I'm sorry to see this move. I think that this blog has a real evangelization component that a paywall will cut off. If a non-Catholic is curious about what Catholics can appreciate in some of these movies then the paywall will stop them short. It also removes good information from those who can't afford it.
I agree. What's the purpose of providing the #1 Catholic movie list if you're not going to allow the average reader to know why any of the films are on it?I can't recall another Catholic website doing this for its lists.
This was always the plan. Originally the plan was to release the list as a book, which would necessitate the paywall happening, but major Catholic publishers just aren't interested, and self-publishing costs money. So if you'd like to actually help get this list even further out there, consider becoming a paid subscriber! You'll be helping us evangelize even more.
Plans are made to be adjusted. If self publishing takes money, it looks to me like all these paid subscribers have given you some. Use that. As a self publisher myself I can say the costs aren't that great.
We have a set goal that we are shooting for to work with a certain company that will help with distribution/marketing/editing and we are still pretty far from that goal. If we're going to get this in every bookstore across the nation, we want to put out the best-quality product.
I can't speak to what the "goals" or "telos" of the list was from the beginning. But it seems that it's been a useful conversation piece, evangelization tool, and a great resource for parents (as well as converts or people not familiar with classic film). The discerning viewer wanting to read the merits of a film on your list will now have to pay to read about it?
I obviously wish you guys the best, but I do think your podcast would be a better avenue towards finding income with potential sponsorships or maybe "paywalling" some of those. The various blog posts, weekly watches, or Op-Ed's etc. not associated with the list I understood (but also didn't love) being paywalled as a way to help supplement some income for some of your contributors on the list. I saw you wanted to do a book. I for sure would buy it! A one time buy I could do. But a subscription is not something I am able to (or willing to) purchase (I own no prime, no streaming services and no music subscriptions. I am against monthly entertainment subscription fees. I don't expect others to do the same. It's just my personal choice.) And since now I feel that you all are treating your readers more as potential consumers than as fellow-film fans, Catholics, or insightful critics, I feel obligated as a weekly reader to say I think this is a terrible mistake.
This move though feels counter-intuitive and the opposite of helpful for those looking for resources on film from Catholics. I frequently have pointed people (Catholics and Non-Catholics) alike to this list and shared some of the posts which have sparked meaningful conversations. Those will end because of the paywall.
I bear you no ill will but I still feel it is worth speaking up and saying I think this is a mistake. Your engagement was High because your posts are engaging and your polls sparked much interest even in non-regular readers. Hiding them will not make it more so.
Best to you all! I'll remain subscribed on the free version.
Totally understand! Appreciate the feedback. We will still have plenty of free posts and polls have never been paywalled. I for one would like to be able to do this as my full-time job, and see this as a necessary way of getting there.
Then, Sam, respectfully, I ask: “Was this list always about you?” Because your earliest posts don’t give that impression.
I ask not out of any selfishness on my part of wanting to read things for free. I’m entitled to nothing. Please believe I want you to be able to do this as a full time job as well. And would fully support you financially if I could.
But this feels less like the next grass roots step and more like biting (or cutting off) the hand that feeds you.
It's great that you're growing so much, but this seems like a bad move. People do not like removed benefits: it would be one thing to make new content and paywall it, but it is quite another to take away from people the content they already had. It is unlikely that this will lead to further growth, even in revenue, as some people will stop reading or sharing your articles.
I'm sorry to see this move. I think that this blog has a real evangelization component that a paywall will cut off. If a non-Catholic is curious about what Catholics can appreciate in some of these movies then the paywall will stop them short. It also removes good information from those who can't afford it.
I agree. What's the purpose of providing the #1 Catholic movie list if you're not going to allow the average reader to know why any of the films are on it?I can't recall another Catholic website doing this for its lists.
This seems to be a major misstep.
This was always the plan. Originally the plan was to release the list as a book, which would necessitate the paywall happening, but major Catholic publishers just aren't interested, and self-publishing costs money. So if you'd like to actually help get this list even further out there, consider becoming a paid subscriber! You'll be helping us evangelize even more.
Plans are made to be adjusted. If self publishing takes money, it looks to me like all these paid subscribers have given you some. Use that. As a self publisher myself I can say the costs aren't that great.
We have a set goal that we are shooting for to work with a certain company that will help with distribution/marketing/editing and we are still pretty far from that goal. If we're going to get this in every bookstore across the nation, we want to put out the best-quality product.
In the meantime, shutting out the people I mentioned above. Don't let perfect be the enemy of good.
So sorry that you feel this way.
Disappointed as well.
I can't speak to what the "goals" or "telos" of the list was from the beginning. But it seems that it's been a useful conversation piece, evangelization tool, and a great resource for parents (as well as converts or people not familiar with classic film). The discerning viewer wanting to read the merits of a film on your list will now have to pay to read about it?
I obviously wish you guys the best, but I do think your podcast would be a better avenue towards finding income with potential sponsorships or maybe "paywalling" some of those. The various blog posts, weekly watches, or Op-Ed's etc. not associated with the list I understood (but also didn't love) being paywalled as a way to help supplement some income for some of your contributors on the list. I saw you wanted to do a book. I for sure would buy it! A one time buy I could do. But a subscription is not something I am able to (or willing to) purchase (I own no prime, no streaming services and no music subscriptions. I am against monthly entertainment subscription fees. I don't expect others to do the same. It's just my personal choice.) And since now I feel that you all are treating your readers more as potential consumers than as fellow-film fans, Catholics, or insightful critics, I feel obligated as a weekly reader to say I think this is a terrible mistake.
This move though feels counter-intuitive and the opposite of helpful for those looking for resources on film from Catholics. I frequently have pointed people (Catholics and Non-Catholics) alike to this list and shared some of the posts which have sparked meaningful conversations. Those will end because of the paywall.
I bear you no ill will but I still feel it is worth speaking up and saying I think this is a mistake. Your engagement was High because your posts are engaging and your polls sparked much interest even in non-regular readers. Hiding them will not make it more so.
Best to you all! I'll remain subscribed on the free version.
Totally understand! Appreciate the feedback. We will still have plenty of free posts and polls have never been paywalled. I for one would like to be able to do this as my full-time job, and see this as a necessary way of getting there.
Then, Sam, respectfully, I ask: “Was this list always about you?” Because your earliest posts don’t give that impression.
I ask not out of any selfishness on my part of wanting to read things for free. I’m entitled to nothing. Please believe I want you to be able to do this as a full time job as well. And would fully support you financially if I could.
But this feels less like the next grass roots step and more like biting (or cutting off) the hand that feeds you.
We made this as a group decision. Also, I should mention, I make no profit off of this. Everything goes back into our company.
It's great that you're growing so much, but this seems like a bad move. People do not like removed benefits: it would be one thing to make new content and paywall it, but it is quite another to take away from people the content they already had. It is unlikely that this will lead to further growth, even in revenue, as some people will stop reading or sharing your articles.
Congrats on the growth you guys! Keep up the good work!