I'm done working for free

The last several months have been a challenge - physically, emotionally, professionally. During this short time, I have learned a lot about myself. I've also learned a lot about other people.  

One thing I have learned about others - some, not all - is that they will take advantage of you if they think they can get away with it. If they think you won't stand up for yourself. 

The way in which I've seen this manifest most prominently is in what I do for a living. People simply expect professionals like myself to give them information, commentary, analysis, etc. They might see it as a public good. The information they need to know as citizens. 

They're wrong. 

Just like in any other industry, professionals in my business have bills to pay, a life to maintain, financial integrity to pursue. While some professionals don't feel ashamed to charge because they offer actual goods, tangible items, many in my line of work are hesitant to charge for our intangible services. But here's the thing: just because something isn't tangible doesn't mean it isn't valuable. Knowledge, which is what much of my work provides readers and listeners, is valuable. Therefore, it worthy of a price. 

I'm done working for free. In the coming days, you'll notice that I'll ask for a small fee if you would like to continue taking advantage of some of the services I provide. Most notably, you'll see that my podcasts now cost a reasonable $0.99. 

This isn't much to ask. As a result, I'll be able to focus more on additional content, better content, and more importantly, exclusive content. Because why would you pay for some you could get for free somewhere else? 

You won't, and you shouldn't.