Wow. I'm really speechless. I was very nervous about sending out this announcement, and I hoped that in the best-case scenario, folks would quietly nod and move along. I never, ever, ever expected this kind of outpouring of support. I'm verklempt.
I'm not gonna reply to every single comment lest I wind up spamming the thread, so please accept this as my response to each and every one of you exceedingly kind human beings.
When you take a flyer on a tiny small business—and not just any business, but a media outlet—it's a really scary thing. Yet here we are, just shy of two years in, and we're not only succeeding but deeply, touchingly supported by our community. This is something truly special.
There are plenty of companies out there making gajillions more than we are, but I would not trade this—and all of you—for the world. Thank you. Thank you. We will not let you down.
Pretty sure I made direct favorable comparisons of TDB to Cook and to Kos in the comments at DKE when you announced your original pricing structure. Nothing has led me to change my mind, including this minor adjustment.
I'd been a cheapo who wasn't paying, but this announcement seemed important so I finally signed up this morning to see what the news was. Accidentally locked in the lower rate for this next year!
David — make sure your invoice includes an option to contribute more voluntarily. I think you do a great job, worth at least $100-150/year, and am happy to pay more to put you on a sound footing.
Truly, you are too kind, Jack. We do include a donation link at the bottom of emails and also at the top of our website. You can find it right here: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/thedownballot
Makes sense. You might lose a few who are here for the ride, but for those of us who devour this stuff, it is well worth it. There will be a breaking point for us amateurs, but this is not it.
Totally worth it for political nerds.
Wow. I'm really speechless. I was very nervous about sending out this announcement, and I hoped that in the best-case scenario, folks would quietly nod and move along. I never, ever, ever expected this kind of outpouring of support. I'm verklempt.
I'm not gonna reply to every single comment lest I wind up spamming the thread, so please accept this as my response to each and every one of you exceedingly kind human beings.
When you take a flyer on a tiny small business—and not just any business, but a media outlet—it's a really scary thing. Yet here we are, just shy of two years in, and we're not only succeeding but deeply, touchingly supported by our community. This is something truly special.
There are plenty of companies out there making gajillions more than we are, but I would not trade this—and all of you—for the world. Thank you. Thank you. We will not let you down.
With all my love,
David
Agreed, this is an appropriate move and I am happy to support you in doing this.
Go for it David. Yours is one of the emails I make sure to read each day.
Seems like a small price to pay.
Is there a tip jar for those of us who want to help
250 for the founding member sub is a bit too rich for our situation
Doh. There is a Donate link on the front page on substack. Never go to substack so hadn't seen it. Maybe add a link in the emails?
D'oh, D'oh. There IS already a link in the emails...just at the end.
You truly are too kind, but yes! Folks can donate to us right here: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/thedownballot
It works too!
Your new rate is still very inexpensive for the value the Downballot provides. Thank you for all your hard work.
Considering that reading The Downballot and keeping up with the discussion is at least 20-30 minutes of my day, definitely value for money.
I feel your service is well worth the increase - carry on, David!
Totally worth the increase! That’s a very reasonable price.
Happy to pay a bit more to keep this invaluable site up and running for sure!!
While I could not access the renewal date, I am happy to tell you that your increase is perfectly reasonable. Your information is invaluable.
Len Lubinsky
Len's Political Notes
Pretty sure I made direct favorable comparisons of TDB to Cook and to Kos in the comments at DKE when you announced your original pricing structure. Nothing has led me to change my mind, including this minor adjustment.
Fellow Sickos: Let your friends know they still have a week to sign up at the low, low introductory rate!
I'd been a cheapo who wasn't paying, but this announcement seemed important so I finally signed up this morning to see what the news was. Accidentally locked in the lower rate for this next year!
David — make sure your invoice includes an option to contribute more voluntarily. I think you do a great job, worth at least $100-150/year, and am happy to pay more to put you on a sound footing.
There is a Donate link on the front page on substack. Never saw it as never go on to website.
Truly, you are too kind, Jack. We do include a donation link at the bottom of emails and also at the top of our website. You can find it right here: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/thedownballot
100% supportive
Makes sense. You might lose a few who are here for the ride, but for those of us who devour this stuff, it is well worth it. There will be a breaking point for us amateurs, but this is not it.
I rely on your content and don’t feel informed completely until I get your data. Thanks for the notice.