Giving you a safe space to discuss truth in news -- without haters and spammers

And why, this once, 5 x 12 = 36.

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As I launch They Stand Corrected, the podcast with an accompanying newsletter for each episode, I’m committed to hearing from as many of you as possible who have great ideas, comments, and questions. I’m also committed to blocking out haters (including antisemites, racists, and other bigots) and spammers. I want you to be able to say what’s on your mind without being reply-attacked!

I’ve also looked at potential ways that people can support this project. Through contributions and sponsorships, we’ll be able to build out the show with a team of people bringing ideas, doing research, producing high quality content and more. We’ll expand to include video. And we’ll be able to market the show, reach far more people, and rise above the noise that fills today’s information ecosystem.

Hence, the existence of paid subscription options here at Substack. I’m told that limiting comments and questions to paid subscribers is the best way to keep out most haters and spammers. So while everyone will have access to information and links, only paid subscribers will see the comment section pop up at the end of each post. To honor supporters, I’ll make this the first place I look for comments and questions to respond to on the show. (If you’re not a paid subscriber, you can submit questions and comments through a form on my website, which takes you through the steps of email verification.)

$5 a month or… $36 a year? Huh?

The number 18 has special meaning to me, and to many Jewish people in general, because it signifies life (“chai”). Since I wanted to offer a special low rate for the first subscribers, and since it speaks to the topic of the first bunch of episodes, I looked into giving initial subscriptions for just $1.80/month. However, Substack has a minimum of $5/month so that writers will not “undervalue” themselves. So I’ve gone with the minimum. To those who choose to sign up for $5/month, thank you! 

Substack also has an annual membership tier, which has its own minimum. I went low and made it $36, representing double chai. For the first 36 days, starting the day this is posted, anyone can grab a full year of access for a total of $36. (In my public radio days, this would be where I point out how incredibly much money people spend on coffee each week/month/year.)

To those of you who want a bigger way to support They Stand Corrected, Substack has a “founding member” option. I’ve set that lower than they recommend as well, at $99. (Hey, 9+9=18.) You’ll see that I’m offering additional perks for those who choose this, and will be happy to not only thank you by name on the show if you wish, but also to read a message from you -- within reason, so keep it clean!

Also, I’ll share tips and tricks with paid subscribers. For example, I’ll share information on a free, legal way to access tons of news articles online. It’s great to support news agencies that you love, of course. But for those that you don’t love but still want to keep tabs on or see certain articles from, I’ll show you how.

To see all these options, just click the upgrade button that Substack is surely showing you. :) And if you’re a paid subscriber, you’ll see a comment section below. Feel free to jump in!

Anyone and everyone who listens, subscribes to the podcast, spreads the word, etc., is valued and appreciated!

Big love,

JL