To Paywall or To Not Paywall
It’s always a blessing to received a link from Glenn Reynolds aka the Instapundit, as I did for this post. However, many of his commenters complained that I had inserted a paywall for the post. It has since been removed, something I will do from now on, if necessary, whenever I receive a promotion from Glenn or any other site that has a large fan base.
But I have questions: should I make all of my posts free? And, if I do that, how is that fair to those who are already paid subscribers? Also, how do I get paid regularly doing what I love?
I would like all of your feedback, but especially from paid subscribers.
While free ice cream is always welcome, not even the Communists at Ben and Jerry's give their product away for free.
Agree with Vita Beata that you should decide the paywall issue. I certainly won't think it is "unfair" just because at some point I put some money in the hat. I would suggest a caveat though. Collect data for a bit and see what gives you the greater return and then go that route. To add to Vita's comment about fairs; a character in one of Alma Boykin's fiction novels said something along the lines of life is not fair, the fair is where you go to get deep fried food on a stick.
Bottom line is do what offers you the best return, a person has got to eat. I will continue to support because I find your writing enjoyable, thought provoking, and informative.