Dear Subscribers, I just wanted to let you have a quick update now that I’m back in Perth, Australia, after my African adventures. I always love returning to my homeland. I never fail to be inspired by the land, the animals and the people. And I’m really so thrilled that you, my readers, are responding with such appreciation to my new book set in Africa. I did a fair bit of work on it in my Writer’s Hut, and once I’ve given the latest instalment a chance to breathe – I never like rushing to print on an important project – I will share it with you. This will probably be in early October.
I vote leave it off because people should be sharing because they sincerely want to share your work, not due to an extrinsic reward. Also, I think that could lead to some inflated numbers of people getting someone else to subscribe just for the reward then that person unsubscribing shortly after. Personally, I’d prefer subscribers to be those who are genuinely interested.
At first I was going to say “don’t turn it on,” but Maura’s logic has persuaded me ... how about a wee modification? Turn it on and evaluate, say, in six months? Btw, love the Serbian cover, too...
LOVE the Serbian book cover - very beautiful and draws you in. As far as turning on referrals rewards in Substack - I'd say, turn it on, and those that want to collect kudos can and those that don't can refer out of the system. I trust your decision to support this new organization. Can we, as Westerners, truly understand living with the burdens of a disabled child or family member and having no governmental financial support? You are "on point" with everything you do, David. XO
I agree with Jenni and Adrienne, that Subscriber referrals should be for others, but not for you, who don’t need it. Subscribers arrive when they have to arrive, people get the information when they are ready for it, no need for a booster.
I love the Serbian cover, too!
And I’m so looking forward to HHC 6 and to other Buddhism in Africa stories!
I think a reward system is a bit outdated in our world of Love & compassion….the people who love this writing probably have friends and family who don’t need X or Y as an incentive to share because their reward is in the sharing of your wonderful gift…with each other and beyond…people will always be guided to what is best for them I feel…💓
I love this book cover, and find it rich and intriguing.
The incentivizing of your writing seems unnecessary, as I have always forwarded your emails to folks I thought would appreciate you and your writing (and I was right!). Adding further complexity to an already complex world, feels stressful. However, I don't use and won't use social media (etc) for many reasons, so am probably not a good person to ask. I do trust you and am confident you will make the best decision here, as you probably have a much more global perspective than I do.
Thank you for asking all of us to weigh in on these things. I get as much from the questions as I do the responses of other readers.
Love the Serbian cover! It’s so rich and intriguing. Both versions are graphically strong and eye-catching, but the Serbian version is more mysterious and provokes curiosity.
David, I'm a Substack writer as well as reader, and I haven't turned on Referrals. I don't use Notes or Chat either and won't because it is filled with noise - rather like Twitter (X).
As it stands, without all the extras, there's an extraordinary quality of writing in what Substack offers. So what I personally do is recommend essayists in the course of my own posts. I don't do this lightly and always recommend posts that have touched me. I notice other essayists do this as well and I have subscribed to some excellent, empathic and wonderful writers who fill my reading with wonder. And I've 'met' some awfully nice people.
I do love the Serbian cover - it's very rich in detail. And of course, can't wait for the next adventure with HCC.
I'm also not comfortable with the idea of sharing in return for an incentive - but maybe at 70 I'm out of touch. it feels to me that such a system encourages readers to share to people who are probably not really interested and don't we have enough of those kind of systems already!
I love the Serbian cover design it’s so beautifully intricate. I also love the cover for the new Dalai Lama’s Cat and I can’t wait for it to be released. As for turning on the referral rewards I vote to leave it turned off. Speaking for myself I share your posts with my friends because of a desire to help introduce things that may be a source of comfort or joy to them. I don’t require any incentives, helping others has always been my greatest motivation and I believe many of your subscribers feel the same way. Thank you as always for all that you do and asking our opinion. It is such a great joy to be part of this community ❤️🙏
I don't think that sharing for rewards sits well with your general philosophy and principles. I believe that most people who are really interested in your work and in Buddhist principles don't/shouldn't need rewards to share wider where they see an opportunity to do so. But I may be a wee bit idealistic here.
Also wanted to say a big thank you to you for your generous gift of the Claw of Attraction. HHC is my inspiration although I am fast becoming a fan of your new African stories.
For me, HHC became a "safe space"/escape from the grief of losing my husband of 37 years, finding myself homeless and dependent on friends for a roof over my head. I think all of us who have been drawn to HHC's world, instantly find things to send to those we know need them. But, I like to think HHC would approve of any idea that would help spread the message of compassion. And if getting a tidbit for doing so helps speed that along, well so be it.
I liked it when you gave us free trial subscription that we could give to friends so they could try it out and decide whether or not to subscribe. You got 3 extra subscribers from that that I know of, maybe more.
Wow, what a cover! Very eye catching for bookshop buyers & sets the scene for what will be revealed inside those pages waiting to be turned. Wonderful to read the latest charity donation you have chosen. It’s a sad & sorry world for those without support of any kind. Happy release day ahead. Looking forward to reading another novel in the adventures of our much beloved feline creature! I’m not computer savy but would be wary of the new ideas put forward. Best wishes.
I am inclined to agree with Jenni, David - I have referred two people who I genuinely thought might be helped by, and receptive to, your teachings, and will continue to do so. However, sending a referral to people for whom it would come out of the blue and not resonate with them.........the thought doesn't sit comfortably with me, but I'll bow to the majority opinion! Maybe a six month trial?
I vote leave it off because people should be sharing because they sincerely want to share your work, not due to an extrinsic reward. Also, I think that could lead to some inflated numbers of people getting someone else to subscribe just for the reward then that person unsubscribing shortly after. Personally, I’d prefer subscribers to be those who are genuinely interested.
At first I was going to say “don’t turn it on,” but Maura’s logic has persuaded me ... how about a wee modification? Turn it on and evaluate, say, in six months? Btw, love the Serbian cover, too...
LOVE the Serbian book cover - very beautiful and draws you in. As far as turning on referrals rewards in Substack - I'd say, turn it on, and those that want to collect kudos can and those that don't can refer out of the system. I trust your decision to support this new organization. Can we, as Westerners, truly understand living with the burdens of a disabled child or family member and having no governmental financial support? You are "on point" with everything you do, David. XO
I agree with Jenni and Adrienne, that Subscriber referrals should be for others, but not for you, who don’t need it. Subscribers arrive when they have to arrive, people get the information when they are ready for it, no need for a booster.
I love the Serbian cover, too!
And I’m so looking forward to HHC 6 and to other Buddhism in Africa stories!
I think a reward system is a bit outdated in our world of Love & compassion….the people who love this writing probably have friends and family who don’t need X or Y as an incentive to share because their reward is in the sharing of your wonderful gift…with each other and beyond…people will always be guided to what is best for them I feel…💓
I love this book cover, and find it rich and intriguing.
The incentivizing of your writing seems unnecessary, as I have always forwarded your emails to folks I thought would appreciate you and your writing (and I was right!). Adding further complexity to an already complex world, feels stressful. However, I don't use and won't use social media (etc) for many reasons, so am probably not a good person to ask. I do trust you and am confident you will make the best decision here, as you probably have a much more global perspective than I do.
Thank you for asking all of us to weigh in on these things. I get as much from the questions as I do the responses of other readers.
Blessings.
Love the Serbian cover! It’s so rich and intriguing. Both versions are graphically strong and eye-catching, but the Serbian version is more mysterious and provokes curiosity.
David, I'm a Substack writer as well as reader, and I haven't turned on Referrals. I don't use Notes or Chat either and won't because it is filled with noise - rather like Twitter (X).
As it stands, without all the extras, there's an extraordinary quality of writing in what Substack offers. So what I personally do is recommend essayists in the course of my own posts. I don't do this lightly and always recommend posts that have touched me. I notice other essayists do this as well and I have subscribed to some excellent, empathic and wonderful writers who fill my reading with wonder. And I've 'met' some awfully nice people.
I do love the Serbian cover - it's very rich in detail. And of course, can't wait for the next adventure with HCC.
Best wishes.
I'm also not comfortable with the idea of sharing in return for an incentive - but maybe at 70 I'm out of touch. it feels to me that such a system encourages readers to share to people who are probably not really interested and don't we have enough of those kind of systems already!
I love the Serbian cover design it’s so beautifully intricate. I also love the cover for the new Dalai Lama’s Cat and I can’t wait for it to be released. As for turning on the referral rewards I vote to leave it turned off. Speaking for myself I share your posts with my friends because of a desire to help introduce things that may be a source of comfort or joy to them. I don’t require any incentives, helping others has always been my greatest motivation and I believe many of your subscribers feel the same way. Thank you as always for all that you do and asking our opinion. It is such a great joy to be part of this community ❤️🙏
Dearest David,
the Serbian cover of Instant Karma: The day it happened, is beautiful.
I am sorry to say that I’ll wait for the book to be published, I love to take them and read everywhere.
I love the photo with Lama Yeshe Losel Rinpoche and all the donations you do.
Thank you, because you are here with all of us.
Thanks again,
Rossy Cortes
Mexico
I don't think that sharing for rewards sits well with your general philosophy and principles. I believe that most people who are really interested in your work and in Buddhist principles don't/shouldn't need rewards to share wider where they see an opportunity to do so. But I may be a wee bit idealistic here.
Also wanted to say a big thank you to you for your generous gift of the Claw of Attraction. HHC is my inspiration although I am fast becoming a fan of your new African stories.
For me, HHC became a "safe space"/escape from the grief of losing my husband of 37 years, finding myself homeless and dependent on friends for a roof over my head. I think all of us who have been drawn to HHC's world, instantly find things to send to those we know need them. But, I like to think HHC would approve of any idea that would help spread the message of compassion. And if getting a tidbit for doing so helps speed that along, well so be it.
I liked it when you gave us free trial subscription that we could give to friends so they could try it out and decide whether or not to subscribe. You got 3 extra subscribers from that that I know of, maybe more.
Wow, what a cover! Very eye catching for bookshop buyers & sets the scene for what will be revealed inside those pages waiting to be turned. Wonderful to read the latest charity donation you have chosen. It’s a sad & sorry world for those without support of any kind. Happy release day ahead. Looking forward to reading another novel in the adventures of our much beloved feline creature! I’m not computer savy but would be wary of the new ideas put forward. Best wishes.
I am inclined to agree with Jenni, David - I have referred two people who I genuinely thought might be helped by, and receptive to, your teachings, and will continue to do so. However, sending a referral to people for whom it would come out of the blue and not resonate with them.........the thought doesn't sit comfortably with me, but I'll bow to the majority opinion! Maybe a six month trial?