Most publications either paywall premium content or chase clicks with shallow takes. Today we're launching something different at Indie Thinkers: a community-funded model where 100% of subscription revenue is used to pay writers directly for their work. The initial goal is simple: 50 subscribers at $10/month will help fund original essays from some of the brightest minds on the internet. All of our content will be publicly available. Subscriptions fund creation, not access. — Daniel Hunter
Sometimes you just need to create what you wish existed in the world.
Even if everyone thinks you're crazy.
Like building a forum.
Or launching subscriptions without paywalls.
I’ve spent an absurd amount of time creating in isolation, but I’ve always wanted to be a part of something bigger than myself.
Ideally, a community of writers who invest in each other.
It’s difficult to cut through all the noise on the internet these days. It’s a fierce battle for mindshare and engagement. I believe we’re stronger together. It’s cliché because it’s true. If you’re not partnering and working with others, it’s easier to fail.
We need more communities.
More collective efforts.
Building a community from scratch is hard, but you know what’s harder? Finding opportunities to get paid for simply writing.
Today, we’re launching paid subscriptions to fund Indie Thinkers.
Price? $10 a month. Prose will be the only product.
The revenue generated will fund our new “Guest Lecture” column that will be published directly on indiethinkers.com once a week.
Here are the benefits of subscribing:
Support independent writers and designers
100% of subscription revenue goes directly to contributors
Contributor badge on indiethinkers.com
Our goal is to publish 4 long-form essays a month.
All of our essays will be public.
Why No Paywall?
Most publications either paywall everything or run in a daily clickbait race to the bottom of the interwebs. We're trying something different: premium content at a price that’s inclusive of a global audience, funded by readers who value thoughtful writing.
We want the best ideas to spread, not get trapped behind walled gardens. Your subscription funds creation, not access.
Think NPR, not Netflix.
Some more thoughts on this.
Yes, $100 per essay is painfully low.
But it’s better than or on par with most literary magazines.
We’d prefer this to be $500, but we're starting with what's sustainable.
50 paid subscribers get us to our $100/essay minimum. 150 gets us to $300/essay. 250 gets us to $500/essay plus designer fees.
We're not asking for charity - we're asking for contributors who want to see quality content funded properly. To start, 50 people. $10/month.
In return, we’ll deliver essays from writers you'll want to follow.
The writers we're bringing on to kick things off in September -
, , , - are all incredible. They're established voices who could publish anywhere but believe in what we're building.If this resonates, we’d love for you to subscribe below.
, shared this quote that I think about almost daily.Marketing is talking to your people.
Community is building with your people.
We want to build with you and not just talk to you.
What are we getting wrong?
What should we do differently?
How would you like to contribute?
Let us know in the comments below.
— Daniel
Stoked to be among these writers in September!
I love this movement Daniel! Can't wait to see what happens. How are you choosing the writers?