Let me get this out of the way: this post makes me a little uncomfortable. But I can’t avoid it. It’s necessary. And I’m going to explain why.
When I moved my email list to Substack and started writing every weekday, I did so for three reasons:
Out of obedience. God clearly told me to write every day. He told me to stop trying to be someone I’m not and instead use the gifts he’s given me.
I think there’s an appetite for vulnerable, thoughtful writing. That’s what I’m called to be and produce, and I think it’s refreshing in this world of Instagram filters and heavily-edited TikTok videos.
I’m tired of algorithms deciding what YOU get to see. I initially started by posting my daily musings on Facebook. But it quickly became apparent that social media algorithms don’t appreciate vulnerable, thoughtful writing in the same way that you do. It’s no secret that their AI and systems search each post for certain words, ideas, and concepts and restrict the reach of those posts based on what they deem appropriate, worthy, or desirable (or inappropriate, unworthy, or undesirable). Increasingly, the algorithm’s values are veering further and further away from the values of those who describe themselves as Christians.
So that’s why you’re seeing this post here, both in your inbox feed and on Substack. And wow, have you responded. In under a month, we have jumped to nearly 1,100 subscribers. I am excited, honored, and humbled.
But…
In order to continue giving this community the attention I need to (including putting out special posts like this, this, this, and this), that requires time and focus. And THAT requires me saying “no” to other things.
I want to say “no” to more things.
In order to do that, though, I need your support. And I’ll be up front: that requires financial support. That means that I’m asking you today, right now, to become a paying supporter.
⚠️ Starting Monday, only paying supporters will get access to everything, including every daily post. ⚠️
However, I’ve made the cost LOWER than what Substack even recommends by several dollars per month. I’m not trying to pay my mortgage with this, but rather carve out more time for you.
👉 Becoming a paying supporter averages out to $0.25 per post for the monthly option, and only $0.15 per post for the yearly option. Can you support encouraging, thoughtful writing for $0.15/post (or $0.10 per day)? Only you can answer that. Maybe just try it for a month?
By becoming a paying supporter of “Dear Jon” for just $5/month, you allow me to keep writing, keep discovering, and keep sharing with YOU with no interruptions. It allows me to say tough, hard things that may be unpopular. It allows me to say “no” to other things. I’m still going to write, don’t get me wrong. But your support makes it easier.
For example, next month I’ll be a guest at the filming of a roundtable discussion with Mulsim converts, and I’ve gotten permission to write about it and bring you along. That requires me to take a day “off” of my regular duties that pay the bills.
Paying supporters get full access to every post, the ability to comment, monthly video sessions (coming soon), and the full archives, among other things.
Let me be clear, though: You don’t have to pay. You can subscribe for free. You will just be limited going forward in what you get and see.
I will still be making selected posts each week available at no charge. However, subscribing for a nominal fee helps me devote the most time to writing and sharing with you, and gives you full access to everything.
Here’s a little recap of what you get as a free subscriber versus what you get as a paying supporter:
Posts
Posts are generally reserved for the daily blog. I write a post every weekday morning. About what? Well, about whatever God tells me to. I’m not trying to be uber spiritual there, it’s just the truth. Every morning I wake up, I pray, I journal, and I ask God two questions:
“What do you want me to know today?”
“What do you want me to do today?”
The day’s post comes from that.
Posts also include special features. These vary from in-depth interviews, full-length stories like the one about the holocaust survivor I met, and other special pieces of content.
Free subscribers: Access to 1-2 of these posts a week. I decide which ones to give everyone access to. Free subscribers are also limited to only seeing the free posts from the last seven days. ⚠️
Paying supporters: Access to ALL posts, as well as the ability to comment on them, and receive access to the full archive. ✅
Threads
A thread is more of a thought. It’s not as in depth as a post and is generally shorter. It could be a note about something I’ve seen, an update, or even a poem.
Free subscribers: Generally do not get access to these. Once in a while I may make one available. ⛔️
Paying supporters: Get access to all threads. ✅
Chats
Chats are bite-sized nuggets. It could be a picture, a link to something I find interesting, or a something I want your feedback on.
Chats also let you be a part of the conversation and the community! You can post a chat as well, and get me and others to weigh in.
Free subscribers: No access to chats. ⛔️
Paying supporters: Full, complete access to chats, which also includes the ability to direct message with me! ✅
Video Sessions
Soon I’ll be conducting regular video sessions. It will be a time where we can get together as a community and chat. I truly want to build this as a community, and paying supporters will get the greatest access to that benefit.
Free subscribers: No access to video session. ⛔️
Paying supporters: Full, complete access to video sessions with me and the community. ✅
Summary
OK, so what does all that mean? Here’s the simple version
Free subscribers get access to 1-2 posts a week, while paying supporters get access to EVERYTHING, including all posts, threads, chats, video sessions, and the ability to comment and direct message me.
If you think that’s worth only $0.15 per post then I would be honored to have your support.
Once again, I’m not trying to get rich off of this. I’m simply trying to cover my current time and focus, as well as devote even MORE to you and our community.
I appreciate you considering this and investing in not only me, but in the idea of radical vulnerability and thoughtful writing.
See you soon,