How to Reflect, Complain, and Say A Big THANK YOU!
I'm calling it a year and heading into my Christmas break.
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You may have observed that I've been less active in recent weeks. I assumed that many of you were preoccupied with more enjoyable pursuits this season than delving into another lengthy, in-depth analysis akin to a mini book, especially on topics as dense and complex as globalist ideas. During this quieter period, I've found myself reflecting on my Substack journey over the past two years.
Before we delve into anything else, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude for the support you've shown towards my newsletter over the last year. It's been an extraordinary journey, marked by your unwavering enthusiasm for the complex topics we explore together. This shared passion has not only driven me but has significantly enhanced the quality of my content.
While I aspire to reach even greater heights and sometimes feel challenged by the disparity in engagement compared to more “simplistic” content, I am encouraged by your involvement. It's true that my engagement numbers may not be as high as some, with a modest percentage of likes compared to views.
Yet, I believe in the value of my work and feel that it deserves more visibility. It's a nuanced balance – my content is important, perhaps vitally so, yet there seems to be a hesitation in helping it reach a wider audience. This observation isn't a critique but a reflection on the complexities of content appreciation and the challenges in broadening my reach.
Nonetheless, your support in any form, whether through likes, shares, or engaging in conversations, is deeply appreciated and vital for my growth and visibility.
The Complaining
Please bear with me as I express some frustrations. This isn't about you, it's about the challenges of this platform, its payment system, and the broader issue of a society that expects everything for free.
Originally, when I wrote my very first article on financial cycles titled "What the F**k is Going On?", I never imagined it would lead to a following of nearly 4500 subscribers and a series of articles covering global power dynamics, history, psychology, and philosophy. My initial intent was simply to find a quick way to publish that specific article.
In its early stages, my publication had the look of a terrible news site, similar to those from major networks like CNN, and the “Bit” in “A Lily Bit” was a playful reference to Bitcoin. However, these days, I consciously distance myself from the often naive and overly butt-hurt culture prevalent in the Bitcoin community.
Since starting my journey, I've crafted over 150 articles, dedicating 46 of them exclusively to my most dedicated paid subscribers. This path has led me to incredible individuals, and in a defining moment, even resulted in a lawsuit from the WEF. Surprisingly, Substack has become a significant contributor to my livelihood, and I'm hopeful that it could eventually cover all my monthly expenses. Achieving this goal seems plausible with just about 100 more supportive individuals, to access content that has deeply resonated with a growing community of enlightened readers over the years.
I'm convinced that my content stands out due to my unique background, personal experiences, and professional journey, offering insights that are rare or merely speculative for others. While I must navigate cautiously regarding what I can share, I'm eager to delve deeper in the upcoming months. However, to maintain a degree of privacy and distinction from my free offerings, these in-depth pieces will be reserved exclusively for premium subscribers, beyond the reach of OpenAI's crawling capabilities.
I've repeatedly reconsidered the paid aspect of my content. There was even a time when I contemplated not having any paid-exclusive posts. However, the reality is that today's society often overlooks the value-for-value exchange model. The time and effort I invest in research and writing doesn't seem to be a factor many are willing to compensate for. It's understandable that not everyone is in a position to support content creators they like. And since I don't use avenues like OnlyFans and relying on looking “kinda hot” to generate more income my work often results in little financial return or even a loss.
This isn't YouTube either; I don't earn from views, I can't run ads, and honestly, if I did run ads, I would encourage you to use an ad blocker. I believe in a value-for-value relationship as the most fair approach. If you find value in my free articles and aren't interested in a subscription, consider making a $5 donation. It makes a significant difference. The principle is simple: if I, or anyone else, provide value, a donation is a fair way to acknowledge that.
The ad-supported model simply doesn't align with my principles or prove effective (something YouTube will apparently never understand). I prefer to offer tangible extra value to premium subscribers rather than suggest that a hiding intrusive ads on my website is a benefit worthy of payment.
As a writing creator, my capacity to add perks and benefits is naturally limited compared to YouTubers with millions of followers or well-known figures in alternative media who often recycle reactionary content for clicks, cashing in on the fact that their audiences have the attention span of a goldfish. However, I have plans to enhance my offerings, though they may not be as extensive as those who see no issue with charging you $6000 for an online course on “How to Avoid the Coming Disaster Cycle.”
I don't intend to dwell on the frustrations with the current state of content marketing, dominated by superficiality and paywalls in this Web 2.0 era. If the value-for-value model were embraced by society, it could revolutionize content access and distribution. Imagine an internet where information is freely shared without paywalls, and creators are supported directly by those who value their work. Wouldn't that be a more fulfilling online experience for everyone?
Finally, I'd like to address the issue of using Stripe for payments. To be honest, I'm not a fan of Stripe, but currently, it's the only payment option available. There have been recent reports about Stripe imposing hefty fees when a subscriber requests a refund. I'm completely open to refunding your yearly subscription within two weeks of purchase, but not four months later.
If there's ever a situation where you consider asking for a refund, I would greatly appreciate it if you could contact me directly. This approach allows us to resolve the issue without involving Stripe. Every transaction through Stripe incurs a significant fee on my end, and I'm not willing to pay exorbitant fees for dispute resolutions to a company that cashes in on my work anyway.
Your direct communication in such cases would be immensely helpful and more cost-effective for both of us.
The Past
Moving on from my frustrations, I want to express my genuine enjoyment and passion for writing here. I'm grateful for every one of you, regardless of the form your support takes. The importance of this work transcends any financial or algorithmic benefits.
This past year, I've published more articles than I ever thought possible, including a highly acclaimed series on the History of Central Banking that many of you found engaging. After overcoming my hesitation about how my voice sounds, I've also launched my first, very basic podcast episode. I plan to keep it straightforward and accessible, adhering to my principle of creating content that's direct and easy to consume for my subscribers.
Let's take a moment to revisit some of the most popular posts from this year. If you have a favorite, please share it in the comments below. Your feedback is invaluable and will help shape my content as we move into the next year.
But let’s also look at the less enjoyed pieces. Maybe, you have missed a few:
I've recently completed a redesign of the website, and I'd love to hear your thoughts on it. Please be gentle with your feedback; it took me hours to put everything together.
Additionally, over the past year, I've been experimenting with various content formats. I initially introduced a section for more timely news but soon realized that it wasn't necessary to replicate what others are already doing well, especially since I couldn't commit to daily updates on global developments. I also attempted a weekly roundup, highlighting content I found interesting. However, I recognized that there are others who excel in this area, and I didn't want to bombard you with an excess of information, even if it was valuable.
But don't worry, there are other new and exciting plans in the pipeline.
The Future
Looking ahead, I don't plan to make significant changes to my core content. As I mentioned on Substack Notes, I'm growing weary of the constant negativity. There's a part of me that yearns to discuss other topics close to my heart, but I'm aware that not all of these might resonate with my primary audience. Yet, I've noticed a number of requests for me to share more personal insights. It leaves me wondering, what exactly does my dear audience desire?
In response, I've decided to open up more about my personal life, but in a separate section of this publication. This way, you can choose whether to engage with my musings on various topics or my more in-depth thoughts on whatever strikes me while I'm, say, waiting for a jet fuel truck to finish up. Or perhaps when I'm proving that I am indeed a real person with a life outside of being perceived as a government-controlled bot (and yes, you can find me on Instagram, though I don't use it much). This new section will allow me to connect with you on a different level, sharing a more personal side of myself.
As I reflect on my previous routine, where I would research, write, edit, and publish all in one session, I realize that I can no longer maintain such a demanding workflow. Although I've developed a sophisticated system to assist with research, this approach has become increasingly stressful. Spending entire afternoons or late nights writing isn't something I want to continue. As a result, I'm planning to implement a more structured schedule for this Substack. The details aren't finalized yet, but I aim to establish this new routine throughout January, hoping it will bring more consistency to my posts.
Being a pilot, a profession I'm slowly considering changing due to long-term health considerations, means I don't have regular work hours and must find time to write whenever possible. Occasionally, I wish for a break from pondering globalist ideologies and forget about figures like Klaus Schwab, especially during vacations. I have an exciting trip planned to Antarctica in January, and I'm looking forward to using the scheduling feature to enjoy a 10-day respite from the WEF's ideologies.
Perhaps upon my return, I might even write a tongue-in-cheek article about how Antarctica isn't real. Just kidding, of course – I have seen the Earth's curvature and I could explain why airlines don't fly over the South Pole, but that might make me sound like I'm part of the grand conspiracy. Or maybe not, I'll leave that for you to decide.
Looking forward to 2024, I have an exciting project on the horizon: an ebook that will offer a comprehensive yet accessible exploration of the Great Reset and its wide-ranging impact. While it's true that there are already numerous books on this subject, I aim to approach it in a style reminiscent of Bill Bryson's "A Short History of Nearly Everything" – engaging, easy to understand, and entertaining. My goal is to demystify this complex topic, detach it from hair-raising conspiracy theories, and present it in a manner that's not only informative, but also enjoyable to read.
Now, as the festive season is upon us, I want to extend my warmest wishes to you. May your Christmas be filled with joy and your New Year be bright and prosperous. Here's to a life free of bugs and encroachment.
In the spirit of Christmas, I, of course, encourage you to consider upgrading your subscription to a paid model, if you haven't already. For those who are already paid subscribers, perhaps you might find it in your heart to share the gift of knowledge with someone else by gifting or donating them a subscription.
As for me, I'm calling it a year and heading into my Christmas break. I hope to welcome you back in January, refreshed and ready for all the new content and discussions that await us. Enjoy the holiday season, and see you in the new year!
I believe in paying for good quality research and writing and support almost 30 Substackers via paid subscriptions. Yours is one of only 3 I have gifted subscriptions to and moreover occupies the gold medal position for me. I appreciate your courage, commitment to our cause and increasing candour concerning your personal history. In terms of past articles. I think the Wrapping Up the “Sound of Freedom” Controversy had the most visceral impact on me as it laid bare what I consider to be the most heinous crimes that can be committed by the powerful against the vulnerable innocent. I would be interested in a professional pilot's explanation for why airlines don't fly over Antartica (no demand for direct Adelaide to Tierra Del Fuego flights?) and also the Contrail v Chemtrail controversy. Before then I hope you enjoy what will be a well-deserved break.
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays! For myself, don't worry so much about a writing schedule. Sometimes, there are periods with no articles, sometimes there are quite a few. It doesn't always match the amount of time I have to read them, so I wait a few days to read them. We all have many things going on in our lives, and that includes you. Quality is so much more important here than a well-run schedule... we're a community, not an airline ;)