REASONS WHY IT'S SO HARD TO GET PAID.

FREE TO READ.

Having spent weeks re-redrafting this article, I keep identifying yet another Barrier to making even a part time income, on Substack. Here’s the list so far

1.  Not having been here at the beginning in 2017, when Substack paid Celebrities to kickstart the platform.
2.  Becoming a Substack Author later, but whilst Being Famous already.
3.  Importing thousands of subscriber emails from one's other platforms on arrival. 
If one doesn't fit these three, then how does one compete ?

The next few barriers do offer one a chance..... First drafts are already prepared for half of them...

4.  A weak command of the English Language (and understanding A)> that is is not called "British". B)> that it is not the same as it's later cousin American English).
5.  Being uncomfortable working within either an online Community or for endless hours Home Alone.
6.  Not having saleable skills (N.B. Storywriting will rarely generate income unless one uses it as a Marketing Tool).
7.   No clear understanding of Basic Marketing Concepts. Such as....
8.  Knowing how to create attention grabbing headlines and attention holding content.
9.  Lacking dedication to success, however defined.
10. Poor Computer Literacy.
11.  No real interest in publishing elsewhere.
12.  An ill defined survival plan to tide one over.
13.  Insufficient knowledge of how Substack works. Including why the platform itself offers poor guidance......
14.  No real Willingness Desire to study all of one's shortfalls.
15.  An inability to laugh at one's mistakes.
16.  Inadequate time for  any of the above.

Try rating yourself on 4 to 14, as follows : if it fits - Zero. If you are a little way there - 1 point. If you are halfway - 2 points. If you could explain it to others 3 points. Be Honest. Out of a max 39 point score you have 35, then you will probably succeed. Only 30 your really do need to upskill. 25, pay at least one guru. Less than 25, devote 90% of your time to learning rather than publishing.

When started here, my rating would have been 29. Twenty one months of digging, observing, experimenting later, I'd rate myself at 35, just. But even so, whilst the enjoyment absolutely justifies the hours, the pay ain't there yet.

Yup, it’s a long list but DON’T DESPAIR YET….. Because barriers four to sixteen can all be resolved….. with help. I could give you that help, by writing my own story of my Substack Adventure… show you the shortcuts…. I came here in May 2023, believing the hype that Substack was the best place to earn as a writer. Yet not then knowing the numbers, ie:- only 5.7% of Subscribers actually pay, and approx 70% of authors give up within the first year.

Whilst I’ve been here “Notes” was introduced, we’ve been told it’s the best way to attract new subscribers, and it certainly worked well for me…. until “Following” was introduced - as a great way increase the new subscriber rate. Yet it has had the opposite effect for so many Writers that Substack has just announced major changes to both of these tools. Hmmmm. Recently some of the gurus have been telling us that the whole subscriber system is so old hat that we must now switch to producing digital products instead. Ergo : More barriers to overcome. Evolution…..

We also seen the incursion of Chat GP, and now Artificial Intelligence is Attacking us. Other news this morning (Tuesday 25th) is that the British Government is on the brink of destroying copyright restrictions to Aid AI….. Creative people rightly fear loosing their incomes….. So I spent most of today wondering how the heck is all this going to affect my career ? Publishing my writing is an absolute joy, in spite of all the hurdles…..

I don’t seek riches…. never did…. but I do need to Supplement my pension.

Incredibly, after a few hours of contemplation, I received an offer that may resolve my dilemma. Before making a decision I need to know if it will generate the extra income I need, AND - how much is it likely to restrict my Authorships.

As this may well prove a Tipping Point, it’s only fair to publish now instead of Friday…. Hopefully by then I’ll be able to update you.

Best Wishes, Maurice