Introducing Projectkin’s Patron Tier
Projectkin posts, events, and programs remain free but I've added an optional paid "Patron" tier for subscriptions. Contributions will support the community even as programming remains free.
Why I’m Adding a Patron Tier
Since launching Projectkin on Substack nearly 18 months ago, I have wanted to keep my focus on encouraging families to explore, capture, and preserve their stories — in any form that works. I built Projectkin.org to celebrate family stories, their value to individuals today, and the role they would play for future generations. The mission led me to include not only recipes to help people get started, but also techniques for maintaining and preserving originals, archives, and stories — in any imaginable form and format.
Before Substack, this kind of thing could only be done with a custom-developed site supported by sponsored content or advertising. Substack’s business model was a game-changer because it allowed me to avoid the distortions of traditional publishing. I could be scrupulously platform-independent, not sell anything, yet shape the community from shared goodwill.
Remarkably, that’s starting to happen.
I envisioned recouping my investment of time by publishing a nonfiction book that might introduce these ideas to a larger audience. The events and lively discussion groups already percolating around Projectkin would support the book with inspiration and ideas, while the distribution of the book could help bring the concept to more families.
There were a few unexpected bumps along the way.
By late 2023, just a few months after launching the Projectkin.Substack.com, publication several of you shared that my free model created a problem for you. The relationship felt unbalanced. Accepting free content, support, and services didn’t feel right. Several free subscribers told me in all candor that they wanted a way to contribute, express gratitude, or at least help defray expenses.
After some debate, I added a tip jar at BuyMeACoffee because using Substack’s payment system felt like overkill. Sure enough, your generous “coffee” contributions have been astounding. You’ve collectively paid our Projectkin expenses for Zoom and other tools. I’m deeply grateful.
Taken together, I’ve drawn three conclusions I never expected:
1. WE are Projectkin together.
You’re an extraordinarily generous community. You’ve reached out with thoughtful comments, active participation, and generous support. So far, more than thirty of you have stepped up to write, present, or actively engage with me in Projectkin posts and programs. Your voice, encouragement, and guidance have helped me examine and refine the ideas about family storytelling that brought me here. You’ve inspired each other and transformed me. I don’t want to do anything that might constrain your participation.
2. Maybe I CAN write that book. 🤔
Even if I initially self-publish it, a book will force me to articulate what I see as these principles. It’ll be an honor to include your brilliant ideas, crediting you, and sharing the joy of discoveries. These are principles we’re refining together in this community. This has become a laboratory, forum, and startup garage. A book will help us to spread this simple idea of the importance of family history storytelling.
Which brings me to my third realization.
3. Substack needs me to offer a paid tier.
While I’ve been a big supporter of Substack, I’ve not contributed a dime to their bottom line. Worse, by configuring my tip jar off-site, I’ve effectively been sending funds to their competitors. As I approach another subscriber-count milestone, their gentle nudges about a paid tier have grown louder.
The nudges have also been accompanied by what feels like a slowdown in new subscriptions. It could be my imagination, but it wouldn’t be surprising either. Payments must be factored into Substack’s algorithm for introducing new posts and publications. “Bestseller” and “Rising” categories, prominently displayed on your home screen, are always paid. (More in the On Substack publication.) It’s a good strategy for them as that’s how they make money.
Conclusion:
Taken together, this tells me I can’t continue to grow Projectkin without introducing a premium tier. Funds will generally support our expenses (such as Zoom and the calendar), potentially provide remuneration of some kind for our speakers, and possibly enable the development of new types of programs.
Presenting “Projectkin Patrons”
Starting today, my new “Patron” tier for Projectkin begins at the minimum level allowed by Substack. The idea is to celebrate the orchestra seats while creating box seats for patrons who want to participate in a more meaningful way.
Here’s the plan:
Projectkin Subscribers — All subscribers to Projectkin at the free level will still have unfettered access to all programming, recordings, and live discussions.
I expect the free level will always be the largest group. Their active involvement in the community helps foster creative ideas and unexpected solutions. I don’t want to do anything that might discourage new subscribers.
In all cases, I want to ensure that the core of our programming remains unrestricted for free subscribers.
The introduction of a Patron tier invites subscribers to help support the operational costs and programming for Projectkin.
Patron levels
Supporters — Those who sign up to contribute on a periodic subscription basis. (Monthly or yearly paid plans: US$5/month or US$50/year.)
Champions — Those who commit to a one-time cash payment. (Substack’s Founder level: US$100.)
Contributors — Those who add to the Projectkin publication with programming, participation as guests, or contributed posts. (I’ll grant these members complimentary one-year Patron-level subscriptions.)
To be clear, when my posts, recordings, and other content are free, all I have to offer Patrons amounts to thank-you gifts and special access.
The way I see it, these patron-level subscriptions are just a step up from the BuyMeACoffee page I used until now. The difference is that with these Substack tiers, I can invite Patrons to special insider discussions featuring program feedback and suggestions.
If patrons find it valuable, I’ll gladly share my thinking and drafts for my in-progress book. Once the book is in production, I’ll share special access with Patrons. My goal is to spread our message about family stories. All of you are already evangelists for the idea.
A Note about Contributors
Since the beginning, I’ve described myself as the “ringleader.” I use this term in tribute to the writers, guests, and co-hosts who have contributed to Projectkin with their programs and posts. I’ve come to rely on all of you for advice, guidance, and brilliant suggestions.
Among our long-standing contributors are pros like and Emma Cox with their monthly series, Kathy’s Corner and Emma Explores. Other contributors include , and , who have supported Projectkin with limited series, Live Events, Project Recipes, Specials, and Member Posts.
To date, all of these materials have been contributed without honoraria or any other form of remuneration. Defining these Patron tiers allows me to express my gratitude to this group by offering complimentary subscriptions. It’s only a small token of my appreciation.
Where I’m Headed
I’m in the earliest stages of work on this book. I’ve managed technical documentation and proposal publishing teams, but this will be my first book. It’ll be a non-fiction piece, and I expect to invest in an editor, illustrator, and self-publishing. I am not looking for Projectkin to fund production.
I’m hoping that with exposure and the lively engagement of the community, we can draw the resources for wider distribution and greater visibility. The goal for the book is very much like that for Projectkin. I want to inspire families to share their stories, in any form that works for them. I’ll discuss the benefits of storytelling and explore the creative forms stories can take today. The idea is to galvanize individuals to get started with specific project ideas as creative “recipes” anyone can follow to get started.
In book form, I’ll have the opportunity to reach families who may never discover Substack, effectively introducing the ideas to new audiences. I’d like to think this is good for all of us. Readers of the book will be invited to join this vibrant community, explore ideas, and contribute suggestions.
Everyone has a family, but who tells their story?
Projects let us explore, capture, and preserve our stories for ourselves and future generations. Let’s embrace the journey and get started together!
Congratulations! I see this as the next step. With your guidance we have built a great community here with a broad selection of education, tools and inspiration for all things needed to tell our stories. As they say in the theater Bravo!!
Mind blown. In a great way! 👏🏻