This Substack is evolving - thank you for shaping how

I asked and you responded with your usual generosity, openness and good grace. Thank you - here's what I have in mind...

A couple of weeks ago, I asked for your input about how to offer something of value for paying subscribers. As you know, 100% of all income on this Substack goes toward World Council for Health (WCH) and its initiatives, and WCH is funded entirely by the contributions of individuals.

Some 365 of you responded to the poll and 141 of you commented with feedback and inspired suggestions. Thank you all so much. Here are some of the main points you shared:

• You pay to support, without condition. The general gist from paying subscribers was that they did not expect any extras, that they contribute to support, not as a transaction. You are the way-showers of a better way, that is all I can say.

• Paywalled content is icky. While 33% voted for exclusive content in the poll, many did not like the idea of paywalled content as they feel locked out – which I do understand. One solution put forward was for all content to be freely available, but for paid subscribers to get previews.

• Money is tight for this noble band of renegades. Many shared that they would like to contribute but finances prohibit it. Others pointed out that there are so many of us Substack writers asking for financial contributions, it is all adding up. I recognise this, particularly since standing in one’s power and saying ‘no’ to what is not right has cost so many of us our livelihoods.

• One-off donations. Lots of people said they prefer to make one-off donations when they can, and would like other ways to pay. Unfortunately the Substack platform is very limited with this, but the WCH website offers much more flexibility.

• You’d like audio versions of posts. This came out a clear winner in the poll, and several of you asked for this in the comments, too.

So, here’s what we’re going to try out as an offering for paid subscribers:

• Audio versions of posts. As of this week, I will start adding audios to posts for paid subscribers. I will do these myself as much as I can, but there may be times when it’s someone else, or an automated version.

• Content previews. Paid subscribers will receive posts a few days before they become freely available. No hard and fast rules on this – if there’s something timely that I feel everyone needs to read, it’ll go out to everyone straight away.

• Email access. Paid subscribers can email me directly by replying to my emailed posts.

• Discussion threads. This came second in the poll, so while everyone can still comment on all posts, I will open up chats for posts where paid subscribers can converse, and I will be on these too.

More signposts to donate, including directly to World Council for Health

You may have noticed my last few posts have ended with an invitation to support World Council for Health in whatever way works for you. Adding this does seem to have made a difference to donations received, so it’s here to stay – thank you readers for suggesting this.

I hope that this lands well with you all. This format means that all posts remain freely accessible to all. Please let me know what you think in the comments.

---

Please help support our work!

If you enjoy this Substack and have the means, please consider making a donation - all proceeds go to World Council for Health. You can either:

Can’t donate but would like to contribute? We are always looking for volunteers, so please do get in touch!