We’re hard at work making sure that you are receiving the news that we report but It’s not always easy.
As you know we use social media to alert many of our readers to news stories that we post on our website. From time to time and for many reasons, some social media platforms limit the number of followers that see our post? The fact that only a percentage of our followers receive our post is unreliable and unacceptable.
In recent weeks our social media numbers hit an all-time low. We were being throttled and news stories were not shown to all of our followers. Although those numbers have recovered, the experience prompted a review of our operating model. We found that we need to expand our social media delivery network. To that end, we have added Parler and Mewe to our social footprint. These new platforms allow us to show 100% of our posts to 100% of our followers. Please make sure to follow us on those new platforms as well.
In addition to adding the two new social platforms, we have rolled out some new options for our loyal readers.
Big Changes Coming
In recent days we have rolled out our new ad-free option on Patreon for only $3.99 a month. Many of you have been asking for this option for some time.
Patreon is a great platform. It gives us the tools we need to acquire, manage, and energize our paying supporters. The subscription-style payment model, allows our supporters to support us each month. While we have set the minimum amount at $3.99 you can actually pledge a higher amount if you choose. In exchange for your pledge, you will have exclusive access to ad-free news posts before everyone else. Additionally, we may at times post extra content or some behind the scenes action.
Why Pay For News?
Throughout history, newspapers have been supported by subscriptions. As the internet developed, some news outlets tried the advertising model and started giving away news for free. The idea was to build a large following so you could sell advertising to businesses interested in your readership. Today that model does not work for many news organizations. Social media is affecting readership, ad dollars are scooped up by big tech, and readers are using adblocker software. As newspapers shut their doors readers have turned to news outlets operated by large corporations for their news. Local news is becoming a thing of the past in some regions of the country.
And then there’s First State Update! For the last five years, we have built an enormous following in our little state and the surrounding region. We have tens of thousands of followers on social media and hundreds of thousands of monthly reads on our website. We have offered our service to the public at no cost for the most part during this time. Many thanks to the few supporters in recent years that have helped us to keep growing. We appreciate these loyal readers more than they know.
Today we think that the Patreon model is a win-win; First State Update staff keeps our readers informed in real-time in most cases while getting the salary they deserve, and supporters can relax knowing that their support is going directly to those that are providing a service that they have come to count on.
Our reporting is followed by other local media outlets and television stations in Philadelphia. With staff being slashed at these organizations they have come to rely on our hard work. In many cases, some of the reporting serves as the catalyst for their reporting. We do the digging, the reporting, the sourcing, and get the news out with lightning speed. They read our stories, call a local official to confirm, and then run the story. Offering our hard work to paying supporters first will effectively end this practice.
Patreon will also allow for different tiers of service in the future. We will be able to offer different levels of service, limited only by our imagination. We will also be able to offer merch, special discounts, or add-ons. The platform is very versatile and will allow us to grow and serve our community even better.
We understand that some will not want to join us on this new platform so we’ll keep the other platforms operating. Non-supporters can also check the website for the latest news updates. Supporters will of course get a first look at what we’re reporting. The one exception is public safety concerns. Those stories will be reported on all platforms in real-time.
We think that the service we offer is valuable to our readers. We think that $3.99 a month is a great value for this service. We also think the ad-free environment is a great add-on that readers will enjoy.
Delivery
Patreon instantly sends our ad-free post to 100% of our followers. No algorithm to decide what followers can see what news.
Patreon also allows us to message all of our readers at the same time – Great for emergencies, weather updates, traffic alerts, breaking news. On some social platforms, readers get that news hours or even days later. That just does not work.
Comments And Story Interaction
Just like Facebook and Twitter readers can comment and interact with other readers on our post.
Signup And Payment
Getting setup is pretty straight forward. Simply visit https://www.patreon.com/firststateupdate, signup. Once you have signed up our ad-free post will start showing up in your inbox – If you want to get the updates via the app as well, visit the app store and download Patreon.
Already A Supporter And Want To Switch To Patreon?
If you’re a Facebook supporter and would like to switch to Patreon simply follow the Signup And Payment instructions above. You can then cancel your Facebook support if you wish.
If you’re a website supporter and on a monthly installment or an annual payment option follow the Signup And Payment instructions above. Once complete, message us via our Facebook page. If you’re on an annual payment option and have already paid we will refund you the prorated amount.