The State Of The Newsletter (AKA: Paid-Tier Option Now Available)

But No One Is Losing (Almost) Everything You've Already Been Getting

“Those who cannot change their minds cannot change anything."

- George Bernard Shaw

Those with a keen eye may have noticed that there is now a paid-tier subscription option, which means I’ve pulled a President George H.W Bush and had to take back a financial-related pledge. This time instead of “Read my lips, no new taxes”, I’ve been proudly talking about the fact that this newsletter is “100% free”. And yet here we are at the start of June, and i’m going to have to start backing off that claim.

Before I go into what the paid-tier offers I just want to assure you that (almost) everything you’ve been enjoying will remain available to you for the free-tier subscription. Weekly film reviews of the latest major movies from me, my personal “Best Of” lists (2020 and on at least), my personal awards season ballot, my Oscar projections, and my links to my media appearances aren’t going anywhere if you don’t pay a cent. For instance, you can expect an upcoming Bad Boys: Ride Or Die review without a paywall attached this evening.

If you chose to upgrade to the paid-tier, any bonus film (or TV) reviews from me will be available to read. You’ll also get access to any pre-2020 “Best Of” lists. Posts that I also publish on Medium, will come to your inbox days before - which will include an upcoming series on film history from me that will highlight the objectively most important movies from each year. This only costs you $5 a month or you can save yourself a whole lot of money and just get a yearly subscription for $30 (25% off each profile for annual subscriptions bought in bundles).

I also wanted to take this time to give you the heads up that I am launching a live-streaming podcast some time in early July to early August (I’m still putting things together). It will be titled The Reel Lounge, think Shannon Sharpe’s Nightcap meets film. This podcast will also feature two sub-series - an awards race focused one (Reel Consideration and one where I look at my favorite films from each year. The podcast will be available for both free-tier and paid-tier subscribers - though I will eventually have some special, exclusive episodes for the latter.

So just to recap dear reader - I’m creating a paid-tier for the newsletter that will give you access to bonus reviews, pre-2020 “Best Of” lists, and posts that will be published over on Medium days in advance for you to read first - including an upcoming series on film history. If you remain in the free-tier of subscriptions you will still enjoy 95%+ of what you’ve been getting from me anyways plus an upcoming podcast I have in the works.

So fear not. No pressure. I won’t be hurt if you don’t upgrade your subscription. I get it. I’m just putting it out there, and letting you know what’s coming soon to the newsletter/website. God bless, and back to watching movies.

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