I have turned on subscriptions

If you want to support my free work, now there's another way to do it!

I once enjoyed an OKish income from Patreon which covered my basics, and then I got deplatformed. Since then I have used SubscribeStar, and I get around $3k a month, which covers my rent and bills. It is not something I actively promote as I only take what I need. A variety of supporters have helped me to cover other expenses like computers, camera kit, and prepping for rough times.

As I prefer to give away my content rather than put up paywall I have been reluctant to use the paid subscriber feature of Substack. Having given it some more thought I have realised that I am depriving myself of the resources I need to do my work effectively (e.g. by hiring help), and preventing others from showing their love and appreciation. I also need to diversify as I am over-concentrated in one service.

I have given you the option to support me on Substack at the suggested levels of $7 a month or $70 a year. There are absolutely no extra benefits on offer (at least contractually), although I do like to occasionally find ways to show gratitude to supporters in ways that amuse me and give them a pleasant surprise. I remain committed to offering ultra-premium insight at no charge to maximise impact.

I have also turned on the “founder” option for a whopping $700. For that I’ll print out some nice signed art for you (I get to choose what and how much!) and post it anywhere in the world. It’s a “lucky dip” — but I am open to requests. I don’t normally sell signed stuff (only gifts for frens), so who knows, it might be worth something someday…

I had a few “bonanza” months when my book was selling well on Amazon before it got banned. Otherwise it has been a long slog financially as I spent years doing bleeding edge computer science without seeing significant economic returns, only to then “burn my boat” of my tech career to become a “sabre-toothed typist” instead.

I have no savings, own no property, and drive a car older than my teenage daughters. But I do like expensive printer ink. A lot. I want to save up to have a small art studio and wide format printer so I can do more ambitious projects than my home A3 art printer… I’d also like to get some backup computing gear (like a new Mac Mini) and have some slack to help others around me in need.