Sparkle on Substack (Live) Subscription fatigue/ Turning off paywalls
Dec 5, 2025
The discussion dives into the challenges of subscription fatigue and the overwhelming expectations on both creators and subscribers. Java shares her bold choice to turn off paid subscriptions, emphasizing the need for personal permission in creating content. They explore the emotional toll of subscriber churn and the importance of fostering deeper connections over relentless growth. The conversation also touches on alternative revenue models like workshops and art sales that prioritize creator peace and well-being.
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Subscriptions Are Long-Term Commitments
- Subscriptions are durable commitments that often outlast creators' energy and needs.
- Claire Venus frames turning off paid options as a permission slip to realign creative priorities.
Offer Temporary Free Access
- If money's tight, offer temporary free access or pauses to avoid guilt-driven churn.
- Claire Venus gives three months free to subscribers who explain financial strain to retain goodwill.
Maths Makes Substack A Volume Game
- High paid-subscriber counts are needed for Substack to be a sole sustainable income.
- Claire Venus highlights fees, Stripe costs, and churn that make small paid lists financially fragile.
