Welcome to Charlotte's Web Thoughts

I have very little idea what I'm doing, so this should be fun.

So… another Substack.

Yes, another online personality is starting their own Substack, and the question that might be on your mind is: “Does the universe really need this?”

I seriously doubt it, but let me explain why I’m here.

I’ve always wanted to write for a living. Like actual personal writing and commentary, basically what I do on Twitter every day for free. Up until now, I’ve been paid to do communications work—of which I’m proud—but that’s not even close to being the same thing.

In the past, despite a number of offers, I’ve always declined to monetize my Twitter account because there’s a chance of risking a loss of trust with folks who follow your work. I really admire the folks who have made that work, but I didn’t wanna risk it.

When I left the Human Rights Campaign this year to embark on a personal writing career (literally the week the pandemic went into full swing with lockdowns), I had some consulting work and a few paid speaking engagements lined up that I thought would give me a decent head start in figuring out how to make that dream a reality, at least long enough to sell a book proposal.

But then the pandemic hit and most of it got wiped out overnight, and I’ve been dragging my ass on the book proposal (although it is still very much coming). I consider myself lucky in that I was still able to support myself, but not by much.

My goal with this Substack is simple: I want to have full freedom to write about whatever I want and eventually make a living income in doing so. That’s not gonna happen overnight. It’ll take time. But I owe it to myself to try.

Here’s the catch that I think you’ll like: subscriptions to my Substack are totally free. Anyone who signs up will have access to 99% of my posts.

Paid subscriptions will be totally opt-in, and I’ll recognize them for what they are: a simple message from someone that they like what I’ve written and to keep going.

They’re also really cheap. Just $7/month. A monthly cup of coffee (well, really good coffee) for a writer you enjoy. There’s also a neat discount for a yearly subscription ($70).

And if you’re feeling really generous, you can become a Founding Member and donate way more than $70 (Substack recommended $210, so I went with it as the default, but you can donate less than that).

Of course, all these rates are fairly moot. Because again: access to virtually all the posts are free. The only things you get from a paid subscription are 1) the ability to comment on posts, 2) some private posts available to only paid subscribers, and 3) the knowledge you’re directly supporting my writing with monetary help.

I kinda look at this project as a glorified tip jar. If you like what you see from me on Twitter, you’re getting all that in this format, except with the ability to throw some change my way if you feel so moved.

If you love my threads or my humor or my silly musings on a wide range of subjects, I think you’ll love what you see on here.

In any case, I appreciate the consideration, and I certainly hope you’ll subscribe.