22 Comments

I can't resist saying, "It depends," or, "I could go either way," or, "Well, there are pros and cons." But I'll think about it!

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Ah yes, a fellow ambivalent one! :-) LOL. Love it.

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But in keeping with your high Grammarly score on uniqueness in wording, you might say we're fellow "ambivalarians."

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Now you're speaking my "language."

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I am the worst at reading blogs or emails. If the subject line draws me in, I may read part or all of one, while ignoring dozens. I'm a very bad follower (of writing). I also have a dozen books that I haven't finished, because I bounce around a lot with my reading, going back to those that held my interest. Therefore, I'm not the best judge of what 'sells'.

I do know that I canceled my print newspaper subscription because they couldn't seem to get it to me consistently and so consistency matters. If weekly is promised, weekly needs to happen. Also, if the topic is specific, it needs to stay focused on your audience's needs. One of the things that I like about your writing is the randomness of it all.

I emailed you a badge and I expect it to be officially awarded. :-)

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HA! I also bound around in my reading. I hear you. I'm ambivalent about the books I read ofttimes too like you.

In terms of consistency and focus, I think that would be my hope for this thing if I do choose a paid sub option, and keep some of the randomness in the free one where I sorta say whatevs I want. ;-)

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Writers write so readers will read. Reading comes with a price💪🤪, still ambivalent right? Lets go for it…

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Thanks hermano, for the encouragement. Godspeed!

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I think that A] work should be paid for. Free is not valued. B] there’s somewhat a of a desolation in good material out there which is biblically centered and fresh c] I spend money on stuff that is not nearly as useful. So, not sure I have time to read every week but for sure would support something like this

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I'm with you on a, b, and c and that's helpful for me to hear. Thanks, Omar. Respect!

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I am always looking for helpful and practical resources to inform my leadership. I would be willing to pay for the kind of material you suggest.

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Good to know. Of course, I have to deliver it (if I get off the fence here and do so).

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Have greatly appreciated the leadership content!

I don't currently have any paid Substack/Medium subscriptions so... realistically am probably unlikely to start. 2 folks on Patreon. Traditional media of a few print mags, and local newspaper. A couple streaming services. Oregon Trail Millenial.

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Yeah--it's a big leap to pay for something like that I know. Of course, the free version, if I do this, would still exist for the casual reader. I value both, and I feel the tension here, thus my ambivalence.

Love your tag... If you're an Oregon Trail Millenial maybe I'm a "Last Typewriter Class Xer" or "Atari Space Invaders Xer" to be more parallel.

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Thanks, all, for the quick feedback already this morning. Getting lots of emails too. Keep it coming.

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It depends. If you want engaged readers I would say I am already engaged. A paid subscription would not increase my engagement. If your desire is to generate income then a subscription is the way to go. If you decide to go subscription I suggest you also offer a yearly subscription. I dislike monthly bleeds.

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I like your content, but I do think a paid subscription would deter me from reading further. (Even though I’m sure it’s worth it). —CouponClippingPastor

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I would. I pay for little enough, but for certain excellent and qualified creators, I would gladly pay a reasonable amount. For your material I'd gladly pay a bit more.

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Bro- I love you. I love your content. But in seeking to manage my time and life better, I have had to cut SO many people and blogs etc. out. In honesty, your thoughts are worth the $. But I wouldn't subscribe simply because I barely get to your post as it is some weeks. That's more me than you.

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Hey Phill... thanks for the encouragement coupled with the honest. Good thing I'd still have the free version if I go this way to get at on the weeks you can carve out the time. Hope you're doing well!

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Hmm. . . I don't generally think of myself as a weekly email reader or subscriber. But, you have hit an area of my life that has kept me coming back to read more. Partly because of our past relationship, and partly because it is relatable. I would consider paying for "more". It would not be a matter of whether I could afford to do it. It would be whether I was actually reading and taking advantage of the content each week.

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Please to hear that, Micah--great to have you engaging for sure. I find some more substantive dialog happening because of it, and I value that too, with you and others.

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