Your podcast, discussions, book suggestions etc etc have kept me interested, intrigued and inspired for the past five odd years. It was especially helpful during the dark days of Lockdown. Very happy to support Looking Sideways.
After what feels like an age of 'getting shit for free' online, it seems the message is finally filtering through to most of us who consume internet content. I recall reading both sides of the argument (paying vs keeping it free) starting 10+ years ago, as those working hard to produce good content pointed out that there would come a time when they would like/need to get paid for their work. (It circled back to the previous discussion on creatives getting paid properly).
I would buy £50 worth of magazines monthly to cover my wide variety of interests, but these days, like everyone else, I never visit WHSmiths because, well, Youtube and podcasts fills that void. I 'pay' by having to watch 40 seconds of ads per video, or listen to Athletic Greens ads on podcasts. Another way I 'pay' is by often purchasing books by guests I find interesting.
Paying directly for podcasts is new to me I must admit, yet something I strongly consider more and more. I recall going from buying my music in vinyl/tape/cd format to enjoying free music via piratebay, to now paying for music again with Spotify.
What I think I'm trying to say is that its still early days and in 5 years it probably won't be unusual to pay-per-podcast. For me, added or bonus content isn't much of an incentive as I place 100% of the value of podcasts I love in the actual audio.
Thanks for the thoughtful comment. In my case the podcast will remain free so if you choose not to subscribe then you’ll still be able to hear it. I’m pretty fascinated by what you say tho and I do think it illustrates the changing landscape really well. For example, back in the day you were happy to spend £50 in WH Smith which is a really clear transaction. You pick up a bunch of magazines, read the masthead and can see what your money is paying for. In contrast, you say you value podcasts really highly but find the concept of spending (in my case £1.70 ish a week) unusual and think it’ll take five years or so for people to get their heads around it. So did you value those magazines ‘more’? Or was it the nature of the transaction itself you were more comfortable with? I’m also fascinated by the idea that listening to the ad (again for example) is a form of ‘payment’ on behalf of the listeners. Is that simply the act of listening, or you mean you actually go out and buy (say) Athletic Greens in acknowledgment that they’re making the podcast possible for you to listen to?
I think what I mean is that paying for traditional, long established media (magazines etc) back in the day was the only real way to access specialist content (British skateboarding for example), so there was no choice. As things have opened up we may seek out our niche hobbies from a wide variety of sources (each with its own type of 'paywalls') and these paywalls are not yet agreed upon or standardised - like £3.99 was for Thrasher from WHSmiths or the skate shop. And there will always be a subsection of people who will go for the 'free' yet substandard option - getting their 8 week bouldering program from a dodgy YouTuber rather than pay for a one from a highly experienced coach via their website, for instance. The old cliches ring true in these instances it seems; you get what you pay for, and, buy cheap buy twice.
In my example of the targeted Athletic Greens ads, I spent a fair amount of research determining whether I needed the product, or whether it was worth the money (I didn't and its not). My point being I took the time to look. If I'd had more money I'd have likely given it a go.
As a long time listener I've heard you semi-anguish over the idea of monetisation, and I've heard this from plenty of my favourite ad-free podcasters too. I get it - its a difficult topic to discuss with listeners, very few of whom have no idea how much time/effort goes into that which we take for granted.
Hey Matt - I first discovered your podcast a few years ago (I think it had been going for about 12 months at the time) and it has helped sustain me over the last couple of years when I haven't been able to do any actual snowboarding (apart from short razzes in the 'domes). I came originally for the snowboarding but stayed for the skate, surf "and other related endeavours". I was particularly struck early on by the Phil Young story and this was a great example of using action sports to investigate other themes; I love the way you do this.
I usually listen when out walking and this has helped motivate me to go out - if it's a bit grey out, then I still have a reason to go. Always listen all the way through, I am definitely on TeamHKC #TFTG
I felt a bit guilty about being slow to buy the book, so no messing now - straight in with a subscription!
Community is what it's all about - it is a big part of what got me into snowboarding in the first place and it's still making me new friends now.
Hi Matt, just went to sign up but apparently I’m already signed up as a paid subscriber until July so some how I’ve got a six month subscription without paying? Make any sense to you?
Thanks Steve! I have away some complementary subs to the most active free subscribers to say thanks so you’ll be one of those. You can always sign up as a Founding Member in addition, or renew on six months 👊
That just answered my question! Thanks for the freebie Matt! Fully in support of you going paid - anything that helps you keep doing this and gives you the opportunity to create more quality content is good by me. Came for the sports content, stayed for the high-brow chat 🤙🏼🧠
mucho thanks for my free subscription too. Good luck with the renewed venture. Looking Sideways is keeping me tethered against an internal current that is threatening to sweep my attention away from the board sports that have kept me stoked for so long.
Hi Matt, hopefully the message I’ve just written via another link finds you. Anyhow, just wanted to say that paying for the podcast didn’t take any thinking about, the endless hours of enjoyment and education are worth every penny. I would also add that HKC is definitely a highlight and I’m looking forward to some TFTG merchandise at some point.
I'm definitely firmly in the 'other related endeavours' camp - my outdoor/adrenaline activities have been trail running, climbing/mountaineering and motorbike racing over the years. I think I found you either via Daddy Dark from Run Dem Crew or Leo Houlding so that's a while ago now. I've stuck around as I really enjoy your approach to the trickier areas of discussion, and most of all I really appreciate your acknowledgment of toxic masculinity. It is sadly still unusual (imho), and therefore noteworthy, to hear men talking about it and how it impacts others.
I'll be honest, I am oblivious to a lot of the Names in snowboarding and surfing, but the issues of culture and gatekeeping are familiar from my own other related endeavours, climbing in particular. Deary me!
I support a few others via Patreon and other memberships - podcasts, writers and musicians and I'm really happy to do so. I'm a semi professional musician and could go on for hours about paying for content that others take for granted as being free to access but distinctly not free to provide. So I was also waiting for another way to support, and clicked YES PLEASE when you launched this. I agree with another person below - I contribute as a way of supporting and saying 'yes, i appreciate this and it is of value to me.' Amanda Palmer's The Art of Asking is a great read on this (and many other subjects). I don't expect loads of bonus bits, it's just nice to be able to show my support.
Thanks again and keep up the good work. If this were instagram that would usually be preceded by a complisult wouldn't it! :D
Ah I’m going to check out the Amanda Palmer book, sounds timely. Thanks so much for the comment and insight, it’s really appreciated. And yep all complisults welcome 😃
Glad to have this option to support your work! Your podcasts have kept me company on many a long walk or drive, so no brainer to contribute.
Though a member of the ‘other related endeavours’ camp, I listen to hear your take on the nuances of a culture and tackling some difficult conversations.
My favourites are always the lifer episodes. I’m always intrigued by how people manage to continue infuse a pursuit into their life, sometimes turning it into a profession.
Also I’m here because it is rare to hear anyone so openly verbose, HKC is my favourite part when you unleash all the big words 😂
It's definitely the best value for time listened podcast that I listen to, and is certainly worth a few quid for the entertainment and thought provocation.
Hi Matt, you're well aware that I love what you do, have brought merch and the book in the past so am definitely behind this move and agree with all the principles of it, people need to be paid for what they do and a lot of creatives aren't the best at valuing themselves in that way. Is this because most creatives see a capitalist system as problematic and move themselves away from it (discuss!) or that confidence in self value is not something taught in our education system where value is placed on the "right" answer to a question rather than the creative possibilities of numerous answers? A separate thread all of that ha ha.
I wanted to comment on this thread though as when I listened to the episode I wondered whether you considered a tiered system? I ask because you've discussed opening access to certain arenas in the podcast before and have a sense you politically lean to the left, so why not allow those with more to subsidise access to those with less who do still want to support it financially and commit in that way, but who have to consider if they can have that pint of Guiness or not. I mean I agree with you that it's not a lot, but if someone on a low wage has high rent, wants to support amnesty, maybe NTS and yourself, the percentage of their income going to do that is a different figure than someone on double, triple or far more. Maybe this comes across as a niche point but I think it's important to consider how we make things equitable. Of course I'm well aware the pod itself will still be free, but am equally aware that some people want to show their support and commitment to what you do but maybe would have to really think if they can afford £84 a year and are probably the most in need of possible prizes. Just a thought, so wondered if you had considered it or if there were reasons why not?
Hi Peter, thanks for the thoughtful comment. The short answer is yes I did think about it, and in the end it was about what was going to be manageable for me to keep up with regularity. Having effectively two tiers (free and paid) is already adding a layer of complication to what is essentially a side project as it is. If I then start adding extra tiers, with the extra work/bandwidth that would entail - I reached the conclusion it wouldn’t be sustainable for me, and that I’d end up getting stressed trying to keep up. Which is not the point of why I do this, even though it has got that way at a few points over the years.
Effectively tho, the tiering system you suggest is in place - those who go pay with be helping keep the podcast and 10 Thjngs newsletters free. I mean everything has been free for six years, which I think has been a pretty good deal tbh.
Yeah, that makes sense, and don't get me wrong, 6 years free has been amazing I just thought it was an interesting point for discussion. Just to be clear when I say tiers I don't mean different levels of accessibility or content, more that there's different payment options for the same thing. For example I subscribe to CharlieBones on DOYOU!!! World and whilst there's no difference in what you get folk can choose whether they pay £3, £5 or £10 for that content. Of course as you say in a way the free tier is already in place and defo salute you for keeping that ;) Just thinking you might be able to get more cash out of the fat cats ha ha ha.
Aye, and that's great people have been up for supporting in a real way but maybe £200, £500 should be available for the swiss lodge/private jet set ha ha - (obviously I fall far short of this, though have sold/installed artwork for a few of that crowd!)
This episode was a treat on a flight back from Geneva riding the fine line between half cut and a horrendous hangover. Luckily it kept me on the right side of that line. All kinds of HKC goodness.
Man I love your approach to this, still a lot to learn on my end and your newsletters are juicy, not boring dry.
Hey thanks Jan! Much appreciated. Just signed up to yours, looking forward to seeing how it unfolds.
Proud to become a HKC Founding Member :-)
Your podcast, discussions, book suggestions etc etc have kept me interested, intrigued and inspired for the past five odd years. It was especially helpful during the dark days of Lockdown. Very happy to support Looking Sideways.
I'm down Aggy in Feb - pints on me!
After what feels like an age of 'getting shit for free' online, it seems the message is finally filtering through to most of us who consume internet content. I recall reading both sides of the argument (paying vs keeping it free) starting 10+ years ago, as those working hard to produce good content pointed out that there would come a time when they would like/need to get paid for their work. (It circled back to the previous discussion on creatives getting paid properly).
I would buy £50 worth of magazines monthly to cover my wide variety of interests, but these days, like everyone else, I never visit WHSmiths because, well, Youtube and podcasts fills that void. I 'pay' by having to watch 40 seconds of ads per video, or listen to Athletic Greens ads on podcasts. Another way I 'pay' is by often purchasing books by guests I find interesting.
Paying directly for podcasts is new to me I must admit, yet something I strongly consider more and more. I recall going from buying my music in vinyl/tape/cd format to enjoying free music via piratebay, to now paying for music again with Spotify.
What I think I'm trying to say is that its still early days and in 5 years it probably won't be unusual to pay-per-podcast. For me, added or bonus content isn't much of an incentive as I place 100% of the value of podcasts I love in the actual audio.
Thanks for the thoughtful comment. In my case the podcast will remain free so if you choose not to subscribe then you’ll still be able to hear it. I’m pretty fascinated by what you say tho and I do think it illustrates the changing landscape really well. For example, back in the day you were happy to spend £50 in WH Smith which is a really clear transaction. You pick up a bunch of magazines, read the masthead and can see what your money is paying for. In contrast, you say you value podcasts really highly but find the concept of spending (in my case £1.70 ish a week) unusual and think it’ll take five years or so for people to get their heads around it. So did you value those magazines ‘more’? Or was it the nature of the transaction itself you were more comfortable with? I’m also fascinated by the idea that listening to the ad (again for example) is a form of ‘payment’ on behalf of the listeners. Is that simply the act of listening, or you mean you actually go out and buy (say) Athletic Greens in acknowledgment that they’re making the podcast possible for you to listen to?
I think what I mean is that paying for traditional, long established media (magazines etc) back in the day was the only real way to access specialist content (British skateboarding for example), so there was no choice. As things have opened up we may seek out our niche hobbies from a wide variety of sources (each with its own type of 'paywalls') and these paywalls are not yet agreed upon or standardised - like £3.99 was for Thrasher from WHSmiths or the skate shop. And there will always be a subsection of people who will go for the 'free' yet substandard option - getting their 8 week bouldering program from a dodgy YouTuber rather than pay for a one from a highly experienced coach via their website, for instance. The old cliches ring true in these instances it seems; you get what you pay for, and, buy cheap buy twice.
Thanks Marc. Really appreciate the comment and insight.
In my example of the targeted Athletic Greens ads, I spent a fair amount of research determining whether I needed the product, or whether it was worth the money (I didn't and its not). My point being I took the time to look. If I'd had more money I'd have likely given it a go.
As a long time listener I've heard you semi-anguish over the idea of monetisation, and I've heard this from plenty of my favourite ad-free podcasters too. I get it - its a difficult topic to discuss with listeners, very few of whom have no idea how much time/effort goes into that which we take for granted.
He he yeah at least this will (hopefully) put an end to all the semi-anguishing 😃
Longtime listener since that initial Ed Leigh in the car chat way back when, so makes sense for me to contribute towards your efforts and endeavours.
The sense of community we share in our given passions is made all the more special with something like this to connect us.
Thank you Matt - and long may you reign!
Big thanks for that comment, that’s so great to hear
Hey Matt - I first discovered your podcast a few years ago (I think it had been going for about 12 months at the time) and it has helped sustain me over the last couple of years when I haven't been able to do any actual snowboarding (apart from short razzes in the 'domes). I came originally for the snowboarding but stayed for the skate, surf "and other related endeavours". I was particularly struck early on by the Phil Young story and this was a great example of using action sports to investigate other themes; I love the way you do this.
I usually listen when out walking and this has helped motivate me to go out - if it's a bit grey out, then I still have a reason to go. Always listen all the way through, I am definitely on TeamHKC #TFTG
I felt a bit guilty about being slow to buy the book, so no messing now - straight in with a subscription!
Community is what it's all about - it is a big part of what got me into snowboarding in the first place and it's still making me new friends now.
Nice one!
Paul
Paul that’s amazing to hear. Thanks so much for the message and the support. Yeah the Phil episode was a big one for a lot of people.
Thank you for sharing this perspective. I am on the same boat and might follow your footateps
hey Karen. Happy to chat if you want to drop me a line. Just subscribed to your page, looking forward to learning more
Hi Matt, just went to sign up but apparently I’m already signed up as a paid subscriber until July so some how I’ve got a six month subscription without paying? Make any sense to you?
Obviously not complaining just wanted to make sure you are not missing out any subscriber income.
Thanks Steve! I have away some complementary subs to the most active free subscribers to say thanks so you’ll be one of those. You can always sign up as a Founding Member in addition, or renew on six months 👊
Awesome, thanks Matt👍
That just answered my question! Thanks for the freebie Matt! Fully in support of you going paid - anything that helps you keep doing this and gives you the opportunity to create more quality content is good by me. Came for the sports content, stayed for the high-brow chat 🤙🏼🧠
Hi Matt
mucho thanks for my free subscription too. Good luck with the renewed venture. Looking Sideways is keeping me tethered against an internal current that is threatening to sweep my attention away from the board sports that have kept me stoked for so long.
Sounds intriguing/challenging. Glad you’re getting something out of it!
Hi Matt, hopefully the message I’ve just written via another link finds you. Anyhow, just wanted to say that paying for the podcast didn’t take any thinking about, the endless hours of enjoyment and education are worth every penny. I would also add that HKC is definitely a highlight and I’m looking forward to some TFTG merchandise at some point.
Ha ha yeah there have been a few requests for that. Might have to look into it...thanks for the support Simon 👊
I'm definitely firmly in the 'other related endeavours' camp - my outdoor/adrenaline activities have been trail running, climbing/mountaineering and motorbike racing over the years. I think I found you either via Daddy Dark from Run Dem Crew or Leo Houlding so that's a while ago now. I've stuck around as I really enjoy your approach to the trickier areas of discussion, and most of all I really appreciate your acknowledgment of toxic masculinity. It is sadly still unusual (imho), and therefore noteworthy, to hear men talking about it and how it impacts others.
I'll be honest, I am oblivious to a lot of the Names in snowboarding and surfing, but the issues of culture and gatekeeping are familiar from my own other related endeavours, climbing in particular. Deary me!
I support a few others via Patreon and other memberships - podcasts, writers and musicians and I'm really happy to do so. I'm a semi professional musician and could go on for hours about paying for content that others take for granted as being free to access but distinctly not free to provide. So I was also waiting for another way to support, and clicked YES PLEASE when you launched this. I agree with another person below - I contribute as a way of supporting and saying 'yes, i appreciate this and it is of value to me.' Amanda Palmer's The Art of Asking is a great read on this (and many other subjects). I don't expect loads of bonus bits, it's just nice to be able to show my support.
Thanks again and keep up the good work. If this were instagram that would usually be preceded by a complisult wouldn't it! :D
Ah I’m going to check out the Amanda Palmer book, sounds timely. Thanks so much for the comment and insight, it’s really appreciated. And yep all complisults welcome 😃
Glad to have this option to support your work! Your podcasts have kept me company on many a long walk or drive, so no brainer to contribute.
Though a member of the ‘other related endeavours’ camp, I listen to hear your take on the nuances of a culture and tackling some difficult conversations.
My favourites are always the lifer episodes. I’m always intrigued by how people manage to continue infuse a pursuit into their life, sometimes turning it into a profession.
Also I’m here because it is rare to hear anyone so openly verbose, HKC is my favourite part when you unleash all the big words 😂
Keep doing what you do Matt!
He he. That’s the entire reason I do the HKC bit. Shameless, I know. Thanks so much for the lovely comment and the support 🙏
It's definitely the best value for time listened podcast that I listen to, and is certainly worth a few quid for the entertainment and thought provocation.
Hi Matt, you're well aware that I love what you do, have brought merch and the book in the past so am definitely behind this move and agree with all the principles of it, people need to be paid for what they do and a lot of creatives aren't the best at valuing themselves in that way. Is this because most creatives see a capitalist system as problematic and move themselves away from it (discuss!) or that confidence in self value is not something taught in our education system where value is placed on the "right" answer to a question rather than the creative possibilities of numerous answers? A separate thread all of that ha ha.
I wanted to comment on this thread though as when I listened to the episode I wondered whether you considered a tiered system? I ask because you've discussed opening access to certain arenas in the podcast before and have a sense you politically lean to the left, so why not allow those with more to subsidise access to those with less who do still want to support it financially and commit in that way, but who have to consider if they can have that pint of Guiness or not. I mean I agree with you that it's not a lot, but if someone on a low wage has high rent, wants to support amnesty, maybe NTS and yourself, the percentage of their income going to do that is a different figure than someone on double, triple or far more. Maybe this comes across as a niche point but I think it's important to consider how we make things equitable. Of course I'm well aware the pod itself will still be free, but am equally aware that some people want to show their support and commitment to what you do but maybe would have to really think if they can afford £84 a year and are probably the most in need of possible prizes. Just a thought, so wondered if you had considered it or if there were reasons why not?
Hi Peter, thanks for the thoughtful comment. The short answer is yes I did think about it, and in the end it was about what was going to be manageable for me to keep up with regularity. Having effectively two tiers (free and paid) is already adding a layer of complication to what is essentially a side project as it is. If I then start adding extra tiers, with the extra work/bandwidth that would entail - I reached the conclusion it wouldn’t be sustainable for me, and that I’d end up getting stressed trying to keep up. Which is not the point of why I do this, even though it has got that way at a few points over the years.
Effectively tho, the tiering system you suggest is in place - those who go pay with be helping keep the podcast and 10 Thjngs newsletters free. I mean everything has been free for six years, which I think has been a pretty good deal tbh.
Yeah, that makes sense, and don't get me wrong, 6 years free has been amazing I just thought it was an interesting point for discussion. Just to be clear when I say tiers I don't mean different levels of accessibility or content, more that there's different payment options for the same thing. For example I subscribe to CharlieBones on DOYOU!!! World and whilst there's no difference in what you get folk can choose whether they pay £3, £5 or £10 for that content. Of course as you say in a way the free tier is already in place and defo salute you for keeping that ;) Just thinking you might be able to get more cash out of the fat cats ha ha ha.
Well there’s the Founders membership for that which quite a few people have bought...
Aye, and that's great people have been up for supporting in a real way but maybe £200, £500 should be available for the swiss lodge/private jet set ha ha - (obviously I fall far short of this, though have sold/installed artwork for a few of that crowd!)
This episode was a treat on a flight back from Geneva riding the fine line between half cut and a horrendous hangover. Luckily it kept me on the right side of that line. All kinds of HKC goodness.
he he. Thanks! And thanks for the support 👊