I just happened to take a look at the recent subscription history for TAFM and they say there have been zero new paid subscribers in the past 30 days. Since that coincides with the changes here to attract new paid subscribers, I’m curious to find out what I am not doing that if I changed would get you free subscribers to reconsider becoming paid subscribers.
I'm a paid-up guy, but I will hazard a guess: competition. I have many more free subscriptions than paid, and if I ponied up for all of them, I'd be homeless. Substack can be an embarrassment of riches, in that there are many good writers reminding me that the monthly price is like, a coffee at Starbucks, and wondering why I haven't signed on.
There is a small mountain of cantaloupes in the market, and I love cantaloupe, but I can only buy one at a time. Maybe two.
Your newsletter is very good, Tom. Your output is prodigious and consistently high-quality, but it's a crowded marketplace, and many of your fellow writers ask the same questions you have.
I'm in Wendy's boat. I found so many fabulous writers that I "over-subscribed". I was spending hours every day reading the columns and the comments! I've let several of my favorites fall by the wayside (Robert Reich, Michael Moore, and Mary Trump), but even then too often find I don't have time for the others (Steve Schmidt, Dan Rather, Timothy Snyder, Joyce Vance, and Heather Cox Richardson). I am thankful to be able to read your columns which I am able to access, but one more column that I feel like I "should" read every day -- because after all, I'm paying :-) -- would be too much. You're a wonderful writer and I hope that many more paying subscribers find their ways to you. Best wishes!
Wow! My reading preferences and reasoning are nearly identical to @kdsherpa’s. I do enjoy your pieces, TC, but as interesting as stories about WWII are, I feel it’s presently more important to keep alive the discussion and the writers that are focused on our present democracy crisis. I’m a paid subscriber to 6 or 7 such substacks and pretty much at my limit.
I started out subscribing to so many Substack writers that it got out of hand. I didn't have enough time to even read them all! (Something Bruce Culver mentions in these comments as well.) My solution this year is that I am rotating my paid subscriptions. I wish Substack offered tiered bundles of let's say 5, 8, 10 newsletters for $ that I could change yearly or semi-annually.
Thanks to all for the comments. Given the common complaint of funds - something we Aulds do have to keep an eye on - I will make sure to provide free posts so you guys don't get left out. I totally understand that situation.
As to the "name calling," I am sorry but there are times when those people are very damn lucky they are not within grabbing range of me. So the names are better than getting arrested for attempted assault (or actual if I got lucky). You can tell how pissed off I am by how creative I get with the "nicknames." And Marjorie Traitor Goon will always be that because she is 100% a traitor and 100% a goon - the low-level people paid to cause trouble.
By the way, Marjorie's a cousin (distant) and you can say what you want. I do believe she made the same comments you made about her about me. So to keep a minimum degree of family decorum, please feel free to say what you like about her.
I personally feel a cathartic release with you “name call.” Let’s face it, it’s funny and clever! The ones you do “call names” are bad actors that need to to be called out and by “names” keep up the good work!
People are literally starved for thoughtful information. We realize we are not getting it through the traditional ways of newspapers and radio and television. I tried cable for a year or so and got rid of it in the 90’s. Finally, I got rid of the TV. I fell into the Fox radio trap fix in the late 90’s. It was “free” and came in the best of any stations. Even at the time I had an uneasy feeling that things were not right. I retired and had more time for reading and took advantage of the library. But there is so much that media and reading feels overwhelming. Substack is delivered in short, manageable form with recommendations for further reading in the comments section. I feel as if I am connecting to the thoughtful, highly educated people I experienced in college. There is a wealth of experience and culture. When substack changes to paid only, then I will be limited in ability to access. Then I will have to find another way to get information. I feel like I am contributing by buying books from the writers I like. Just yesterday I purchased 15 books for 75 cents each. Someone before me bought those books, so that is a contribution.
I read you because you are in California and connected to the film industry. I found you by reading HCR in Maine and Boston. I read Thom Hartman in Portland, Oregon. Joyce Vance in Alabama. Ruth Ben Ghait from Chicago. Jason Garcia from Florida. Barry Friedman from Tulsa, Oklahoma. Dan Rather from Texas. Jim Bob Moore has a historical viewpoint from Texas and Michigan.
It is important to be to have people from different places and different backgrounds. I really wish I had the money to subscribe. My own ability to comment is not important to me. I know what I think. But I don’t know what other people think, and that is important to me. Each commenter has a style and I thank all for being vulnerable in a public place and sharing from their soul. You don’t get that from TV or Radio. I feel sometimes that I should pay the people who comment. The first one would be that farmer, land conservationist that lives in upper New York. The second would be that engineer in New York who grew up in East Texas.
All I have to offer is sincere appreciation and thanks for being in this world with me.
Adding to what Terry Hoffman said, it is an embarrassment of riches, and most people have to budget. I happened to marry a Texas oil baroness (of the Duchy of Grand Fenwick), and my budget is a bit bigger than many can afford. I subscribe to several newspapers, The Guardian, Foreign Affairs, and other things, and there are always news clip videos on Youtube. It also boils down to time - I am more or less addicted to getting the news these days, as we are in yet another existential political crisis. But I have articles to write and models to build, and none of that is getting done - on a "newsy" day, I can spend literally 12-15 hours reading or watching what is going on in the 3-ring circus that is American politics these days. It is time to cull the model collection and also the amount of news I get. I'll still be here and at few other important sources, but I have a life and at 82, time's awastin'.....
What about including an addendum at the end of each piece (even those with the pithy endings) in which you challenge the reader to offer an answer to a question, to proffer a solution to a problem, or to show how history portends the future, with the last one often inherent in some of your work. Your commenters usually offer some responses of these types, but directly opening the door at the end of each piece might snag some new readers and commenters. While your writing is engaging enough on its own, it's certainly enhanced by interplay with your commenters, you know, the sub-substackers who may help with the hook you need. (We all need to bay at the moon once in a while, don't we?)
I really do enjoy your columns! I look forward to reading them. Unfortunately, my meager Social Security check just barely covers my routine expenses, and I can't justify spending extra money. In fact, these past couple of months I've over-spent, and not on anything frivolous either -- I had some extra (unexpected) medical expenses not covered by Medicare and my Medigap and Part D insurance, so I actually had to cut back on other things, like opting to stay home so I wouldn't have to buy gas. I hate to cry "poor mouth" but life is what it is. I wish I could afford to subscribe to you, LFAA, Joyce Vance, and several others but I just can't. I'm sorry.
I only subscribe to you, Robert Hubbell, Joyce Vance, Heather Cox Richardson. I started reading your work on a recommendation from (I think) Robert Hubbell. Then when you were struggling with putting your wife into care I subscribed primarily so I could empathize and tell you how helpful it was to read about your similar experiences. Having said that, the other subscriptions are a little more on topic for my interests. Very occasionally, I enjoy your ultra snarky political commentary but while I think your views are completely on point, I get uncomfortable with the over the top vitriol (despite how well deserved it is). I enjoy reading about the cats. I am only occasionally interested in the military stuff--I live the historical context but it’s a bit too detailed for my level of interest. And on the very rare occasion that you write in a serious tone about political history, I am enthralled. So, just when I decide I won’t subscribe again when my year is up, you pull it back out of the fire. I hope I haven’t offended you with the feedback, it is not my intention.
TC, I'm a free subscriber, partly because of reasons articulated elsewhere here - I'd be destitute if I paid for every excellent Substack newsletter that I read.
I read your stuff because of your critical eye, savvy commentary, and your caring nature. I cried with your stories of losing your beloved cats. I deeply felt your anguish at losing your life partner. I'm fascinated by your background as a history author and screenwriter. And I appreciate your analysis of where this country finds itself today. This is all valuable stuff.
But to be honest, the biggest reason why I'm not a paid reader is the name-calling ("Fwe-Dumb Caucus," "Marjorie Traitor Goon," "Quiverin' Qevin," etc.). While I agree with your attitude toward your targets, I find the silly names off-putting. Occasionally they make your otherwise consistently excellent commentary very difficult to read, simply from a pure "make sense of the sentence as written" standpoint. Sometimes I can't figure out who your target is.
On the occasions when you offer your commentary, but leave out the name-calling, I want to stand up at my computer and applaud.
I find relief in the the comedic language Tom, and Jeff Teidrich, employ. Much of what I read is sobering and dark. TAFM often brings a smile when I most need it. Those balloon buffoons deserve to be popped occasionally, underscoring their vacuity.
I totally agree Gail and enjoy Jeff Teidrich too. For the harm the balloon buffoons you speak of are doing to our country and planet, they don’t deserve respect. And it is sobering and dark. So some humor is always appreciated.
Living in Ukraine was much cheaper than living in Canada. Plus bringing our German Shepherd with us used every nickel we could borrow. I am reading for free 36 substack columns. Every time I quit one, another comes along. Once we get our finances squared away I will become a paying subscriber to you, Thom Hartmann, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and Robert Reich. I hate mooching but appreciate that no one has booted me yet.
Former renegade here, 25 years off the grid, pushing 77, living on $700 a month. I (heart) your two-fisted approach to political commentary. I spend my $20 per month subscribing to the online NYT where, over the last few years, I've had 400 letters published in their reader-comment forum. "I agree with jurist J. Michael Luttig. There is no Republican Party. From now on, they are the MAGANAZI Party and their leader is the ALL-CAPS CRYBABY Donald Trump."
I got the $4 per month rate as a promotion. When that ended, they wanted to raise my rate so I said that I would just cancel and they promptly extended my $4 per month for another year. I have gone through this routine several times.
Hi Karen. That has been my experience as well. I called them several years ago to stop my subscription because it cost too much for my budget, and then they offered me the $4/month price. I have been at that price for several years now and am very happy that it can be arranged.
Cats. More Cats. Weaving cat tails into political commentary. Hollywood anecdotes with or without cats. Personal essays on women’s hats...will they come back? Will they have feathers? What bowl in the best for chilli ? - vintage/modern, including lip size, the bowl, not your personal lips. Memories of politics from your childhood where your innocent guileless self shines through. More Soul warming snark-fests illuminating the current political stratosphere with your cutting wit and bitting angst.
They say you can catch more flies with honey than vinegar but as Dave Berry said, “Actually you can catch the most flys with a dead squirrel. So, when I want more likes on social media I go with a dead squirrel. Like ‘All men are idiots because there mother’s dressed them funny as children.’ This got me tons of likes and friend requests although admittedly not of the highest order. If you say something really outrageous some folks will pay up just to tell you what a ass you are. Honey can work too. Ask a question. What political motto did your mother personify while she was dressing you funny? Most folks love to talk about their fascinating, to them, lives.
The main reason I paid up was cause you had me at Billy Wilder and then that you are an older interesting person that writes very well. Most people young or old are pretty boring and when folks get older they tend to wither down to a tiny nub of something that can hardly be called a person. But you seem to be still going strong. With your treasure trove of life experience to draw from I look forward to more new fresh stories and tails, human and feline, in the years to come.
Agreeing with Terry. There are so many good Substack writers, and I'd like to read them all, but the budget will only stretch so far. I hope I can do better at some point in the future.
Hi Tom. You are good with portraits. I'm thinking about Seniors. What to they think about life in America these days? Are there big changes that affect them? How are their children and grandchildren doing? What about living alone, maybe two Seniors who live alone?
Children, you know any between 7 - 10 years old. What do they have to say? How to they spend their free-time?
Any gun stores in your vicinity. How about chatting up the owner?
I'm done. Going read what members of the team suggested.
It occurs to me that I’ve only subscribed to those authors for whom (1) I believe I can make a meaningful contribution in the comments and (2) interact with me in return. I guess I’m looking for a meaningful and serious, if brief, conversation. I read Heather Cox Richardson religiously, but haven’t subscribed and I suppose that’s because she never appears in her comments. But I pay for Jim Fallows and Brad DeLong because they humor me with replies (when I don’t write something foolish). So for my money you, Tom, are doing it right and I can’t understand why there haven’t been more paid subscribers.
I'm a paid-up guy, but I will hazard a guess: competition. I have many more free subscriptions than paid, and if I ponied up for all of them, I'd be homeless. Substack can be an embarrassment of riches, in that there are many good writers reminding me that the monthly price is like, a coffee at Starbucks, and wondering why I haven't signed on.
There is a small mountain of cantaloupes in the market, and I love cantaloupe, but I can only buy one at a time. Maybe two.
Your newsletter is very good, Tom. Your output is prodigious and consistently high-quality, but it's a crowded marketplace, and many of your fellow writers ask the same questions you have.
Thanks for that. The "likes" demonstrate you have a good point here.
I'm in Wendy's boat. I found so many fabulous writers that I "over-subscribed". I was spending hours every day reading the columns and the comments! I've let several of my favorites fall by the wayside (Robert Reich, Michael Moore, and Mary Trump), but even then too often find I don't have time for the others (Steve Schmidt, Dan Rather, Timothy Snyder, Joyce Vance, and Heather Cox Richardson). I am thankful to be able to read your columns which I am able to access, but one more column that I feel like I "should" read every day -- because after all, I'm paying :-) -- would be too much. You're a wonderful writer and I hope that many more paying subscribers find their ways to you. Best wishes!
Wow! My reading preferences and reasoning are nearly identical to @kdsherpa’s. I do enjoy your pieces, TC, but as interesting as stories about WWII are, I feel it’s presently more important to keep alive the discussion and the writers that are focused on our present democracy crisis. I’m a paid subscriber to 6 or 7 such substacks and pretty much at my limit.
I started out subscribing to so many Substack writers that it got out of hand. I didn't have enough time to even read them all! (Something Bruce Culver mentions in these comments as well.) My solution this year is that I am rotating my paid subscriptions. I wish Substack offered tiered bundles of let's say 5, 8, 10 newsletters for $ that I could change yearly or semi-annually.
I believe we are seeing a reminder of why magazines came to be.
Thanks to all for the comments. Given the common complaint of funds - something we Aulds do have to keep an eye on - I will make sure to provide free posts so you guys don't get left out. I totally understand that situation.
As to the "name calling," I am sorry but there are times when those people are very damn lucky they are not within grabbing range of me. So the names are better than getting arrested for attempted assault (or actual if I got lucky). You can tell how pissed off I am by how creative I get with the "nicknames." And Marjorie Traitor Goon will always be that because she is 100% a traitor and 100% a goon - the low-level people paid to cause trouble.
By the way, Marjorie's a cousin (distant) and you can say what you want. I do believe she made the same comments you made about her about me. So to keep a minimum degree of family decorum, please feel free to say what you like about her.
I personally feel a cathartic release with you “name call.” Let’s face it, it’s funny and clever! The ones you do “call names” are bad actors that need to to be called out and by “names” keep up the good work!
People are literally starved for thoughtful information. We realize we are not getting it through the traditional ways of newspapers and radio and television. I tried cable for a year or so and got rid of it in the 90’s. Finally, I got rid of the TV. I fell into the Fox radio trap fix in the late 90’s. It was “free” and came in the best of any stations. Even at the time I had an uneasy feeling that things were not right. I retired and had more time for reading and took advantage of the library. But there is so much that media and reading feels overwhelming. Substack is delivered in short, manageable form with recommendations for further reading in the comments section. I feel as if I am connecting to the thoughtful, highly educated people I experienced in college. There is a wealth of experience and culture. When substack changes to paid only, then I will be limited in ability to access. Then I will have to find another way to get information. I feel like I am contributing by buying books from the writers I like. Just yesterday I purchased 15 books for 75 cents each. Someone before me bought those books, so that is a contribution.
I read you because you are in California and connected to the film industry. I found you by reading HCR in Maine and Boston. I read Thom Hartman in Portland, Oregon. Joyce Vance in Alabama. Ruth Ben Ghait from Chicago. Jason Garcia from Florida. Barry Friedman from Tulsa, Oklahoma. Dan Rather from Texas. Jim Bob Moore has a historical viewpoint from Texas and Michigan.
It is important to be to have people from different places and different backgrounds. I really wish I had the money to subscribe. My own ability to comment is not important to me. I know what I think. But I don’t know what other people think, and that is important to me. Each commenter has a style and I thank all for being vulnerable in a public place and sharing from their soul. You don’t get that from TV or Radio. I feel sometimes that I should pay the people who comment. The first one would be that farmer, land conservationist that lives in upper New York. The second would be that engineer in New York who grew up in East Texas.
All I have to offer is sincere appreciation and thanks for being in this world with me.
Mary; Sandy and Mike
I’d add that Will guy too
Adding to what Terry Hoffman said, it is an embarrassment of riches, and most people have to budget. I happened to marry a Texas oil baroness (of the Duchy of Grand Fenwick), and my budget is a bit bigger than many can afford. I subscribe to several newspapers, The Guardian, Foreign Affairs, and other things, and there are always news clip videos on Youtube. It also boils down to time - I am more or less addicted to getting the news these days, as we are in yet another existential political crisis. But I have articles to write and models to build, and none of that is getting done - on a "newsy" day, I can spend literally 12-15 hours reading or watching what is going on in the 3-ring circus that is American politics these days. It is time to cull the model collection and also the amount of news I get. I'll still be here and at few other important sources, but I have a life and at 82, time's awastin'.....
What about including an addendum at the end of each piece (even those with the pithy endings) in which you challenge the reader to offer an answer to a question, to proffer a solution to a problem, or to show how history portends the future, with the last one often inherent in some of your work. Your commenters usually offer some responses of these types, but directly opening the door at the end of each piece might snag some new readers and commenters. While your writing is engaging enough on its own, it's certainly enhanced by interplay with your commenters, you know, the sub-substackers who may help with the hook you need. (We all need to bay at the moon once in a while, don't we?)
Good idea - thanks.
I really do enjoy your columns! I look forward to reading them. Unfortunately, my meager Social Security check just barely covers my routine expenses, and I can't justify spending extra money. In fact, these past couple of months I've over-spent, and not on anything frivolous either -- I had some extra (unexpected) medical expenses not covered by Medicare and my Medigap and Part D insurance, so I actually had to cut back on other things, like opting to stay home so I wouldn't have to buy gas. I hate to cry "poor mouth" but life is what it is. I wish I could afford to subscribe to you, LFAA, Joyce Vance, and several others but I just can't. I'm sorry.
I’m in the Medicare donut hole too, at the moment. Sucks. 🫤
TC, be patient. Crucifixion takes time…
I laughed out loud.
(I won..)
I only subscribe to you, Robert Hubbell, Joyce Vance, Heather Cox Richardson. I started reading your work on a recommendation from (I think) Robert Hubbell. Then when you were struggling with putting your wife into care I subscribed primarily so I could empathize and tell you how helpful it was to read about your similar experiences. Having said that, the other subscriptions are a little more on topic for my interests. Very occasionally, I enjoy your ultra snarky political commentary but while I think your views are completely on point, I get uncomfortable with the over the top vitriol (despite how well deserved it is). I enjoy reading about the cats. I am only occasionally interested in the military stuff--I live the historical context but it’s a bit too detailed for my level of interest. And on the very rare occasion that you write in a serious tone about political history, I am enthralled. So, just when I decide I won’t subscribe again when my year is up, you pull it back out of the fire. I hope I haven’t offended you with the feedback, it is not my intention.
TC, I'm a free subscriber, partly because of reasons articulated elsewhere here - I'd be destitute if I paid for every excellent Substack newsletter that I read.
I read your stuff because of your critical eye, savvy commentary, and your caring nature. I cried with your stories of losing your beloved cats. I deeply felt your anguish at losing your life partner. I'm fascinated by your background as a history author and screenwriter. And I appreciate your analysis of where this country finds itself today. This is all valuable stuff.
But to be honest, the biggest reason why I'm not a paid reader is the name-calling ("Fwe-Dumb Caucus," "Marjorie Traitor Goon," "Quiverin' Qevin," etc.). While I agree with your attitude toward your targets, I find the silly names off-putting. Occasionally they make your otherwise consistently excellent commentary very difficult to read, simply from a pure "make sense of the sentence as written" standpoint. Sometimes I can't figure out who your target is.
On the occasions when you offer your commentary, but leave out the name-calling, I want to stand up at my computer and applaud.
I find relief in the the comedic language Tom, and Jeff Teidrich, employ. Much of what I read is sobering and dark. TAFM often brings a smile when I most need it. Those balloon buffoons deserve to be popped occasionally, underscoring their vacuity.
I totally agree Gail and enjoy Jeff Teidrich too. For the harm the balloon buffoons you speak of are doing to our country and planet, they don’t deserve respect. And it is sobering and dark. So some humor is always appreciated.
❤️
Call them what they are, and others refuse to. Go Tom
The name-calling is the best laugh of my day! I love that the description keeps getting better and longer by the indictment! Keep it up! 😆
I agree, the name-calling is a turn-off. Additionally, I don't have the history interest.
Living in Ukraine was much cheaper than living in Canada. Plus bringing our German Shepherd with us used every nickel we could borrow. I am reading for free 36 substack columns. Every time I quit one, another comes along. Once we get our finances squared away I will become a paying subscriber to you, Thom Hartmann, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and Robert Reich. I hate mooching but appreciate that no one has booted me yet.
Good to hear from you Allen! Hugs to Lucky and Tanya.
Seconded. Great to know also that Tanya has not resorted to feeding you to Lucky, Allen.
Yet. ;-)
Former renegade here, 25 years off the grid, pushing 77, living on $700 a month. I (heart) your two-fisted approach to political commentary. I spend my $20 per month subscribing to the online NYT where, over the last few years, I've had 400 letters published in their reader-comment forum. "I agree with jurist J. Michael Luttig. There is no Republican Party. From now on, they are the MAGANAZI Party and their leader is the ALL-CAPS CRYBABY Donald Trump."
The online NYT is available for $4.00 a month. Get in touch with the NYT and ask for that rate for yourself.
I got the $4 per month rate as a promotion. When that ended, they wanted to raise my rate so I said that I would just cancel and they promptly extended my $4 per month for another year. I have gone through this routine several times.
Me too! In fact, right now I am paying $2 a month!
Hi Karen. That has been my experience as well. I called them several years ago to stop my subscription because it cost too much for my budget, and then they offered me the $4/month price. I have been at that price for several years now and am very happy that it can be arranged.
I’m going to look into that. $20 per month is too much for me.
They kept that a secret from me
Cats. More Cats. Weaving cat tails into political commentary. Hollywood anecdotes with or without cats. Personal essays on women’s hats...will they come back? Will they have feathers? What bowl in the best for chilli ? - vintage/modern, including lip size, the bowl, not your personal lips. Memories of politics from your childhood where your innocent guileless self shines through. More Soul warming snark-fests illuminating the current political stratosphere with your cutting wit and bitting angst.
They say you can catch more flies with honey than vinegar but as Dave Berry said, “Actually you can catch the most flys with a dead squirrel. So, when I want more likes on social media I go with a dead squirrel. Like ‘All men are idiots because there mother’s dressed them funny as children.’ This got me tons of likes and friend requests although admittedly not of the highest order. If you say something really outrageous some folks will pay up just to tell you what a ass you are. Honey can work too. Ask a question. What political motto did your mother personify while she was dressing you funny? Most folks love to talk about their fascinating, to them, lives.
The main reason I paid up was cause you had me at Billy Wilder and then that you are an older interesting person that writes very well. Most people young or old are pretty boring and when folks get older they tend to wither down to a tiny nub of something that can hardly be called a person. But you seem to be still going strong. With your treasure trove of life experience to draw from I look forward to more new fresh stories and tails, human and feline, in the years to come.
I could also be that it’s august 🤷♀️
Agreeing with Terry. There are so many good Substack writers, and I'd like to read them all, but the budget will only stretch so far. I hope I can do better at some point in the future.
Hi Tom. You are good with portraits. I'm thinking about Seniors. What to they think about life in America these days? Are there big changes that affect them? How are their children and grandchildren doing? What about living alone, maybe two Seniors who live alone?
Children, you know any between 7 - 10 years old. What do they have to say? How to they spend their free-time?
Any gun stores in your vicinity. How about chatting up the owner?
I'm done. Going read what members of the team suggested.
Good ideas Fern. No gun stores in my neighborhood though. The rest is interesting.
It occurs to me that I’ve only subscribed to those authors for whom (1) I believe I can make a meaningful contribution in the comments and (2) interact with me in return. I guess I’m looking for a meaningful and serious, if brief, conversation. I read Heather Cox Richardson religiously, but haven’t subscribed and I suppose that’s because she never appears in her comments. But I pay for Jim Fallows and Brad DeLong because they humor me with replies (when I don’t write something foolish). So for my money you, Tom, are doing it right and I can’t understand why there haven’t been more paid subscribers.
Heather does engage in the comments where she posts LFAA everyday on Facebook.