I applaud you for tackling this topic -- no easy feat, I'm sure!
I have a two-fold approach to this: on the one hand I believe content creators should get paid for their work, but on the other, as a person with a very small income, I fully understand that there are a lot of people who simply can't afford to pay for many subscriptions (be it Substacks, traditional media, or streaming services), and that they would love to participate in the conversation, but can't. The world of fashion and style is exclusive by definition, and the narratives that are only available to others through money further exclude the poor from participating in it. I hope this doesn't sound confrontational because I truly do not intend it as such, but I wouldn't expect poor people to reach out and ask for a free subscription. Money is such a loaded topic, and living with very little money is embarrassing in our society and difficult to talk about.
Having said all this, I am happy to be a paid subscriber to your content. You always surprise me with the topics that you choose, and your writing is always entertaining and thought-provoking!
Tiia, thanks so much for your honesty, kind words and food for thought! And you raise a really good point. I wonder if maybe some content should be free for that reason.
I love that you're being so upfront about a topic I think many people find awkward to talk about. I confess that I recently cancelled several of my paid subscriptions (except the annual ones I'm committed to) and yours was one of them; I was subscribed to too many things and something had to give.
I think that as whole, I'm still adjusting to the new media economy. A subscription to the New Yorker or the Atlantic is costlier but it allows me to access a massive amount of reporting, access and analysis from a very wide-range of perspectives. Newsletters on the other hand, often represent one perspective and however good and valuable it is, it's difficult for me to commit to that in the same way. Perhaps my spending habits will change as the concept of "value" evolves; in the meantime thanks for generously making space for readers like me to share our views, and I absolutely respect what you are doing!
Hi Lin! I don’t know why I’m just seeing this, but thank you. It’s interesting— much more hesitant to subscribe to say the New York Times online than I am a newsletter of quality where the content is tailored to me and I am able to have a genuine interaction with it, where I am getting under-the-radar perspectives vs. what I can get a lot from free NYT podcasts! I subscribed in the past to some of these more traditional journalism outlets, and I found the marketing tons of stuff to me, and whether I would be interested in the stories was hit or miss, because I hadn’t specifically found or signed up for the content. 😘
Hell yes. I pay to read your insightful, and often touching, pieces, and hold other substacks to the high standards of your checklist. While I am far less consistent in my own substack publishing schedule, I feel saying something unique that makes my readers think (and feel!) differently is worth the slower cadence. With zero ads forever. And as always, authenticity trumps it all. You have it in spades ❤️
I’m a big believer in appreciating someone’s talent. I enjoy supporting you and devour your input. When I asked myself all the questions we should ask about these substacks- everyone is a yes…. So thank you for making my life a bit more interesting with all your content!!
I started from the 1st one you posted and am working my way up to present day. It’s fun and so much info that I know I’m rereading a bunch once I’m done. Love your use of colors. One of my DNA words is Vibrant. My basics are black pants then Tibi 4 colors😳. Trying to get more the 2/3 colors into my everyday and enjoy your take on that.
You are a busy writer so much do that I can’t keep up as of lately. Also the content is really great and useful. Down to earth. Keep writing and you will always have followers like me who enjoy your inspirational style 🩷💞
Candid feedback - I love your writing and used to be a paid subscriber. I loved your articles on styling. Unfortunately, I found that consuming so much fashion-focused media was exacerbating my worst consumerist tendencies. Inevitably, fashion-focused content brings up new pieces or trends, and triggers the itch to shop. So I've unsubscribed from and unfollowed all fashion related content!
Love your content and of course I should pay. Like you sometimes do, I started out free and then loving your commentary and eye for fashion I subscribed.
Your articles are definitely worth the investment. They are full of elevated inspiration and helpful style insights. I look forward to each new article you create!
I happily pay you and others for your WORK! I feel strongly that what’s here isn’t just some random musings - it’s brainstormed, researched and written so thoughtfully. Lawyers, accountants, plumbers, tutors...people get paid for their craft. You should too!
One reason I signed up to pay is because you live in Florida that has the same climate as I do. We don’t really have much of a winter so heavy sweaters and coats don’t apply to me. Also I have enough coats and sweaters. However I am always on the lookout for something that is different. I also like that you shop the boutiques and bring us what’s out there. A new set of eyes is good! I only subscribed to you but I do read others. I like that you don’t push us to buy by having ads. The truth of the matter is that we all (most) have too much stuff and we just need to wear our stuff
Thanks so much for this... one thing I've been thinking about writing is "getting that fall feeling" without the fall climate, so you make me think there would be interest! XO Appreciate having you here!
I applaud you for tackling this topic -- no easy feat, I'm sure!
I have a two-fold approach to this: on the one hand I believe content creators should get paid for their work, but on the other, as a person with a very small income, I fully understand that there are a lot of people who simply can't afford to pay for many subscriptions (be it Substacks, traditional media, or streaming services), and that they would love to participate in the conversation, but can't. The world of fashion and style is exclusive by definition, and the narratives that are only available to others through money further exclude the poor from participating in it. I hope this doesn't sound confrontational because I truly do not intend it as such, but I wouldn't expect poor people to reach out and ask for a free subscription. Money is such a loaded topic, and living with very little money is embarrassing in our society and difficult to talk about.
Having said all this, I am happy to be a paid subscriber to your content. You always surprise me with the topics that you choose, and your writing is always entertaining and thought-provoking!
Tiia, thanks so much for your honesty, kind words and food for thought! And you raise a really good point. I wonder if maybe some content should be free for that reason.
That sounds like a great solution to me. It would allow you to get compensated for your work, and also to pay it forward.
I love that you're being so upfront about a topic I think many people find awkward to talk about. I confess that I recently cancelled several of my paid subscriptions (except the annual ones I'm committed to) and yours was one of them; I was subscribed to too many things and something had to give.
I think that as whole, I'm still adjusting to the new media economy. A subscription to the New Yorker or the Atlantic is costlier but it allows me to access a massive amount of reporting, access and analysis from a very wide-range of perspectives. Newsletters on the other hand, often represent one perspective and however good and valuable it is, it's difficult for me to commit to that in the same way. Perhaps my spending habits will change as the concept of "value" evolves; in the meantime thanks for generously making space for readers like me to share our views, and I absolutely respect what you are doing!
Hi Lin! I don’t know why I’m just seeing this, but thank you. It’s interesting— much more hesitant to subscribe to say the New York Times online than I am a newsletter of quality where the content is tailored to me and I am able to have a genuine interaction with it, where I am getting under-the-radar perspectives vs. what I can get a lot from free NYT podcasts! I subscribed in the past to some of these more traditional journalism outlets, and I found the marketing tons of stuff to me, and whether I would be interested in the stories was hit or miss, because I hadn’t specifically found or signed up for the content. 😘
A resounding YES to all the questions you suggested we ask ourselves. Subscribing to hey, mrs. solomon is the best $8 I could ever spend. 💖
Omg I am just so honored -- thank you xoxoxo
Hell yes. I pay to read your insightful, and often touching, pieces, and hold other substacks to the high standards of your checklist. While I am far less consistent in my own substack publishing schedule, I feel saying something unique that makes my readers think (and feel!) differently is worth the slower cadence. With zero ads forever. And as always, authenticity trumps it all. You have it in spades ❤️
Christine, thank you so much for the support, literally and figuratively. XO
I’m a big believer in appreciating someone’s talent. I enjoy supporting you and devour your input. When I asked myself all the questions we should ask about these substacks- everyone is a yes…. So thank you for making my life a bit more interesting with all your content!!
That means so much to me -- thank you! (And I love seeing you keep reading me!)
I started from the 1st one you posted and am working my way up to present day. It’s fun and so much info that I know I’m rereading a bunch once I’m done. Love your use of colors. One of my DNA words is Vibrant. My basics are black pants then Tibi 4 colors😳. Trying to get more the 2/3 colors into my everyday and enjoy your take on that.
You are a busy writer so much do that I can’t keep up as of lately. Also the content is really great and useful. Down to earth. Keep writing and you will always have followers like me who enjoy your inspirational style 🩷💞
Thank you so much, Erika. I love that note and reminder to be down to earth! XO
Highlight of my day. Always new, upbeat, affirming. PS love the candy pink top
Even my mom is paying! (But I recently figured out how to give to you free, Mom! Coming!)
Candid feedback - I love your writing and used to be a paid subscriber. I loved your articles on styling. Unfortunately, I found that consuming so much fashion-focused media was exacerbating my worst consumerist tendencies. Inevitably, fashion-focused content brings up new pieces or trends, and triggers the itch to shop. So I've unsubscribed from and unfollowed all fashion related content!
That's really good to know about yourself. And good to take breaks when feeling this way! I totally get that! And thank you for the kind words.
Love your content and of course I should pay. Like you sometimes do, I started out free and then loving your commentary and eye for fashion I subscribed.
I'm honored you did, and will try and make it worth your while. Thanks so much for this note. I really appreciate it!
Your articles are definitely worth the investment. They are full of elevated inspiration and helpful style insights. I look forward to each new article you create!
I am so grateful for this -- Jazmin, thank you so much for writing! Xo
I happily pay you and others for your WORK! I feel strongly that what’s here isn’t just some random musings - it’s brainstormed, researched and written so thoughtfully. Lawyers, accountants, plumbers, tutors...people get paid for their craft. You should too!
Aww the kindest! Always. Thank you. Xo
One reason I signed up to pay is because you live in Florida that has the same climate as I do. We don’t really have much of a winter so heavy sweaters and coats don’t apply to me. Also I have enough coats and sweaters. However I am always on the lookout for something that is different. I also like that you shop the boutiques and bring us what’s out there. A new set of eyes is good! I only subscribed to you but I do read others. I like that you don’t push us to buy by having ads. The truth of the matter is that we all (most) have too much stuff and we just need to wear our stuff
Thanks so much for this... one thing I've been thinking about writing is "getting that fall feeling" without the fall climate, so you make me think there would be interest! XO Appreciate having you here!
I would love that!!!
Coming!