Yes, all solid points. I started my Substack, The Unschool for Writers in April, went paid two months later, and am very happy with how it is growing. Minimalism, consistency, not being afraid to ask for $$.

I would add: actively pointing out that the platform is FREE of ads and pop-ups! This has to have some value. Reminds me of Ms. Magazine in the 80s, when they charged more for subscriptions, and cut ALL ads. Which freed them to fill every issue with richly controversial well-researched material!

Here's to being FREE. Thanks for posting, Tim--