Hello all,
It’s been a while since I’ve written to you on this platform, but I just wanted to inform you that Human+ is back to being hosted on Substack.
Why revert the decision? Long story short, through my current e-mail provider (Squarespace), I cannot send out nearly as many e-mail “blasts” to my subscribers as I would like without having to pay more money out of my own pocket, and those costs add up, especially in addition to actually hosting the website, owning the domain, and using an professional G-Mail account.
Essentially, I was paying for something when it made no sense to do so, not to mention at the expense of the frequency of my writing.
So what’s my vision moving forward?
I plan to publish all of my work here on Substack then just copy some of my works to my website (www.alanrr.com). That way I still retain of the e-mail and audience functionalities of Substack and continue to use my website as a sort of hub/portfolio hybrid for myself and my personal brand.
What else is new?
Quite a bit, actually. Since the last time I’ve been on here over a year ago, Substack has really stepped its game up and added tons of new features that make it easier for creators to connect with their audiences. Podcast and video content is now available, and I’m thinking of how to use those to make Human+ a multi-platform experience that extends beyond just writing. But rest assured that I see big potential for it and will definitely incorporate them in the future.
Another exciting feature (although not a new one) are the threads. Threads are just places for discussion where I pose a question (something like “which piece of literature has impacted you the most?”) and subscribers can all share their thoughts. These will likely be a mid-weekly thing. I didn’t utilize this feature nearly as much as I should have at first, but that will change this time around.
The last novel thing that I’ll do is occasionally send digital photos and/or prints that I made myself as a sort of extra “thank you” to you guys.
What does that mean for me as a subscriber?
This all means that exciting things are in store for the Human+ family. As a result, I will reintroduce paid subscribership. Of course, free plans still and will continue to exist, but they just won’t receive all of the extra features named in the previous section. Believe me, it was not easy to come to this decision, and it seriously required a lot of thorough consideration, but I’ve come to realize that if I am providing what I believe is a premium service, appropriate compensation is in order. Even then, I don’t see this as “I’m creating something, you pay me” type of relationship. Instead, I see it as a way for fans of my work to be able to show support to me and this project and simultaneously receive valuable and stimulating content in return. I’ve said it before, but the most valuable investments you can make are the ones in yourself, and Human+ exists to serve you.
As a special promotion, I’m running a deal where all e-mail sign-ups receive a free three month trial.
After that, plans are just $7 per month or $70 if you pay for the year upfront. Again, for the price of a tea and croissant, you get:
ALL work created by me, in written, podcast, and video form (the latter two coming soon)
Permission to comment on posts
Participation in weekly threads where you can discuss with other members of the Human+ community
Occasional original digital photos/prints, for your own personal use
Ability to read posts on my website if you prefer
I’m a part of a few exclusive online communities that I paid a fee to join, but I’ve never regretted it. I think being part of a circle of other people just like you and that share your same interests is invaluable, and these groups usually do an immense job at accelerating the members’ passions, especially if they’ve had to take the leap of trust and give money to join.
Claim your free trial by clicking on the button below:
That about wraps up all news. Thank you all from the bottom of my heart for subscribing and choosing to receive these e-mail newsletters; it’s my biggest passion to share the things that have helped me and just on my my mind overall. Your readership is what keeps me going!
Thanks for reading,
Alan