One of my good friends reported that, last week, a mysterious banner appeared at the bottom of the Elder Advice, urging subscribers to let me know that I should put my posts behind a paywall.
Three things.
First, I have no idea where that message came from. While Substack frequently and not very subtly suggests that I, and every other writer on the platform, should monetize our writing, I never imagined they might try and enlist your aid in that effort.
Second, Elder Advice was never intended to enable me to pay for anything, including Lisa’s impressive shoe collection. Elder Advice is intended primarily as therapy for me and, as for those shoes, I have a day job for that.
Third, you have enough important things to pay for these days. Like groceries. Have you seen the price of produce lately? Last night I heard a guy, clearly desperate to impress, tell a bartender: “Send a gin and tonic with lime to the little lady in the blue dress - hold the gin and the tonic”. I will never require you to pay for my scribblings. Unless and until I show up in person in your living room to read them. And bring the Lipizzaner stallions with me.
… just wanted to make sure we are all on the same page.
Love your column Tim. Always interesting and entertaining. Keep up the great work! I will ask Lisa to show me her shoe collection next time we meet. 😂 *Just for a refresher, we met at a party and Lesley and Lyle’s last year. Cher introduced us.