Reader Iain recently renewed his subscription, which he had originally started at $25 per year (before I implemented the paywall), at the Tinypass annual rate of $49.99. This is what he told me when he renewed:
I must admit I did have a think before I renewed it. It has doubled in price since I first subscribed and I had to work out if I wanted to pay that amount but the factors that made me renew were that I enjoy your writing, I’m largely in alignment with your sensibility and, I do use your website when I’m looking for a movie to watch. Those factors, along with the fact that I do believe people should be paid for their work, especially if it’s of high quality, when stacked up, made me realize $1/week was actually good value. In fact, now that I write down my rationale I’m wondering why I was being such a cheapskate. Forgive me, it’s my Scottish background.
(Shared with his permission, of course.)
As I said to Iain, I know that what I’m selling is a luxury item for most people. I know that money is tight for too many of us. But movies remain one of the best escapes when times are tough, and I can help guide you toward movies that will be worth your time (also in short supply for too many people!) and money.
(Lest there be any misunderstanding about how things are on my end: Film criticism may be a luxury item, but it does not result in me living a luxurious lifestyle. Far from it: I’m scrambling merely to live like a student, which I am way too old to be doing. I share a house with a bunch of people whom I don’t really know. My tiny bedroom is also my office, dining room, and living room. It’s really getting me down, and it’s hard to be as productive as I could be like this.)
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ETA: Tinypass is gone, but here are other ways to support my work here.
Thank you.
Yeah. Let’s say I watch two films a month, call it four hours total. And let’s say 50% of films are garbage. By reading reviews, I can save two hours of wasted time a month, which is well worth a few quid to me.
Why these reviews rather than others I wouldn’t have to pay for? Because this is one of the few sites that reviews films in a way that makes sense to me, where spectacle is enjoyed but can’t outweigh lousy characterisation or plot.
You’re one of the few reviewers who tell your readers exactly why you dislike a film and what could have saved it. You are also one of the few who join the unruly discussions in the comments. The regulars of the community also add an appreciative amount of sanity or ridiculousness where needed.
I spend more money on the coffee I drink while reading these posts than I do on the posts themselves. It’s well worth the cost.
The sensible but hilarious responses to trolls that she posted this morning are, by themselves, worth a dollar a month.
I have an Amazon subscription at $5 a month. Is that entirely separate from the Tiny Pass thing, or is it all intertwined? I DO get to see everything when I sign in.
I’m happy to subscribe and help out someone who has helped me out so much over the years. My wife now even knows to check your reviews on movies before asking me about them. That’s a HUGE thing, as she’s one of those people who pays zero attention to critics.
Well, your sub predates Tinypass, but I grandfathered all the previous subscribers in. You’re all good. Thank you for your support!
Sadly, I am only managing to watch a handful of movies a year right now. Reading the reviews and discussion on this site feels a little bit like going out with my friends to discuss the movie afterwards, which for me is just as enjoyable as the movie itself. And at $10 / month it is less than if we actually went out to a movie!
If only we could have pizza and beer or wine virtually!
True… having a beer with my computer feels too much like drinking alone. A future direction for the virtual community!