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Episode #140 ... Isaiah Berlin pt. 1 - feedback request (Patreon)

Published:
2020-03-20 02:00:00
Imported:
2026-06
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Content

Posted this episode eight days ago. In light of recent events and the inevitable economic uncertainty that is to come I am hesitant to charge anyone for this work for fear that there will be a massive drop off at the beginning of the month. It's taken five years to build this amazing Patreon community and I would rather not get paid for a month than to have years of work be instantly reversed. For now I am not going to. 

I would like your feedback, though. If the show were to explore other funding options during this odd period like advertisements; with an ad-free Patreon exclusive RSS feed for those who contribute-- how understanding would everyone be? 

Mostly thinking of my child. I have gone through many periods of my life eating Top Ramen and have always been happy. Let me know your thoughts if you have time.

If it wasn't already obvious: I could never do this without you!


Stephen

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Previews only

Comments

Joshua Prince

I have no issue to continue paying.

Brandon George

I also don't have an issue paying, but don't have an issue if advertisements is something you gotta do right now.

Neutron_Waffles

Me neither, no problem to keep paying...can you make it optional maybe for those that need to stop for the month but would still love the content? If you need ad revenue, I think we all get it. Eitherway, those who are able need to support independent content creators and the like - especially now. <3

philosophizethis
>>33916697

Yeah! I'm pretty sure in your Patreon settings you can take a month off in the same place you set monthly limitations to your pledge. Thank you so much.

William Gaule

I can keep paying but if you need to get advertising, go for it. I have a 3 month old baby too so do whatever you can I'd say. Love the show, it's easily one of my favorite podcasts and works better than pills for my mental health issues. Thanks

Robbie Monsma

I agree with Brandon: "I don't have an issue paying, but don't have an issue if advertisements is something you gotta do right now." So love the podcast and appreciate your dilemma.

Teijo Aflecht

I would just like to keep paying with the least amount of hassle possible. Of course listening on Spotify is convenient, but if those were to have ads it's no problem finding the ad-less shows elsewhere.

William Woody

I absolutely have no problems continuing to pay. (Edit to add:) Actually I went ahead and increased my tier level because I think what you're doing is extremely important, and what else are we supposed to do other than listen to your podcast? :-)

Matthew D Drill

If you find a way to add an optional payment for this month I will pay it.

Jeff

Your child can't eat ramen, so you do what you got to do man. I'll still be paying each month.

peter oliphant

I am totally here for continuing contribution, but also understand and think you would be correct in your assumption that a lot of people are currently canceling all optional spending. I would not be at all upset about advertising. I would prefer some selectivity in what you choose to advertise, but would understand if you chose to advertise something I wouldn't endorse.

Igor Tesic

I'll keep supporting. It's a small price to pay for the incredible contribution. A great distraction in this turbulent time.

Nick Travaglini

I'm planning to continue to support on Patreon but think the ad model you describe is totally fine. We live in capitalism; do what you gotta do for your kid.

Nelson Amaya

I'll keep supporting you on Patreon, and I don't mind advertising as long as it's relevant.

Nicolas Pacheco

I'm totally ok with continue paying! Listening to your podcast has always been a very positive and healthy activity in my life, and I need it now more than ever. Keep up the amazing work!

philosophizethis
>>33917211

I just want to clarify: if the show had a temporary ad model you would never have to hear it. As a Patreon supporter you would have access to a Patron only RSS feed that had zero ads.

Elizabeth Stark

For now I'm also more than happy to keep paying and am more than happy for you to explore advertising (or anything you can think of also). One of the things that's keeping me going is work like this and the knowledge that (for now at least) I can do my little bit to support artists and local businesses that want to see get through this.

David Blobaum

I have no problem with what I donate on Patreon. Do what you have to but when I pay for content I really don't want to have to listen to advertisement. Either way it's all good. Your content is a bargain as far as I'm concerned and you'd be the last one I'd let go on Patreon.

Nelson Amaya

@steven, have you done a podcast on Carl Jung? can't find anything from him in your feed. Sorry for the unrelated question.

philosophizethis
>>33917362

Not yet. This political arc of the show is almost over and the next arc will most likely be a sort of "FAQ" arc. Featuring the most interesting, requested and assumption-destroying thinkers I've ever considered. Jung is likely a piece of it. Thank you for listening!

Nancy Shanteau

I will keep supporting you, and I understand your hesitancy to charge people this month. Since we're in this for the long haul, I don't think you can keep people though. Maybe offer to refund anyone who doesn't want to leave, but needs a month break, and then fundraise the amount from the rest of us?

philosophizethis
>>33917344

Because you subscribe on Patreon you would have access to an ad-free version of the show through an exclusive RSS feed. I would never have any patron who pays for the show listen to ads. I couldn't live with myself.

Serdar Benderli

Stephen, Thank you for all you do. I'm a small contributor, but I will continue to support you in any way I can, no matter what model you choose. I will increase my contribution for the time being, too.

Karl Barratt

Hi Stephen - I love your show and I love the way you do all the hard work digesting philosophy and then communicating it in such an approachable way. I want to see Philiosophize this continue and so want to continue to support your work.

Cris Albuquerque

I will keep the Patreon support, and I don't mind advertising. You could do both or either and it would be fine.

Rob B

Happy to keep supporting you through this. Yours is one of the few podcasts in my feed that I actually get excited about when I see a new episode drop.

Chirag Patel

I will keep supporting you. If you have ability to do so, you could at least charge people who have shown support here. Other option would be to charge half of what people have pledged.

Rob Walker

I don't think many people will cancel since I imagine most only give a small amount per episode. Plus... what better time for philosophy?! We all signed up for this because we wanted to support what you're doing. And I like how the show doesn't have ads. I assume most people on here do too. But whatever you decide I'll support you.

Jack Riddle

I give a dollar an episode, which I know is small, small enough to still gladly pay. This show has been invaluable for me over the past year. I'll pay gladly and still listen to ads on it. Thank you for being considerate of us, thank you for continuing to make the show.

Rebecca DeSimone

I think most will continue to support the show at their pledged level. By all means add advertisements as well. It hasn't stopped me from enjoying other shows. Preferably place them at the beginning and/or end of the show though - commercial breaks are kind of annoying. Please do not raise a child on top ramen...

Sarah Melville-Maguire

Hi Stephen, I'm a new listener and have only just finished the Hellenistic Age, but pleased to be supporting the podcast. I would prefer to pay and not have adverts as I am both a Pateron supporter and listening via Spotify premium (I think/hope you get a tiny portion for each listen). Having said that also absolutely understand your need to support your podcast and your family, and if ads are what's required to keep it going then you won't hear a complaint from me. I agree with others that it's unlikely many people will cancel, you have a commodity that people need more of while trapped in their houses bored!! I certainly will not retract my support.

Anton Legoo

The value I get out of your show would eclipse the occasional ad plus the value of my current contribution (which I now realize I should be upping my tier). The only thing I would ask is that if you do introduce ads, to consider it temporary until things return to normal. I appreciate that my admittedly meager support contributes to the clarity of thought you bring to those who can't contribute, ads being small clouds to that clarity.

Sarah Melville-Maguire
>>33918097

Stephen, in response to this post I have increased my support level. I hope that this is tangible evidence of your community's commitment to your show, and I hope anyone who is fortunate enough to be able to give another dollar per episode does so.

Thomas Rogers

If there was only one person I trust when it comes to this kind of stuff, it would you Stephen. All I care about is that you keep on doing what you do.

Abram Miller

Do what you need to do to survive! I'll continue to support.

Karn Sun

This podcast means so much to me, I wouldn't stop listening because of ads. I echo some sentiments expressed earlier by making the ads temporary. Also, if you put a call out for a CoV-induced need for funds, I (and am sure others) would be happy to contribute. For now I will increase my pledge as a show of support!

philosophizethis
>>33918032

As a patron you would have access to an ad-free experience of the show through a special RSS feed. Thank you so much for your generosity!

philosophizethis
>>33918771

If you're a subscriber on Patreon you won't ever need to hear ads! There will be an ad-free experience available through a special RSS feed. Thank you for listening!

Nathan

I'm fortunate enough to have a job that allows me to work from home, so I'm comfortable with my regular contributions. I do appreciate you checking like this, though. If there's a way for you to let some people opt out and some opt in as they're able, I'll opt in.

philosophizethis
>>33918205

As a patron you would have access to an ad-free experience of the show through a special RSS feed. Thank you so much for your generosity!

Janis Landis

I totally support whatever works best for you and will keep my Patreon pledge. Whatever you decide, I wish you the best.

Eileen Yu

I am fortunate to have a stable job and career. I would like to continue to support the show. We need to upgrade you from Top Ramen to Nong Shim Shin Ramyun Hot Spicy Noodle Soup. :) love the show! Keep up the great work!

Johnny

Whatever works best, but I'm more than happy to keep the regular support mechanism.

Dogbarx

Continue my pledge. I love the lectures.

Cal Enti

We signed up and are donating because we love the show so charge away for this and every episode. Even if you do include ads, I will support your show on Patreon as long as I have funds to support it with because I really enjoy the content and respect the level of effort you put into making it. If you are worried about people dropping Patreon support because of losing their jobs due to the recession/depression we're crashing into, I'm not sure ads are going to help address that but do what you need to do to keep this show coming.

Tom Gannon

I personally am able to keep up the contribution. Could you just wait a few days to charge for anyone who feels uncertain to take themselves off the Patreon? Regardless, I am not worried ads would compromise the show's quality!

Lei W

It is exactly in times like this that I love supporting causes that I care about. Plus I'm in a position to do so without impact to myself. A no-brainer! (edit) I rather pay $ than hear ads, unless the ads generate a lot more revenue for you.

philosophizethis
>>33919744

As a patron you would have access to an ad-free experience of the show through a special RSS feed. I realize it is not a fool-proof solution to the problem, but the alternative is putting the show on an indefinite hiatus and working manual labor until I can provide for my daughter. I had to drop out of high school and don't have any other options. Ads could help cover the difference. Thank you for understanding.

A Satanist Reads the Bible

Haven't listened to the new episode yet—looking forward to it—but definitely do whatever you need to do. I'm cool with you charging for it. I need and value the entertainment and insight, and the political stuff you've been working on recently is super relevant. You'll hear no complaints from me if you advertise or whatever is needed for you to keep doing the work and get the revenue you need and deserve for it.

Jonathan Pereira

I agree with most posters, I also am fortunate to be able to continue to contribute and also confirm that I find the episodes "manna" at this time in particular. Thanks for the transparency.

Brian

My job is unaffected by all this shit, thankfully. That said, if I couldn't afford the donation, I would have unsubscribed this month. If there's another format you'd accept donations in without having to charge everyone at once, let us know. I'd be happy to donate another way to keep things going for you over the next month(s) (year??).

Elias Saba

Let us know how we can continue to support the show. I'm happy with the current Patreon model to keep going.

September Lorena

The Australian dollar is dropping rapidly but I am still employed and will continue to support. I work in a call centre so if we have to stand down for a while, I'll rethink but more than likely I'll stay a Patreon. Would cancel my Netflix account first. If you need to include ads, you need to include ads. With you all the way.

philosophizethis
>>33921131

Thank you so much for being such a die hard fan. Look after you and your family and I'm sure this will all rebound eventually.

Gregg Achtenhagen

Like so many others I love what you do and am more than willing to continue my Patreon account. Please continue to charge me your show is too valuable to risk it not being produced. I am also Ok with ads as well (tasteful ones at least) if that helps you offset the cost. Thanks again for the work you put into this.

Gregg Stelmach

I love your podcast, Stephen, and won't be changing my contribution. Keep them coming.

Hicham Jabiroune

As far as I'm concerned I more than happy to keep paying and have no problem with you exploring advertising (as long as stays within an ethical area) . Your patreon delivers a stream of wisdom and knowledge like no other , keep up the good work and take care of yourself and family!

Tony Bauer

In agreement with the majority here - will keep up my donation, would prefer not to have ads, but not a dealbreaker if you need to do it. Since your podcast is so good and we are 140 episodes in, you have the upper hand - I assume we will all go along with whatever you want to get our regular dose of philosophy!

Dalon McKay

Hey Stephen, if I'm getting paid then i will carry on. No issue with ads, Please don't add any music or other sound effects though - especially at the end. I listen at bedtime and would not want you to be tempted to jazz up the proceedings. No offense intended. Take care.

philosophizethis
>>33922343

As a patron you would have access to an ad-free experience of the show through a special RSS feed. Thank you so much for your generosity!

philosophizethis
>>33922310

As a patron you would have access to an ad-free experience of the show through a special RSS feed. Thank you so much for your generosity! And I would never accept anything that wasn't ethical.

Alan Wager

Hi Stephen, your podcasts are essential listening for me. You make learning about this stuff so much more interesting and accessible. I will continue to contribute through Patreon as is. But if you change your funding model I will continue to contribute in which ever way works best for you as long as I possibly can. Keep on doing what you do. Knowledge and critical thinking are a necessary tools. Philosophy guides us forward by considering the thoughts of our past great thinkers. We need you on that wall more than ever! P.S. I can’t recall if you have already, but I would like to hear your take on Heidegger and Camus at some point, if possible. :)

Percy

Hi Stephen, my podcast app doesn't support RSS but I wouldn't mind ads. I also have a stable career so income is less of a problem, its actually spending money that just got a little more difficult (I live in Europe and a lot of restaurants/bars/shops etc got closed). So pls share a PayPal link or another way to allows for voluntary one-time payments if you like. If I had a serious income problem, i would probably temporarily suspended all my patron subscription anyways and continue them as soon as I could afford it, so I'm not sure if a free episode has a real impact on the number of your patreons. But I appreciate the gesture, so thank you. I hope you and your family are fine and I wish you all the best in these surreal times. Take care

Michael Chambers

Hi Stephen, I also have no problem with continuing with Patreon. I completely understand if you have to move to other methods of funding. The main thing is, please keep going. Your podcast is fantastic.

Brigitte de la Malene

Hi Stephen, thank you for all your work, it is priceless. As long as I can, I would continue contributing with Patreon. If you need to include adds, do it.

Ythenius

As I'm part of the few people who aren't greatly affected by the current situation, I'm happy to continue my contribution. You've helped me so much through a hard time in my life last year, that I fee like I now have to help you get through this one in your life. I hope you and your child stay save.

Henri Backman

I listen to many other podcasts and it seems unevitable for anyone to grow without extended funding. I support it but please try to make it relevant 😅 Revolutions podcast May give an insight to funding that is accepted. Godspeed

Rachel van Sluijs

Hi Stephen, for me it is no problem to continue my Patreon contribution even with the current circumstances and will do so. I do think the point of Patreon is that the podcast is ad free for everyone.

JP Hastings-Spital

I'm also very comfortable continuing to support your work; with people spending more time at home and without external entertainment I think it's *more* important! I'm also contributing, in part, to make your work available to everyone — if that model continues to work for you, I'd appreciate it. Please don't hesitate to let us know if your source of funding here is impacted by these unusual times.

Leon

Hi Stephen, I have no problem with additional ways to provide funding Sponsorships or otherwise. That said I will keep my 5 dollar pledge. I might not be up to date but your podcast gives me insights relevant to life, especially now

Teun Van Gelder

i am very happy to pay you for every episode!! And i will be happy to do so, especialy in this wierd time. Greetings from Holland

Adrian Fleiszer

Hi Stephen, you were the reason is created the patreon account in the firs place and your contributions and humbleness only confirms to me that it was a good decision. Of all people I support, you are the only one who have asked for less not more in those difficult times and for that I want to thank you and instead of asking for episodes for free I will rise my pledge. I know very well how it is to survive on "Top Ramen" and also how difficult times hit the poorest most. Stay safe and I wish you and your family all the best

Claudius Gräbner

Hi Stephen, I think you should do whatever you think is best. However, I would like to stress that contributing on Patreon is completely voluntary. If people came into financial difficulties, or do not want to contribute temporarily, they could just stop their Patreon subscription and still listen to the show on Spotify or so, right? So, I think it would be best to leave this decision to your listeners. This is an advantage as compared to advertisements, which would, I think, go a little against the spirit or the show - although it is something that you have to decide. You put so much work into this, so you need to make sure enough funds are raised to make you feel comfortable. In the end I will continue listening to your amazing show anyway. It has given me so much food for thought and accelerations for good discussions. Thank you very much for it!

Bill Duncan

Like many others here, I encourage you to seek other forms of funding for your sake, but have no qualms about continuing to give. By all means, do what makes the most financial sense for you and your family. If I find myself able to contribute more I will do so. Your podcast has really been a gift, and in times like these we could all stand to gain something from thinking about philosophy. Thanks for all you do.

Mariana Zimbru

Hello, I'm a more recent contributor and I am fortunate to be able to continue also in these strange times. Like many others said, you should look for further means of funding if it helps the podcast go on and makes your life easier. Your podcast has offered me an opening into this amazing world of philosophy and thought and I'd be sad to lose it. Thank you for your amazing work!

Valerie Hargrave

Thanks Stephen, no drop in quality as far as I am concerned and I am looking forward to part 2. I will be trying to carrying on with my support for your podcast as I believe you are a truly wonderful communicator and teacher. Keep well.

Will Hartley

There is no shame at all in pursuing other ways to monetise your work. I will also be continuing to contribute to and probably increasing my donation. Life is too short and you should be enjoying the fruits of your labour. You have helped me through my Masters in Philosophy and helped me become a better Philosophy teacher. Peace and Love to you and your child.

Yanik-Pascal Förster

Hi Stephen, I am in fact more than happy to keep up my support. Your show one of my two most valuable educational resources over the last year, and I get the impression that many people have a similar experience. I do think that people will understand if you look for additional sources of funding if it helps you to keep the show running. Also, your well-being matters.

Benjamin W

I want to keep supporting you. If you choose not to charge, maybe set up a ko-fi account (or similar) we could all drop some coin into?

Graham

Whatever you need to do, Stephen. This show is the best, and I'd continue supporting no matter what. If you charge for the show as before, cool. If you need to get ads, cool. And if you set up voluntary contributions instead, I'd give you some. Hope you can tell from the other comments how great everyone thinks the show is, and how we want to make sure we can help you keep making it work for you and yours. Take care.

Dom M

I’ll continue to support the show. You’re a brilliant teacher!

Jonathan Arata

Appreciate your request for feedback, Stephen. Please do what you need to keep yourself up and running. I'm happy to support this show and will continue to do so. Best -

Mannnaus

Hi Stephen. Please keep up your patreon. I work as a state clerc, and am thus guaranteed of a paycheck, whatever happens in these troubled times. I'll thus increase my contribution to your channel, in support during these difficult days. Stay safe people, and take care. Best-

Jason

Yes, please keep the Patreon going. We all need to keep buying services from each other otherwise the whole economy will shut down. I pay $1 a month and that is good value.

Oliver McCarthy

I’ll stick do pledging $10 per episode no matter the circumstances. Corona-fueled Ragnarök or not. Surely, I can grit my teeth and suffer through ads as long as it keeps this show going. Who knows, maybe I’ll stumble the right “life insurance con free keyring combo” that suits my cosmopolitan lifestyle. Keep at it :)

Christopher Hind

If you want to split into a paid/ad free Patreon version and a free/with ads version: fine by me, I will pay for the Patreon version.

William G Kirst

Please keep going! Your work is important and we proudly support it. Having said that, I still love my idea of you putting up daily, unprepared talks, for those of us who just love to hear your thoughts. Hope you're keeping safe out there!

Keith Britt

Just keep on charging us Patreon supports. I appreciate the thoughtful action, but we're gonna be fine financially most likely (we all had disposable incomes to begin with) and I suspect transforming the podcast now would be very hard to undo in the future.

Shantonu Abe

Hi Stephen, I'm willing to up my Patreon contribution if it helps. I live in Germany though, so I would prefer you not to send me stuff (I'm worried about postage expenses) if you don't mind. I don't want you eating only Top Ramen :(

Rishi Midha

Keep going with Patreon!

Júlia Polbach

Listen to your podcast these days is one of my favourite plans to stay motivated, really appreciate your message but I'm very happy to continue being charged and support your fabulous work! Take care!

Prithvi Venkateswaran

Hey Stephen! Listening to your podcasts has really been one of my few passionate pursuits. your work inspires changes in my life and helps me lead a more meaningful life. Whilst all you do is invaluable to society and myself, the $2 that I am more than just willing to pay per episode is quite literally the least I can do whether in such difficult times or not. I know you know that ideas are as essential as food to us humans so please keep charging me as you would normally and if not please feel free to do whatever it takes for you to keep going and for your child to get the best that he/she deserves. (Also please do give yourself more than just Top Ramen, I feel you deserve better). All the very best! Take care of yourself and your loved ones :)

Phylloscopus collybita

Love your show Stephen - it's the one I recommend most to friends! Happy to keep paying through patreon, but also want to note that ads haven't deterred me from other quality shows , so I think a dual-tier model could work well. Hope you're staying well and thank you so much for your work!

Jeff Osterritter

I'm happy to keep my (small) subscription going, but I don't think that temporary ads for the free feed are unwarranted. Please, for their sakes though, keep the ads to the beginning or end of the episode. But ultimately, I'll trust you judgment. Thank you for your excellent work.

Fernando Sánchez Gómez

Happy to keep contributing via Patreon! I really appreciate the gesture though. Best of luck from Spain / Ireland.

Jason Hendrickson

Best podcast out there. Us listeners who donate a buck or two per episode are definitely getting the better end of the deal. Wouldn't dream of cancelling, hope others feel the same if they continue to have the financial means.

Halsey Vandenberg

Absolutely agree, definitely wont be cancelling and please continue charging! Thanks so much for your knowledge and stay healthy!

Chris Dro

Please keep on taking the subscription donations! Really appreciate the show, especially in these days! All the best from Germany

holden

I would be happy to pay even more - please continue!

philosophizethis
>>33925840

Yes, Claudius. The point is that many people are coming into a period where financial difficulties will be the norm. I am the unnecessary expense they will likely cancel. If I release two episodes this month I will likely see a mirror of the mass psychology that is going on in the world right now. Mass hysteria during a period when things are unknown could reverse years of building the show that might be unnecessary.

Matthew Gale

I will pay. Would the non-ad version be accessible through Apple's Podcasts app? Something similar to Sam Harris' Making Sense podcast?

Mike Blenman

I'll support whatever you decide 👍

Colton Baker

I am happy to keep supporting the show. Thankfully I am fortunate and able to work from home. Maybe set up a separate Patreon for those of us that can still help?

Nathan Gorman

I'd like to be charged for this episode. I'm happy to support you. I understand your concern about the current uncertainty of these times - and I think that people who cannot afford to continue to be patrons will re-subscribe when they can afford it, if they still consume and enjoy your content.

Bill Lanza

Count me in. I can keep supporting. Thanks for all u do

Mark

I'd be willing to continue my current support until I can't. This has always been my stance though. I think this question would also be good to post in the discord. The decision to shift funding paradigms is definitely difficult. I think most of us respect whatever decision you make and will continue to listen and support regardless :)

Jordan O

I will continue to support the show regardless if you put ads in or not. I am fortunate enough to keep my job and still have money coming in. I would be happy to chip in a little extra, if it makes up for someone who is forced to put their contributions on pause right now. No extra rewards necessary :)

George Caramanna

I will continue to support your show by paying you. I would prefer to not have commercials. This is why I pay. Nothing is for free. Shine on. We will get through this together.

Darren

I agree with comments of many others and am more than happy to support the show. Your podcast is something I always look forward to and have learnt so much from...please keep them coming. In the current climate it's so nice to have something to look forward to.

Alec Sheffield

I wouldn't dream of canceling, you have my full support in whatever decision you make. I understand that there may be those that cannot pay during these uncertain times, and would be happy to send you my contribution through Venmo or something similar.

Suck My Finger

I have supported you since I found your podcast and I will not be canceling, so don't worry. I think if someone is going to be in strained financial situation they will cancel on their own, no need to cut the money valve entirely.

Pete Murray

I'm happy to keep contributing, regardless of what option you explore for funding. Do what you feel is most prudent!

Yoshi Hashimoto

I just signed up yesterday BECAUSE of the same reason. Keep doing great shows!

Leeia Forrester

I’m willing to continue contributing until I can’t. Thank you for your content!

Roger

I'm happy to keep supporting you, now as much as ever. Keep in mind that we can un-subscribe if we can no longer afford to support you. Keep making great shows!

Marshall White

Air, Water, Food, Shelter, Critical thinking....

Carlos Cardone

Toilet paper and philosophy, what else do we need to survive? Keep charging us.

Martin Froese

I would absolutely love to pay the usual amount, even more if these times make your life financially more difficult. I am guessing your work should be about the same since you are not a performing artist?

JEN SORENSON

For as long as I can maintain my subscription, I will pay. A model like someone mentioned above, like Sam Harris's, might be good for you, too. He now releases partial episodes and you have to be member to get the full one. Advertising is fine with me, too. Whatever allows you to keep doing what you do!

philosophizethis
>>33936786

If anything I'm working more. But I rely on the financial stability of my listeners. Thank you for understanding.

Vicky

Show sponsors are often nonintrusive if thanked at the beginning and end of the show. Also, if they are a related interest and complementary to the show it's even better.

Nitin Khanna

I mentioned this in the community section. I would love some patron-only content where you discuss specific current events and your philosophical thoughts on them. This would bring you more in line with brainpickings and sententiae antiquae (https://twitter.com/sentantiq). This could be smaller, quicker episodes (but would still require your time and dedication), so they would be well worth it to patrons.

Felipe Barra

I will continue to contribute. Do what you think is best! Thanks for the show!

Shelby Simonich

Will continue to contribute. We need good content to listen to while social distancing! Thanks for keeping the show running!

Arsalan N

Thank you Stephen for all your hard work bringing thought-provoking literature to people's awareness. During these odd times, your work has even greater value and importance; however, it is very reasonable to assume that people might be reducing their monthly subscriptions in order to be more financially lean. For that reason, I think you ought to explore alternative funding methods because the show must go on! In my opinion, choice architecture and multi-media distribution can be helpful here. It might be wise to pause Patreon payments, but perhaps explore setting up a separate account or a PayPal wallet for fans to contribute. If you set up a separate Patreon account, as others have suggested as well, you can produce more collaborative content with the fans - this way it is less effort and planning for you, while still giving us our philosophy dosage. It could also be beneficial to post your archive and new episodes (and edited short clips) to YouTube - that way you can turn on the monetization features and/or enable the creator memberships. Finally, I personally find it rather unique that your podcast has no pre/mid/end roll ads and makes it very genuine and honest. Bringing retail advertisers might take away from that authenticity a bit - but I think a more suitable partnership would be with other podcasts and creators, to help cross-promote each other. Gimlet Media was going through an extremely tough time filling their ad spots, but what helped them survive was cross-promoting their shows to fill up the ad spots and grow their audience.

Lorena

I will continue my support, I’ve already canceled non essential subscriptions in my life. I care more about the content from creators like you in this platform. Much love!

Benny Thomas

Echo the thoughts above. This podcast is too important to too many people. Please keep it going Stephen. I'm happy to contribute more if needed.

Jonathan Grotenstein

Happy to keep supporting this podcast (and, by extension, you and your kid) in whatever form that takes

FredShoey

Your content is a priority with me. No changes in my support anytime soon.

Timothy Doyle

Fret not, Stephens son. most of us are going to keep giving you a micropayment monthly. It would be interesting to see the A/B test on what would happen if you could "not charge" half of us, and charge the other half, to see what fall off would be.

Amanda Perez

I won’t cancel. I hope this comment adds to the fuel of you keeping the show. It’s a really thought provoking and life changing podcast. Keep up the good work!!!

Nicolas Corai

I'd rather not have ads, but I'll continue supporting you either way.

Richard P. Muller

Love the show, and am happy with whatever keeps the episodes coming. Berlin pt 1 was excellent. Can’t wait for pt 2.

Patrick Herrera

I'm more than happy to continue paying. This is too valuable not to support

Bart Tare

just here to say I enjoy your podcast. Hope all goes well for you in this trying time.

James Hollow

I will not cancel. Hope you and your loved ones stay safe

Cameron Rejali

HI Stephen - just wanted to let you know I would be happy for you to keep charging me for your podcast. Thoroughly enjoy it. You probably already thought of this but rather than not charge anyone just ask who would like to continue to be charged - just a thought. Given the thousands of subscribers you have that might be a problem keeping track but perhaps there is an easy way for people to let you know or for patreon to make it easy bycreating a button on your patreon page for people to tick off. I am sure you are not true onlynone with this problem.

Ben

I signed up 11 minute before the no charge notice so I'm happy to start. Possibly a one time donation button would be a good compromise. Anyone who wishes to, can contribute what they want. Love the show, thank you Stephen.

Joe Lutz

Hey brother, it's your arch-nemesis here. Of course I'm happy to continue to support you regardless of the direction you choose to go in regarding funding, but I do understand your concern of people bailing due to cutting their discretionary spending during this pandemic and accompanying economic crash. In my opinion, your content is of such high quality, and your lowest tiers cost so little, that I can't imagine that a substantial portion of your audience will jump ship over this. If anything they may lower their tier temporarily, but if you remind everyone at the begging of an episode in a few months after this has all blown over to reconsider bumping it back up I have a feeling that many/most will. Anyway, stay healthy, and much love to you and the family. I wish you nothing but the best!

Ernie Muntean

Plenty of value in return for the money, so no worries. Keep up the awesome work! Stay safe and healthy.

Neil Van Der Ploeg

Hello Stephen West! Completely understand your temporary ad solution, especially with a patreon RSS feed. More than reasonable. But really, stopping the rock bottom tier contribution for your show will not be the something I change in the next six months! But now that I type this, perhaps it will - with impending lock downs, I suspect my expenditure will drop and podcast consumption will rise. I might bump it up a tier!

Josu Vera

Hey, I am more than happy to continue paying for your amazing show. Thank you!

Sion Williams

I echo what a lot of people here have said- I'm very happy to continue supporting the podcast, and think the current funding model works well. Your content is great, so I support whatever funding model you choose.

David Kan

Do as you feel fit. I'm not going anywhere. Neither is my cash.

Benoit Curdy

I will also continue to support the show, whatever happens!

David Wichter

Hello Stephen. I love the show, and will not cancel the support, whatever business model you decide to go with. Thanks for your work!

Jonathan Silverblatt

Hi Stephen, I discovered your podcast in October last year and have just finished listening to the 140th episode. I also just subscribed. Hope you can keep it going!

Darryl Martin

Hey Stephen, podcast listeners are used to hearing ads at this point. I don't think ads will affect your numbers any, and an ad-free version for us supporters is a bonus. Please don't put the whole podcast behind a paywall, though. New listeners need access to a free version in order to get hooked.

Matt Dunlap

Just my $0.02, but I didn't sign up to not be charged, you know? You're making the thing, I'd like to support your making the thing, the end. Please don't put ads on the main show (google play doesn't support RSS feeds).

Kristine

Also still very willing to contribute. I hope you know how much your work means to us, thank you for what you do

Drew

Hey Stephen! I'll support you either way-- ads or no ads. This is the best podcast I've ever listened to and I want to make sure you're able to continue to do what you do so well, making philosophy accessible to everyone. I appreciate all you do and have learned so much from you.

John Pilecki

I will gladly continue supporting the show. Keep up the good work.

David Dreyfus

I look forward to each episode and will continue to support you through this period.

Peter Yurkosky

These episodes are worth far more than what I pay for each one. I'm happy with whatever funding model works best for you. Keep it up, please!

Bill Barbour

Your episodes help me get through this challenging time. I am grateful to you for making them. In fact, I'm going to increase my contributions right now. I will support whatever you need to do to keep yourself going. That said, I think that it is fair to have advertisements for those who do not contribute through Patreon.

John M

Stephen, I'd pay more to have you keep going ad free... in fact I will right now. (My only wish is to cut out the middle person to get you more of the money I send your way.) ps. is the american transcendentalist movement considered a legacy of the anti-enlightenment due to its position opposite the industrial revolution brought about by enlightenment thought?

rolandog

Hello Stephen! I love the work you do, and I will continue to support you, because the high-quality ad-free engaging episodes on the corpus of Philosophy you provide is worth it. I respect your decision, but my hunch is that this community feels that this podcast is an essential service to humanity, and we'd gladly fund it until you deem it complete.

Harry Kaplan

I for one would not object to your soliciting advertising or, basically, seeking whatever moral support you need from the community you have built. And I think that anyone who believes that you should put our continuing education above the well-being of you and your family - well, s/he is not truly a member of the community. Thank you for wanting us to know more today than we did yesterday.

Alexander Napoles

Hi Stephen, thanks for all your hard work on this excellent podcast. I'd be happy to keep paying for episodes, and I would not mind if started having advertisements as well (in the short term :D). Fully support whatever you decide.

Szymon Balcer

Hi Stephen, i don't mind paying for the episodes. I think giving people heads up about the situation is great idea. Some people are more affected by current situation, and those should have opportunity to lower their pledge, but there are also people whose conditions didn't change that much, such as myself, and i believe some of them would happily increase their pledge to keep it free for everyone.

Matt Rumbelow

I’m a new paid subscriber but I’m absolutely happy to pay. I’m also happy for ads to go on the regular version. This podcast has had more value to me than any other so do what you’ve gotta do

Ryan Clarke

Hello Stephen, I am a newer subscriber and am happy to continue supporting the show. I do understand the plight of those who value your

Ryan Clarke

Work yet can not afford to pay for the content. The show should be available to anyone interested. I will continue to contribute adds or not.

vcl134

I understand that in these strange times that you may lose some supporters and you may need to look at other revenue streams. Do what you need to keep it going and support yourself, I'll understand and continue to support the show.

Colin Pesyna

I am an ICU fellow in NYC, and need this podcast more than ever. I will support your show however I can as long as it is running. This program has really helped me over the years, and I look forward to continuing to help it stay afloat however you deem best.

Christian M

keep up the show and do whatever it takes. Your work is invaluable!

Dustin Jonge

Love your work Stephen. Will keep supporting you with adds or without but i love the fact you thought to ask us about us before making the decision. Whatever it takes to keep you going, in these times your work is more important than ever.

Dustin Jonge
>>34186096

Take care Colin! Im an anesthesiologist from Australia and our thoughts are with you in NYC

Cosmin

Happy to keep contributing to such an awesome content creator. Good luck!

Jackson Morris

Hi Stephen, I respect your desire to make sure that the show is accessible to as many people as possible regardless of their ability to pay. I can and will continue to fund you and ads in the short term are worth it for more episodes!

Kostas

The current situation would not stop me to contribute to your Patreon. Your content has gone beyond the point where I would even consider cancelling a long time ago. I listen on Spotify though, as it's a comfortable platform. Hope no ads are needed as they will probably be heard there, but I will continue to support you anyhow. Really appreciate your openness and thoughts on this.

Trading Alive

I will support whatever you deem best! You make very daunting into very digestible episodes and I couldn't be more grateful!

Myles

I’d absolutely continue supporting

Jonah Hooper

Thank you for creating this show! I have developed a budding interest in philosophy from listening to your podcast over the past two years. I've actually increased my support in these times. I hope that you are able to continue making more content. Stay safe!

andrei ursta

will definitely continue supporting! love you!

Gavin Trella

Do what you need to do in these crazy times I’ll continue to support. I also want to compliment you by stating that I got about half-way through this episode before wondering how he would address the beliefs of someone like Carl Schmidt and then you led to that (in teaser form) at the end. I think that’s a testament to your ability to teach effectively more than anything else and it really made me smile. Thanks for all you do and keeping everyone updated.

Courtney Ostaff

We're not negatively impacted, so I upped my tier to help!

Anthony Collias

Hey Stephen, I just wanted to say, long time listener of the podcast and your honest request prompted the exact opposite response. I want to be sure YOU can afford to continue doing your great work! $1 is not much to ask per episode. Also, I respect your principles but you should absolutely add ads to make the podcast more viable for you! It's not a big deal to have one in the intro or something as long as it's not TOO long and a product you have checked isn't a total scam. Keep up the awesome work - haven't enjoy philsophy so much since undergrad :)

Sunday Stewart

Stephen, long time listener/lurker! I will support you in any fashion that you think is beneficial, as much as my wallet will allow. I'm sure I am not alone! You are kind and considerate, and I admire your desire to spread the good word no matter the cost!

will D

Long time supporter and will continue to support you as long as I can. Wishing you the best to you and your family. For new subscribers do you have a way to get to the beginning of the series? I notice I could only go back episode #78 here on patreon. Maybe provide those early episode in a bundle for a small fee? OR what I been waiting all these years for, What ideas does Stephen subscribe too? you have been impartial on all your episodes and with all you have read about the arguments and counter arguments you must have made up your mind to what ideas you consider valid. So for platinum subscribers ONLY you tell us what to think! yes? :D

Benjamen Miller

Just listened to part two, and i just subscribed just to support the podcast a little

Sevi Kocagoz

I'm a little late to comment, but, I would also like to continue to contribute as your podcast is an essential in my opinion. If you decide to turn off the patreon charges temporarily, I like the idea of opting into the contribution for ads free content. Also, you could add an additional donate button here or to your website so people can do one time donations flexibly through Venmo/Paypal...just another idea. Thank you!!

Ray Miller

I just signed on to support your podcast, after inhaling your entire back catalog. (Even with the unnecessary guitar breaks in the first couple episodes) You are my first Patreon channel. I find your channel useful, if you explored an additional funding model, I would still remain a supporter on Patreon as well.

Oskar Elek

Stephen, please keep these coming, and charge for them. You have a community that wants you to thrive and will support you. (speaking for myself and hopefully others)

Anand Dwarkanath

Ads won’t bother me Stephen. My pledge is On. Like many others I started seeing your show as an ‘essential service’. This being my first comment and interaction to your show let me add that I totally credit you with my personal discovery of philosophy as a subject and your sequential model of presenting had a big role to play. Boethius was my favourite episode. Thx for making it happen and keep going as long as you can!

Vitalie Spinu

I think ads might harm the patreon community in the long term. A new guy without a patreon account would be less likely to join if there are ads on the show. Ads-free has its own magic and gives an edge with respect to other popular podcasts. It's a competition for attention after all, and not just among philosophy podcasts.

Simon Dufresne

I would support you no matter what Stephen thank you for your great work !

patrick

i agree with Vitalie. Unless there are some relevant ads. Like possibly recommending books or philosophy projects that can use a hand.

patrick

i myself got hooked on the podcast because of no ads and became a patreon after. There are a few podcasts in mind that i didn't give a chance because they were annoyingly "ady"

Ben Giles

I'd rather keep paying for each episode on patreon!