Lately, I keep seeing people online saying things like, “We can’t keep going unless we make it paid.” But is that really true? I don’t think so.
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Free is what makes discovery possible
If everything got locked behind a paywall, no one new would ever stumble across it in the first place. Whether it’s music or blogging, the first step is often that moment of “accidental discovery.”
People read or listen because it’s freely available, and from there, communities and connections can grow. Sure, charging can bring some stability, but at the same time, it cuts down a lot on reach and openness.
Sustainability isn’t only about money
Of course, thinking about revenue matters. But going paid isn’t the only way forward.
- You can use tips or donations
- Free content with some optional paid extras
- Or create opportunities that come from free content, like job offers or commissions
In the end, “How do I keep going?” should have more than just one answer.
An IndieWeb kind of mindset
It reminds me of the IndieWeb idea of “owning your own space.”
When you put things out there for free, they spread on their own, and connections form naturally. From there, people who genuinely want to support you will show up too.
Before putting up a paywall, it might actually be more important to focus on building trust and relationships.
In the end
Free content is still alive, and in fact, it’s what keeps the internet open, diverse, and dynamic. Going paid can be the right choice for some, but that doesn’t mean we should declare “free is dead.”
Free is still a powerful strategy, and I, for one, still believe in it.
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