A brief update, in the first two hours the response has more than exceeded the decline I'd mentioned. I feel very humbled by the goodwill and generosity. Thank you.
I'm glad you got a positive response Nick because I'd miss your slant on what's happening if you weren't there! You are the first substack I paid for. Human nature is a funny one though. I've recently started putting some of my writing on substack and have garnered a few followers. Oddly, they read but few press the 'like'. Is it that they *don't* like it, I think? And I wish I knew the answer. But I'm going to keep on anyway. ...As for you, it is a puzzle. Maybe we can never answer the 'why'.
In my important role as Subscriber #1, lol, I would encourage any waverers out there to take advantage of Nick's great offer! Seriously, I think I get great value for money. Thanks Nick.
I'll sixth Alison's comments. J very much look forward to Nick's Kōrerō. When I read something political I find myself thinking "what would Nick say about that".
You were the first paywalled writer I subscribed to and I will stay with you. Not for that reason but because you strike a realistic balance between all of the nonsense that's going on in Aotearoa, and you add a grounded reality that keeps my head above water.
Maybe there needs to be more behind the paywall. You will make the right decision I know 😊
I love reading your newsletters - they make me laugh out loud every morning. Also, your logic helps me work out why the behaviour of this government makes me so crazy, as you are so articulate about it all. I hope more people subscribe. I will share..
I adore your Kōreros, but I’ve been sick recently so reading them all in the weekend, and sometimes it seems too late to comment. I personally. It never occurred to me to pay for news before…I am glad to contribute to you and I would love ti help some other worthy writers. I struggle with the time to read them. And also, need to be realistic about just how much I want to spend on content I’m not consuming. But I’ll stick by you always. My first ever paid subscription :D
Also, I’m weird. I don’t like reading stuff out of order. I literally only read this because it sounded like I need to know if something drastic has occurred :F
Absolutely keeps me sane and focussed in this challenging place of Aotearoa and a coalition of chaos and despair. Hence why I subscribe Love your work Nick 😃
I was reviewing my Substack subscriptions yesterday and I unsubscribed from two (non-NZ) ones. But it made me think about my priorities and I would rank NK as my #1 (or actually #1 equal with another). While I believe I mostly share your worldview I'm amazed how often I learn something useful from your daily kōrero. I see analysis from you I don't see in any other media and I feel that I'm better equipped to participate in vital discussions in our society.
Unfortunately "costa living" is making people think about those "little" expenditures so that might be why you are losing some folks
That was the first thing that came to mind too - so many people are doing it tough and are cutting everything that isn't an essential for daily life. Having said that, Nick's Kōrero and one other NZ substack would be the last thing I'd give up - I consider them both essential and enjoyable reading. Thank you for all the mahi you put into them, Nick.
Love this korero showing up in the morning inbox. Thought provoking with a touch of self deprecating humour. I've given up cafe coffee but wouldn't dream of giving up the buzz I get from your brew, Nick.
Nick, I truly value, your writing skills, thoughts and values, to the degree that your the only author I subscribe to. OK I'm a scrooge. If it keeps you going, I'm happy to fund an increased fee
Hi John, thanks for your support and I really appreciate the sentiment but I'm not looking to ask paid subscribers for more money. You're already paying and it's really appreciated. Sharing newsletters is always helpful, doesn't have to be a public post by all means forward emails to people you think might find them interesting.
I read your free writings for about a year before I realised that I wanted even more, and was happy to be the only newsletter I was willing to subscribe to.There was something about it that resonated with my thoughts exactly, almost like my late husband. We were both lifelong social democrats over the last 65 years. In this dystopian world we live in now, you write so well and are so witty, it gives me hope for the future that this time is just a passing phase. Thank you so much for continuing your work. I just love it. I hope you are getting enough to live on. Everyone has to live. Let me know when my subscription runs out. That is what I am not sure about. PS. Just love your song choices!
Not sure if it would make a difference to subs if you curtailed the free content. I read the Guardian for free for a couple of years before my conscience made me pay monthly, a few months here I think, and of course, it feels better to be paying. Cost of living is quite a thing though and probably impacting?
Hi Jo, I certainly appreciate that cost of living is a big issue at the moment so I'm trying to make things as affordable as possible while also needing to pay for increased costs myself. It is interesting what you say about the Guardian, I do get messages from people saying they've read for a couple of years and decided they ought to pay, but I do find most people are prompted to pay by some event. Be it a particularly good newsletter (and I thought today's was quite good, hence some of my reaction), or a request like this with an offer.
I have had emails recently from people who've lost jobs or are in a precarious position and I've been really clear that I don't want them to pay and to be able to keep reading much of the content for free.
Phew that’s a relief Nick. Can’t imagine how you are able to balance all that is required for you and others to produce such first-rate writings. Hope it draws subscribers. I was viewing the Herald for a while then a special offer drew me in, then out again when there was little balanced articles.
A brief update, in the first two hours the response has more than exceeded the decline I'd mentioned. I feel very humbled by the goodwill and generosity. Thank you.
I'm glad you got a positive response Nick because I'd miss your slant on what's happening if you weren't there! You are the first substack I paid for. Human nature is a funny one though. I've recently started putting some of my writing on substack and have garnered a few followers. Oddly, they read but few press the 'like'. Is it that they *don't* like it, I think? And I wish I knew the answer. But I'm going to keep on anyway. ...As for you, it is a puzzle. Maybe we can never answer the 'why'.
In my important role as Subscriber #1, lol, I would encourage any waverers out there to take advantage of Nick's great offer! Seriously, I think I get great value for money. Thanks Nick.
I second that. Well worth every cent and cheap at half the price!
Thank you Nick
I'll third it....cheers Nick.
I'll forth this ...yep Nick's Kōrero is a great read alright.
Late I know, however I will fifth and even sixth it.
I'll sixth Alison's comments. J very much look forward to Nick's Kōrerō. When I read something political I find myself thinking "what would Nick say about that".
You were the first paywalled writer I subscribed to and I will stay with you. Not for that reason but because you strike a realistic balance between all of the nonsense that's going on in Aotearoa, and you add a grounded reality that keeps my head above water.
Maybe there needs to be more behind the paywall. You will make the right decision I know 😊
My first too, and Nick, you keep me from going insane by screaming at the telly. I feel like I've had my scream when I've read your column. 😁
I love reading your newsletters - they make me laugh out loud every morning. Also, your logic helps me work out why the behaviour of this government makes me so crazy, as you are so articulate about it all. I hope more people subscribe. I will share..
I adore your Kōreros, but I’ve been sick recently so reading them all in the weekend, and sometimes it seems too late to comment. I personally. It never occurred to me to pay for news before…I am glad to contribute to you and I would love ti help some other worthy writers. I struggle with the time to read them. And also, need to be realistic about just how much I want to spend on content I’m not consuming. But I’ll stick by you always. My first ever paid subscription :D
Also, I’m weird. I don’t like reading stuff out of order. I literally only read this because it sounded like I need to know if something drastic has occurred :F
Absolutely keeps me sane and focussed in this challenging place of Aotearoa and a coalition of chaos and despair. Hence why I subscribe Love your work Nick 😃
Very well put Jo.
I was reviewing my Substack subscriptions yesterday and I unsubscribed from two (non-NZ) ones. But it made me think about my priorities and I would rank NK as my #1 (or actually #1 equal with another). While I believe I mostly share your worldview I'm amazed how often I learn something useful from your daily kōrero. I see analysis from you I don't see in any other media and I feel that I'm better equipped to participate in vital discussions in our society.
Unfortunately "costa living" is making people think about those "little" expenditures so that might be why you are losing some folks
Yeah Quentin, that was my thought as well...could be the "costa" living....
That was the first thing that came to mind too - so many people are doing it tough and are cutting everything that isn't an essential for daily life. Having said that, Nick's Kōrero and one other NZ substack would be the last thing I'd give up - I consider them both essential and enjoyable reading. Thank you for all the mahi you put into them, Nick.
Don’t be downhearted Nick! We love your work!🍀❤️
Thanks Judith, and I do appreciate that. 🙂❤️
Love this korero showing up in the morning inbox. Thought provoking with a touch of self deprecating humour. I've given up cafe coffee but wouldn't dream of giving up the buzz I get from your brew, Nick.
Hear, hear!!!
Sounds like a good deal Nick - we do appreciate your writing and the community of support it provides for us sane ones on the left! Thanks
Nick, I truly value, your writing skills, thoughts and values, to the degree that your the only author I subscribe to. OK I'm a scrooge. If it keeps you going, I'm happy to fund an increased fee
Hi John, thanks for your support and I really appreciate the sentiment but I'm not looking to ask paid subscribers for more money. You're already paying and it's really appreciated. Sharing newsletters is always helpful, doesn't have to be a public post by all means forward emails to people you think might find them interesting.
Thanks for your mahi!
Hi Nick,
I read your free writings for about a year before I realised that I wanted even more, and was happy to be the only newsletter I was willing to subscribe to.There was something about it that resonated with my thoughts exactly, almost like my late husband. We were both lifelong social democrats over the last 65 years. In this dystopian world we live in now, you write so well and are so witty, it gives me hope for the future that this time is just a passing phase. Thank you so much for continuing your work. I just love it. I hope you are getting enough to live on. Everyone has to live. Let me know when my subscription runs out. That is what I am not sure about. PS. Just love your song choices!
Not sure if it would make a difference to subs if you curtailed the free content. I read the Guardian for free for a couple of years before my conscience made me pay monthly, a few months here I think, and of course, it feels better to be paying. Cost of living is quite a thing though and probably impacting?
Hi Jo, I certainly appreciate that cost of living is a big issue at the moment so I'm trying to make things as affordable as possible while also needing to pay for increased costs myself. It is interesting what you say about the Guardian, I do get messages from people saying they've read for a couple of years and decided they ought to pay, but I do find most people are prompted to pay by some event. Be it a particularly good newsletter (and I thought today's was quite good, hence some of my reaction), or a request like this with an offer.
I have had emails recently from people who've lost jobs or are in a precarious position and I've been really clear that I don't want them to pay and to be able to keep reading much of the content for free.
I can imagine being one of those people in the future … superannuitant, widow and still working to pay the bills. Can’t do that forever :(
Of course - no reflection on your stance with my comment- you make it crystal clear you don't expect those who can't afford it to pay!
Love your work Nick. 💖
Phew that’s a relief Nick. Can’t imagine how you are able to balance all that is required for you and others to produce such first-rate writings. Hope it draws subscribers. I was viewing the Herald for a while then a special offer drew me in, then out again when there was little balanced articles.