Should I put this out there for others to read? I am absolutely not capitalist. Money is not much of a motivator for me. If I have enough to survive then that's OK. I am an idealist and feel appalled that young people ask "Is it worth doing a degree in ......" Worth what? Job satisfaction? Getting a life partner? Pleasing your parents? Making more money than your neighbour?
Deep down, I beleive that education is its own reward - not salary potential.
I have long thought that if people can make a living income on YouTube, for example, then what money is YT making by providing you with a platform? They are using people as their workers to earn YT more money than they pay their slaves. As far as I can see, at least for me, subStack doesn't make any money from having me using their platform. I am not charging anyone for reading what I have written and I am not giving an income to the financial company that handles payments. For me - ideal. It seems that you, who seek income, may get a much better deal here than elsewhere.
I too struggle with capitalism and it's gamification of "success." That said, I fall for the self-help writers and success coaches more often than I'd like to admit. Between my lizard brain wanted to do more than survive and social media playing games with how many of us see our place in the world, I try to find a balance between art and commerce. Don't always succeed...because I'm still a work-in-progress. Like most of us, I always was and always will be. As for Substack vs. YouTube, per subscriber, the patrons here are much more generous and supportive. On the whole, so far, they're almost equal...which is encouraging. I don't need much, but it's been a rough few years. For most of us. :-)
Starving poets and artists have had similar struggles for many decades and centuries. Finding a suitable and comfortable balance is not easy at all. I agree that Substack is a more equable place and people on Substack encourage and support each other. I am fortunate that having worked for the UK government as a health worker and university academic and professional educator, I have paid into and now receive a satisfactory pension each month. Living in Thailand is not as cheap as it was 22 years ago but my money still goes further than it would in the UK. But financial considerations were not the only - let alone the main - motivators. I wanted to see more of the world. Asia is a charming and very different place to explore. I love my species in all its varieties and similarities.
Based on what my dad said about Thailand (he was stationed there during his military service), it's a lovely country and it's on my bucket list. Fingers crossed. So many buckets. So many lists. But I'm glad you're enjoying retirement in a place you enjoy exploring. Cheers, Ray!
I am new here. Just joined last week. I must say I am very interested and impressed with what you are doing. Reading your posts in the morning with my coffee is like hearing from an old friend. Great job! Being a history lover your research and writing is music to my ears. Just can't say enough good things. Best to you
Welcome to the Collide Press Crew, Tom! Appreciate the kind words. If you have any suggestions or special requests, feel free to chime in or drop me a message. Cheers to you and yours!
Hugzzzz Clint, like I've said to you a few times in the darkest hours, keep your faith in what your doing. So stay strong and do it your way. Cheers DougT 🇫🇴
Thanks for explaining how YouTube operates! Otherwise I wouldn't have a clue.
Thank you! Hopefully it wasn’t too “inside baseball.” Cuz I don’t understand sports at all. lol
Great job Clint! Keep up the good work!
Much appreciated, kind sir!
Should I put this out there for others to read? I am absolutely not capitalist. Money is not much of a motivator for me. If I have enough to survive then that's OK. I am an idealist and feel appalled that young people ask "Is it worth doing a degree in ......" Worth what? Job satisfaction? Getting a life partner? Pleasing your parents? Making more money than your neighbour?
Deep down, I beleive that education is its own reward - not salary potential.
I have long thought that if people can make a living income on YouTube, for example, then what money is YT making by providing you with a platform? They are using people as their workers to earn YT more money than they pay their slaves. As far as I can see, at least for me, subStack doesn't make any money from having me using their platform. I am not charging anyone for reading what I have written and I am not giving an income to the financial company that handles payments. For me - ideal. It seems that you, who seek income, may get a much better deal here than elsewhere.
I too struggle with capitalism and it's gamification of "success." That said, I fall for the self-help writers and success coaches more often than I'd like to admit. Between my lizard brain wanted to do more than survive and social media playing games with how many of us see our place in the world, I try to find a balance between art and commerce. Don't always succeed...because I'm still a work-in-progress. Like most of us, I always was and always will be. As for Substack vs. YouTube, per subscriber, the patrons here are much more generous and supportive. On the whole, so far, they're almost equal...which is encouraging. I don't need much, but it's been a rough few years. For most of us. :-)
Starving poets and artists have had similar struggles for many decades and centuries. Finding a suitable and comfortable balance is not easy at all. I agree that Substack is a more equable place and people on Substack encourage and support each other. I am fortunate that having worked for the UK government as a health worker and university academic and professional educator, I have paid into and now receive a satisfactory pension each month. Living in Thailand is not as cheap as it was 22 years ago but my money still goes further than it would in the UK. But financial considerations were not the only - let alone the main - motivators. I wanted to see more of the world. Asia is a charming and very different place to explore. I love my species in all its varieties and similarities.
Based on what my dad said about Thailand (he was stationed there during his military service), it's a lovely country and it's on my bucket list. Fingers crossed. So many buckets. So many lists. But I'm glad you're enjoying retirement in a place you enjoy exploring. Cheers, Ray!
I am new here. Just joined last week. I must say I am very interested and impressed with what you are doing. Reading your posts in the morning with my coffee is like hearing from an old friend. Great job! Being a history lover your research and writing is music to my ears. Just can't say enough good things. Best to you
Welcome to the Collide Press Crew, Tom! Appreciate the kind words. If you have any suggestions or special requests, feel free to chime in or drop me a message. Cheers to you and yours!
Hugzzzz Clint, like I've said to you a few times in the darkest hours, keep your faith in what your doing. So stay strong and do it your way. Cheers DougT 🇫🇴
Hugzzzz back, Doug. Thanks for all your support! Cheers and Happy Pride!