it since there’s even more value and variety 🤷♂️
It’s definitely the case that people aren’t likely to subscribe to all the newsletters they’d LIKE to subscribe to. That could be hundreds of dollars per month. A tip jar could be one way around that.
Interesting idea, that consortium. I could see that happening.
I agree with you Kristi.
Some of my followers on Facebook have exclaimed in response to a post on there, "I really needed to hear (read) this today. How is it you seem to know exactly when I'm struggling with an issue ('cause I've got a fucking crystal ball sitting in my lap nearly all the time these days)?!" When our post speaks acutely and directly to someone, wouldn't it be FABULOUS if they could instantly shoot us a few bucks (or more) for that brilliant little piece of wisdom, guidance or spot-on resonance? Me thinks it'd be a brilliant way to say THANK YOU!!!
Hmm... charity? Your story around the Big "Tip" you received completely frames the experience as reciprocity with a side of generosity... As does the graphic. I never get a charity vibe when I tip folks.
I love hearing that, Christine! So many people see it as beggy or charity-ish. I never have!
I suppose having a background in the hospitality industry has made me understand the value of tipping based on the experience.
You apparently also have healthy self-worth!
When we tip a bellboy or waiter or bartender, we're NOT fucking doing it outta "charity!" Maybe Substack needs a regime change.
Sorry for the late addition to this conversation. I'm just now finding this post because I'm rethinking the subscription model on my own Substack. But a few thoughts: when we see musicians busking on a street corner with a hat, we don't think "begger who needs charity." We think "artist offering beauty and audience invited to respond to beauty." Putting a "tip" button on a Substack feels like the same thing to me -- like an exchange of gifts rather than a business transaction. There's room for both. One might nurture our spirit and sense of interconnection, while the other might nurture respecting our craft as a professional. They're just two different ways of valuing the work.
I'd LOVE a tip jar feature! Personally, I hate recurring payments, like when ya donate to a cause, and ya get hounded for the rest of your natural life, to give more, and more and more. If Substack takes a poll on the "TIP JAR" idea of donating to writers, you can bet I'm gonna be all for it!
Same here. I don't know if they would see it the way we do but you never know! They're making changes all the time.
Majority rules, as it is said. :~)
So how do I send your pup a treat? 🐶❤️🦴
Like, one of your real homemade ones??
Sure!
It's honestly uncanny how every week on here, your articles are exactly what I'm thinking about working on or planning to do! I think a Tip Jar is a great idea and much more palatable for most readers than committing to a full subscription. It's something I see a lot in the music world, where it's very common for audience members to offer a little tip if they're enjoying the performance and it's a wonderful way for them to show their appreciation. I think the same thing could work very well for writing. I do have one question, though. Are we only permitted to use 'Buy Me A Coffee' for Tips, as it's part of Stripe, or can we use PayPal as the provider instead/as well? Thanks... 😎
I'm glad my posts are hitting the spot with you Chris.
And as far as permission, there are no rules about this. We're free to post what we want to post. There are plenty of methods you could use for your tips. They don't have to be Stripe-related. It's your choice.
That's great, thanks! It's definitely a tricky one, because even on Reddit a lot of people say they're using PayPal on here but they don't know if it's actually 'allowed' or against the Terms and Conditions. It's good to hear it's not. I think it would be good to give readers the option of different payment methods, and I'm looking into several, but as with most things on here, it's just a case of figuring out how to integrate it in the right way! Like you've done there with the box at the bottom. It's nice and easy to use, and it's got a fun caption, too - which always helps a lot. Well done... 😎
HOW DO WE WRITERS START PETITIONING SUBSTACK FOR THIS?!
This is the thing. It would be amazing if Susbstack just introduced their own Tip Jar system, so we didn't have to use outside providers. Apparently, they don't want to do it in case it damages Subscriptions because they want that to be the focus. But so many other sites, like You Tube, are introducing their own Tip features now, because it's wanted and needed, so it does seem invevitable it will have to eventually be offered here as well. It's just a question of when... 😎
I feel like it just adds more to their pot too. Substack makes money only when we make money so why not introduce more ways?
Absolutely. Especially as many people are not willing to buy a full Subscription anyway, but they might be willing to offer an occasional Tip. And they would trust an official Substack Tip Jar a lot more. That is all extra money they could be having a share of, rather than potentially letting it go to PayPal and Revolut instead... 😎
Yes -- and what about people who would like to tip above and beyond their subscription for a particular post?! Opportunity lost for Substack.
That is such a great point. It definitely makes sense to give people more options... 😎
Ooooh! I'm gonna try and set up a tip jar on my YouTube channel! https://www.youtube.com/c/ShariSchreiberMA
It's a great feature. You may need a certain number of Subscribers to access it, but all you have to do is turn it on. Then once they've taken their cut, they pay you through Adsense. It's incredibly simple. Good luck with it... 😎
As long as it uses PayPal instead of Stripe.
I'd definitely prefer PayPal, too, but unfortunately, 'Buy Me a Coffee' only use Stripe. And of all the platforms I've researched, that does seem to be the best one to use for Tips. Hopefully, at some point, Substack will introduce more payment options and ways to receive funds, or even a way to more easily implement a Tip Jar... 😎
Negative, I have BuyMeACoffee (@lostinwriting) and have it configured with PayPal. I think they support both now, you just select one from the drop-down. I hate Stripe because it isn't available in 🇵🇦
Oh wow, thanks. I didn't know they'd changed it. That's very handy... 😎👍
I'm 100% on your side.
I'm sure Substack thinks people will tip instead of subscribing, but it's at least equally possible that people who weren't going to be paid subscribers will tip from time to time.
Readers are, for the most part, oriented toward individual transactions, like buying a book. Sure, magazines and newspapers have always worked on subscriptions models, but at least in print, they're rapidly declining. People who read nonfiction may still subscribe to online newspapers, but people who read mostly fiction aren't as likely to do that. And some moves to subscription models, like with software, have been very unpopular with consumers.
We also need to be conscious of the fact that Substack is a lot for people who aren't used to it. Many readers are highly reluctant to give up emails, aren't used to the concept of getting huge amounts of reading in their inbox, and they're possibly a little phobic about long-term commitments. One-time donations may be a nice bridge between the free internet and the Substack model.
Bill thanks for your insight on it. I agree and I've always seen tipping as sort of an experiment. When I was writing heavily on Medium I always included a tip button just to see what would happen. And it happened way more often and more generously than I thought it would.
For me personally, I'm more likely to tip than pay monthly so I have to assume there are others out there with the same mindset.
Yes, with a limited budget I can’t subscribe to lots of stacks but I could share smaller tips around, somewhere different each month.
Excellent point Gillian! I'm the same way. I pay monthly for a handful of Substacks but logically, can't pay for all the ones I want!
Agreed. Completely.
I disagree with tipping, subscribing is respectful and builds a relationship, and actually pays the rent.
I understand where you're coming from. But I think it's useful to distinguish the specific situation on Substack from society in general.
We're accustomed to not tipping professionals. You don't tip your doctor, your lawyer, your professor, etc. It would actually be considered rude (and raise ethical issues in the case of educators). Of course, most professionals are very well paid for what they do (K-12 teachers being an exception). As a result, I think we see tipping as something reserved for less skilled occupations. That may be part of why you're thinking of tipping as somehow less respectful, as equating a writer with a less skilled or less educated employee.
But the writers here aren't highly paid employees of Substack. They are people who, if they make any money at all here, make it from subscriptions. A few make a lot; a lot more make a little. If readers are willing to settle for what they can read for free, they need not pay anything at all. This situation differentiates readers here from people using, for example, a restaurant or a parking garage. In either case, they pay for the meal or the parking place already. A tip is a way of thanking one of the providers who facilitates the already paid service. But on Substack, there may not be an already paid service.
From that standpoint, I would suggest that the term "tip" is probably a misnomer, as what we do isn't analogous with other times when tips are given.
A tip is a one-time payment. A subscription is a continuing payment. That's really the only distinction here. Making a subscription more respectful would be true only if everyone had ample financial resources. As a retired school teacher, am I being less respectful to authors because I have paid subscriptions to fewer Substacks than a billionaire might have? I'd say not. There's a lot of great writing here, and if I were a billionaire, I'm sure I'd have hundreds of paid subscriptions. We all would. But we aren't all billionaires. So if someone doesn't become a paid subscriber, that isn't a sign of disrespect. Nor is wanting to give an occasional tip a sign of disrespect. It's just a reflection of economic realities.
I know that's an unconventional way to look at the issue, but I do think there is truth in it.
"You don't tip your doctor, your lawyer, your professor, etc."
Uh, in the *cunha* culture of Portugal, where I live, many (most?) do.
That’s interesting. It’s certainly true that cultures sometimes differ in the way they handle things.
It actually drives me nuts here, because I forget it and hate the reminders of that failing by my companheira. I find it awful that it feels compulsory to me.
Tips help pay the rent too. Some of us struggle that much.
Very true. Not getting for which article getting tips more.
It's everyone's perception and choice.
I have the same instinct as you here, but my rational head says I'm wrong. Sometimes I read a post so good than I feel a strong urge to thank the author in some extravagant way. And 12 years ago when I put out my first tips book that one buyer sent me a case of wine and later would send me random e-mails every few years telling me to send an invoice for thousands of euros just as a thank-you for time she felt I had saved in her work. And I've had other, unexpected thanks, usually of lesser measure, but not always. Blows my mind.
...a valid point. I think there could be some middle ground to consider but you raise a valid counterpoint to the original article.
I agree that writers should be paid and have no objection to various options being displayed within the newsletter. I feel differently though about separate emails being sent out, explaining what is expected from the reader, if they appreciate the writer’s work. There was also a Note very recently, openly complaining about 799 people who had opened such an email and had not upgraded to a paid subscription. This I feel is going too far and can be very upsetting for those unable to pay.
Agreed Maureen. That seems very forward to make demands. I always have the option for people to pay, but I've never openly asked for it.
That's the problem. Everyone can't pay. How to find paying membership?
I don’t think it’s cheesy to ask for a tip, or a subscriber for that matter.
I have a couple people I pay small subscription fees, but you are correct that I would be much more moved to give an occasional “tip” when moved by something.
Is there a way to do this?
Teyani, you can only tip someone if they're using a tip app and have a button displayed somewhere in their post. Not everyone has it.
Definitely agree!
Definitely agree!
To me, this is not so much about the specifics of asking or not asking, but about our relationship to this thing called 'money.' And there is no personal failing or shame here -- most of us have been brought up into a culture and mindset that worships money and makes everything transactional, including our relationships. For a great book on this, read "The Soul of Money" by Lynne Twist.
When we shift our perspective and see relations with each other as the most valuable thing, and our relationship with the earth, we take care of those relations in a different way. When money comes into the equation it's not something to be hoarded but something to be moved around -- currency, think about that word! Currents... meant to stay in circulation.
I love your story about receiving the large sum of of money, and realizing you had an imperative to keep passing it along. That's beautiful!
Here's to collectively transforming our perception of money and supporting each other in all ways.
Thanks Maia! I guess money is a lot like energy. Everything functions on it, we wouldn't exist without it.
Exactly!!! Actually that reminds me of another book that really helped to transform my relationship with $ -- "The Energy of Money" by Maria Nemeth. be well!
That sounds like an interesting read. I might look into it! Thanks!
I think a tip jar makes more sense on Medium. The way the revenue model is set up, it's an extra/specific way to acknowledge a writer or story. There's no real other way to do it there (other than clapping, which obvs. isn't monetary).
On Substack, the physics are different, and the way to do that is by supporting a project. The argument that a 1 time tip vs. a recurring subscription is fair, but I'd counter that one can also "go paid" for a month, and then unsubscribe if they choose. It's $5 either way. And tbh, as a writer, both feel great. But with a tip, the odds are pretty good that it'll be a one and done--it's how we've been conditioned to look at tipping/busking/etc. But with a subscription, there's agency, and the odds are better that it'll become a recurring stream for the writer.
I'm not against the monthly subscription at all. I've got it turned on for my main Substack without paywalls and people subscribe.
I just think tipping is a great option for gifting writers you want to gift without the ongoing commitment. There are very few I'd commit to ongoing.
Both are fabulous options.
I hear ya. And again, fair points all around. From what I've seen, a lot of people feel that way. I just think the "better" long term option for us as writers is a subscription--specifically a monthly one for those not yet ready to commit.
Interestingly enough, the majority of my paid subs opted for the annual. I would've never thought that would be the majority.
Me either. And I’m just as surprised. It makes sense (in my case, they’re cheaper than monthly), but still…
Every one of mine so far (not a big number) went for annual.
Great points! Thanks for sharing.
I posted a Note about a tip jar a couple days ago. I'm new so I should've known that this has already been discussed.
My two cents is that I'm already overwhelmed with Follows and Subscriptions to other stacks. So I'm not likely to go paid at the moment. But being able to tip someone a buck for a really good post seems a lot less scary than giving them 40 bucks upfront or committing to that 5.88 a month every month for the next year. It's like I'm committing to a stupid Verizon contract.
Lol the Verizon contract! I hear you though. It can really add up. I think tipping is a nice alternative.
Agree, would be nice to tip someone for a buck on a good article or story
Love this piece so much!
It's important to accept the gift. It took me a long time in life to learn that. I love that your reader on Medium did such a wonderful thing for you!
It's difficult to accept generosity isn't it? Human nature is so weird 😊
Kristi, I joined Substack to write about our journey, to get it out of my system, and to make money, isn't that part of the point. I haven't subscribed to people because I don't have the money, 2 subscribers. Really I would if Substack writers supported me as I would them. So why should we have to ask. Everyone on here knows that people on here enjoy writing and in turn would like to be rewarded for it, it's a business.
You have to ask and provide a call to action button to different links, different tip jars, different subscriptions… For the exact same reason that you know exactly what is on a Big Mac and yet McDonald’s pays billions every year for marketing.
You have to ask because though YOU remember and feel like it’s a business, we don’t. You have to ask because unless you catch us in that exact moment, where we are willing and interested in buying the thing… As opposed to just scrolling during our morning dump, we won’t even remember your name in 10 minutes. It’s not an insult, am I a priority to you? Do you even know what I write? No.
But let’s just take Neurodivergents like me, for example.
I have 25,000 unread emails in my inbox. No, that is not an exaggeration, and because I’ve avoided emails the last week it’s probably higher. But there is a workshop I have been waiting to join by one of my favorite creators. Does my brain remember that? Sure at 2 AM. I follow this woman on five different places, and I have for six years. I know exactly who she is, exactly what she brings to the table, and how much I will enjoy her workshop.
I didn’t sign up because I missed all the notifications. Because she didn’t put the call to action on all of her posts while she was launching. Because my ADHD ass was looking for a giant button, and it was a link inside a post.
So worst case scenario, you’re doing it for the same reason McDonald’s does. To make sure that your message and business gets out to as many people as possible.
But if you’re waiting for the tit for tat of Substack writers supporting you in order for you to support them (because you’re assuming everyone writes on here for their business), then you’re already missing the point.
The best advice I heard was that mentioning your tip jar was giving people a chance to support you. I’ve valued someone’s work and done it a few times.