Hello friends, this is the second of my twice-annual asks for subscriptions. If you’re on the free email list and you find that this newsletter adds some value to your life, I’d like to ask that you consider signing up for the paid version. I have been advised by several people “in the biz” that I should increase the cost of subscriptions, at least to a $6/$60 level, in light of inflation. But I’m sticking with a $5 a month/$50 a year price. I think it’s a good round number and an appropriate amount for a subscription newsletter, especially with a potential recession looming on the horizon.
Mine's money well spent, and I'm happy to give some gift subscriptions. Also, take my $5/month and invest it toward a nice suit in which to marry your girlfriend. That's a much better landing pad for the baby you're trying to make.
Thank you for your hard work and fine writing. I am happy to subscribe, but the costs of Substacks add up in a hurry, so I am pleased that you are keeping your pricing at $50 a year. Another Substack that I appreciate just went from $60 to $80 and that proved to be more than I would like to pay.
I can say without a doubt that I am getting my $5 worth. For this newsletter I would happily pay $6 or more, but in general I do think going above $5 crosses some sort of psychological barrier where you start thinking 'is this worth it?'
You have wonderful newsletter with a lot of content. I don't read everything because you have such variety and not everything is "up my alley" so to speak, but even at that, you have plenty to justify my subscription.
I can understand raising the price, and I appreciate that you didn't. There are two kinds of subscribers, I suspect. Those that are dedicated to a few authors, so price is not an object, and then those like me that like to read widely and if I'm reading enough articles, I want to support the authors because I'm obviously finding their Substacks worthwhile. But my wages aren't rising with inflation (much like everyone else's), so I'll have to start cutting back. Just something to think about.
As a subscriber, I will say I get the most for my money with your newsletter of any I subscribe to. I don't agree with everything you write/say and some of the comments aggravate me but you are beyond one of the most thoughtful and interesting writers I read with any regularity...particularly on mental illness. I also want to say good luck with your fertility journey. My cousin and her husband have recently started their own similar journey. They are Americans currently living in Belgium as of 2021 and she shared that all expenses are covered there. It's really astounding what passes for health/child care in this country. Unconscionable really. Best wishes to you and your girlfriend.
P.S. I live in Brooklyn. It's one of those time I wish I'd been born/raised elsewhere so I easily had somewhere to return to. It's been a challenge deciding whether to leave.
Freddie - long-time subscriber, I just wanted to wish you the very best with the fertility treatments. Like most parents I think that having children is the most important thing I've ever done or ever will do. You'll be a great dad.
Great ask. In fact, I continue to muse if all of my four SubStack subs are worth it. This piece makes me less likely to cancel you... Though you were not much at risk anyway.
As the baby, keep plugging. Being a parent is one of the most rewarding occupations.
Such wonderful news that you are trying for a baby! For purely selfish reasons, I’m sending good wishes that everything works perfectly on your first try, because I predict that your posts as a dad are going to be astute, honest, and funny!
I think the frequency of your posts is a major selling point. I got mad and cancelled my annual subscription but I'll probably renew it on a monthly basis when the year is up.
Where's all the money gong Freddie?
Cocaine and fancy cat food?
Mine's money well spent, and I'm happy to give some gift subscriptions. Also, take my $5/month and invest it toward a nice suit in which to marry your girlfriend. That's a much better landing pad for the baby you're trying to make.
Give us more NFL picks and then demand we tithe 10% back to you!
Thank you for your hard work and fine writing. I am happy to subscribe, but the costs of Substacks add up in a hurry, so I am pleased that you are keeping your pricing at $50 a year. Another Substack that I appreciate just went from $60 to $80 and that proved to be more than I would like to pay.
I can say without a doubt that I am getting my $5 worth. For this newsletter I would happily pay $6 or more, but in general I do think going above $5 crosses some sort of psychological barrier where you start thinking 'is this worth it?'
Thrilled to hear you are trying to have a baby! That just made my day :)
You have wonderful newsletter with a lot of content. I don't read everything because you have such variety and not everything is "up my alley" so to speak, but even at that, you have plenty to justify my subscription.
I can understand raising the price, and I appreciate that you didn't. There are two kinds of subscribers, I suspect. Those that are dedicated to a few authors, so price is not an object, and then those like me that like to read widely and if I'm reading enough articles, I want to support the authors because I'm obviously finding their Substacks worthwhile. But my wages aren't rising with inflation (much like everyone else's), so I'll have to start cutting back. Just something to think about.
Hmm. I see "girlfriend" and "trying to have a baby" but I don't see anything about "getting married." I'd be interested in your thinking on that.
As a subscriber, I will say I get the most for my money with your newsletter of any I subscribe to. I don't agree with everything you write/say and some of the comments aggravate me but you are beyond one of the most thoughtful and interesting writers I read with any regularity...particularly on mental illness. I also want to say good luck with your fertility journey. My cousin and her husband have recently started their own similar journey. They are Americans currently living in Belgium as of 2021 and she shared that all expenses are covered there. It's really astounding what passes for health/child care in this country. Unconscionable really. Best wishes to you and your girlfriend.
P.S. I live in Brooklyn. It's one of those time I wish I'd been born/raised elsewhere so I easily had somewhere to return to. It's been a challenge deciding whether to leave.
Freddie - long-time subscriber, I just wanted to wish you the very best with the fertility treatments. Like most parents I think that having children is the most important thing I've ever done or ever will do. You'll be a great dad.
Big congrats on trying to have a baby! So happy for you.
Great ask. In fact, I continue to muse if all of my four SubStack subs are worth it. This piece makes me less likely to cancel you... Though you were not much at risk anyway.
As the baby, keep plugging. Being a parent is one of the most rewarding occupations.
Such wonderful news that you are trying for a baby! For purely selfish reasons, I’m sending good wishes that everything works perfectly on your first try, because I predict that your posts as a dad are going to be astute, honest, and funny!
Good luck on the baby!
Freddie! What a wonderful thing to hear! May the road rise up to meet you. 🥂
I think the frequency of your posts is a major selling point. I got mad and cancelled my annual subscription but I'll probably renew it on a monthly basis when the year is up.
Also, I don't recall if you promoted your appearance on Intelligence Squared but as soon as I heard your name I knew it was going to be a one-sided debate. https://www.intelligencesquaredus.org/debate/agree-to-disagree-should-the-sat-be-erased/#/