Free? Why You Should Support Independent Writers

By: Karlyne Manrique

Recently, a follower left a comment on one of my Instagram posts—one that corresponded to one of my exclusive articles for paying subscribers. They complained about why they had to pay to read an article, arguing that they could go read about the topic on any other outlet or platform that talked about the same thing.

About this I can say that yes, maybe they can go read it somewhere else, but not my article, which I value because I know the work behind it, and I know that those who subscribe—free or paid—do so because they like the topics I talk about and the way I approach them.

To my subscribers—for whom I’m grateful that every day there are more—I offer articles written from my experience, which I want to share with them, so they can learn about other perspectives, like mine, which was shaped by experience within the footwear industry in a city in Mexico, all of this coupled with my love for music and history.

Just like the person who made that comment, there are many others who might think similarly. That’s why it’s also important to start valuing the work of independent fashion writers or writers on any other topic.

In fact, this is a topic that is talked about a lot on Substack and one we should also discuss, not just in that circle of writers, but open the conversation so it reaches readers too—to let them know how these independent writers research or write from their own experience and observation of a topic, which means that their publications are not just random journal entries, but reflections and testimonies that come from an experience shaped and earned through years of professional work and learning—not just theory.

All of this reminded me of a time when I was working at an organization where I had to hire fashion outlets to cover certain events, and someone questioned me as to why we were paying these independent communicators for their coverage and work, since traditional reporters didn’t exactly get paid to cover events. I replied that it was precisely because they are independent outlets not employed by a media company or newspaper; therefore, they don’t receive a salary from a company, and just like everyone else, they need to be paid for the work they do.

This short article serves as a personal reflection from someone who has been on both sides: as media or writer, and as someone who hires and selects outlets to cover events and talk about them through their texts. So if you’re a brand, event, or subscriber and you like the work of one of these writers and think it’s not worth paying for an article, think about the work and time behind those words you’re reading—and the people who, thanks to that, can continue researching and dedicating time to crafting a piece..

If you can afford it, consider that $7 or $8 monthly subscription (which you could easily spend on a coffee) so that the valuable, sensitive work of independent writers doesn’t get lost—work that should be even more appreciated in these times of AI and artificial thinking.