Patronage
Every writer has to answer to someone.
I answer to my patrons.
Become a patron before November 3rd and you'll have the option to put your name in the book.
3 days left
Patrons also get every email I've ever written, all 212 of them, in one place.
$18/mo
midterm patrons. 50 seats lock $15 for life, each with a numbered badge. closes on election day. 28 seats left.
billed monthly. cancel anytime.
the amount doesn't change what you get. it changes what your name carries.
205 people pay for this.
Don't want a monthly commitment? The wall starts at a dollar. →
Nearly every writer is paid by an institution of some kind. A university, a newsroom, a foundation, a media company, a sponsor. That's normal, it's how the job has always worked, and it means the writing has to keep somebody happy.
That's not what we're doing here.
Either enough of you support me to keep writing, or this thing dies. There is no in between and I wouldn't have it any other way.
The alternative is everywhere. Writers who answer to institutions. Podcasts that sell your attention to advertisers between every segment.
Here, we take politics seriously.
Why patrons do it, in their own words
This may not sound like the compliment it should be, but you wore me down. Lol. I wasn't going to pay, but eventually you became a part of the daily routine, someone there that I trusted would listen and maybe respond. And when you did respond, it was always a genuine response, not something canned.
Kay, patron You have already provided more benefit than my membership cost.
Ron, patron You took Thomas Sowell's life's work, recognized it as a blueprint for facing the opposition, and developed a strategy the rest of us could follow. You speak to us like friends, not an audience. And that's why I'm Staying Close.
Claire, founding member
Most patrons never sign in. That's fine, the writing is the point.
But for those who do step inside, we're building a community that sharpens each other's claws, while having a good time.
There's a Writer's Desk. This is your direct line to me, and the door to everything else. You will see a green light next to my name that pulses while I'm working, and goes out when I step away. Leave me a note on the desk, and I'll answer it.
The Lounge is where we go to hang out and chat about whatever's on your mind. Ask a question, talk about something you saw in the news, share a picture of your pet. Get to know the people inside.
Then we have The Guild, for the conversations that need more room. Somebody brings a fight they're losing and the room works out the move together. This is where you can come to get support and insight on any political argument you end up in.
The Arena is where I break down real fights with real opponents. Every trap they set, every move I make back, laid out tile by tile. Patrons watch it happen live. Here's one I made public.
Last, the comments under each piece. You know what a comment section usually looks like. Low quality is putting it kindly. Here, every single one is from someone who has paid. No freeloading communists or spambots allowed.
I spent years as a software developer, so building is kind of my thing. I'm going to keep building here while I write. There's plenty more to come.
What readers have been writing
“You do good work. You have an open mind, you admit your mistakes, I agree with your point of view... I'm too busy at times to engage on social media... so in effect, I'm supporting you so you can do it for me.”
Mark, patron
“I am a grandmother, a mother, someone who has always been prey... You are the first writer that I have ever paid to listen to. The world I thought I knew has gone. I need to do something!!”
Judy, New Zealand
Read what 41 more patrons said ↓Show fewer ↑
“I became a patron because no one in politics is honest. You are. I subscribed because I needed a voice telling the truth about the political world every single day.”
Nathan, patron
“Like Sowell, Clay has the ability to see the flawed assumptions in the rhetoric, understand their negative impact from empirical evidence, and respond crisply in a way that stops the rot, while educating onlookers and helping them do the same. And offers grace to those who will accept it.”
Colin, patron
“I did it because you were brave and open-minded enough to commit political apostasy. You are a heretic among libertarians like Dave Smith.”
Kent, patron
“I have never subscribed to anyone before you. Saw you doing something no one else was at the time, showing us the traps we walk into daily, and how to gracefully negotiate them.”
Jenny, patron
“You see things differently and explain how you got there, with dual impacts of giving me new perspectives while keeping me out of blackpill territory. Most writers can do one or the other, but not both at once.”
Trish, founding member
“I joined because I was tired of feeling like being a conservative meant staying quiet or not knowing how to respond when tough conversations came up... I needed the training to stand firm in what I believe, speak truth with confidence, and engage thoughtfully instead of sitting on the sidelines.”
Carla, patron
“Finally, a place to go to have a political discussion where people aren't being insulted, torn down, and degraded because they don't agree. And I'm learning so much about how to have a conversation with people who are rude and insulting, without getting down in the dirt. With SBP, you are doing what Charlie was doing. It's money well spent.”
Blanche, patron
“You're a very talented, gifted writer and an insightful thinker, and I wanted to support the work you're doing and your continued growth. Your words make me think more deeply, and I'm grateful to help you keep sharing them.”
Cheryl, Midterm patron
“I'd been feeling lost, voiceless, since Rush passed away. I found hope in Charlie... Then he was assassinated... This feels like home, and family. Working together to support your voice.”
Cheri, patron
“I joined because I genuinely want to support you and the meaningful work you do, while continuing to learn through example how to deal with difficult people with grace, confidence, and wisdom, and how to skillfully shift the dynamic from being the prey to being the predator.”
Leanah, patron
“You speak for me in a way I'm not equipped to convey my heartfelt feelings on the subject of today's politics... I'm actually very frugal and adding you to my monthly budget shows how much I appreciate you.”
Bev, patron
“In a word, you. ...you came across as someone who wanted to express yourself, AND wanted to hear back from me and others... with you I have someone to write to... your responses are straightforward and honest.”
Alan, patron
“There is a humility in your content but you are an excellent communicator and always bring receipts so one can be sure you speak truth...not just 'your' truth.”
Belinda, patron
“I think it was mostly the rawness and vulnerability of your writing. I'd long followed the Sowell page on Facebook, but it was when you started posting as yourself that I really started paying attention... It was more about finding something real in the horrible morass of social media.”
Cassie, patron
“I feel that God led me to your site. When I read the 'Truths' that you were declaring, I had to support you. In a sense, to 'hold up your arms' as was done to support Moses during a battle.”
Alice, patron
“Too many conservatives are allowing the other side to take the offensive and behave as though they are defenseless against attacks... Your choice of words, calling such folks prey, is perfect.”
Mike, patron
“I subscribe and support because I think you spread word and are developing a good community of like-minded people. Plus you respond to trolls with clarity and charity, which is a rare combination.”
Mike H., patron
“Your work, as exhibited in the Sowell posts, cornered my attention before I knew of you... Supporting your words is more effective than sharing a thousand daily Facebook comments.”
Jeff, patron
“I decided to support you because I really like what you have to say. I don't write much, but I read nearly everything you write... It's refreshing to me to find someone who thinks very much like I do and who can express those ideas and feelings so much better than I ever could.”
Diana, patron
“When I first started following you, I emailed you asking for your recommendation on which Thomas Sowell books I should start with. You answered me. Not just answered me, but thoughtfully. When you opened up a membership, I wanted to be part of it.”
Kim, patron
“I read your first piece and you poured light into a dark room with words that told the truth about the state of how we choose to process and act on our emotions... You are someone who gave voice to my concerns and you came with a plan.”
Mary, patron
“I found you to be genuine. I liked your humanness and fallibility. I agreed with your points and point of view, it's really no more complicated than that.”
Sean, patron
“I subscribed because I felt you're another voice we can depend on to tell us the truth now that Charlie is gone!”
Sylvia, patron
“I stopped posting political views on social media when a family member started responding with hatred. It wasn't worth it! I'd rather promote someone who has a way of telling the truth like you do!”
Lynn, patron
“I'm beginning more to identify as 'post-libertarian' in my philosophy. I saw the allure of 'non aggression', but quickly realized that the principle is only for civilized people.”
Erick, Midterm patron
“There is a shortage of intelligent communication in the world... it is refreshing to witness true critical thinking and you, my friend, do so most compellingly.”
Rita, patron
“To hear a like minded soul is important in the craziness of what's going on in the world is like a lighthouse for a boat on a stormy sea.”
Deb, patron
“I one hundred percent recognize your efforts and time involved, so you were worth my time and investment. I adore your tenacity to be correct.”
Brenda, patron
“Dr. Thomas Sowell is one of the best economic and political writers, one of my best teachers who has clarified my thinking. I started following the Thomas Sowell Quotes page; when Clay invited me to join stop-being-prey, I accepted the challenge as a founding member. I hope that you will join us.”
Zak, founding member
“I took the time to read your Losertarian treatise. As a long-time Libertarian, it made sense to me.”
Donna, patron
“I subscribed because what you write are important truths that must be read by everyone and I want to support those who 'fight the good fight'.”
Juli, patron
“I believe your theory about the losertarians, if we can form a coalition, both conservatives and libertarians could win more seats, and maybe turn the tide.”
Alan, patron
“Your writings give encouragement to my hopes for a pathway of understanding to those in our society who buy into those who distort the truth.”
Pat, patron
“The collaboration challenges me to think critically. It helps me develop necessary tools to engage with others and, prayerfully, make a positive connection.”
Susan, patron
“I just knew the truth when I read it. You gave me a different perspective.”
Teri, patron
“It helps keep me informed and correctly oriented with what is going on in the world.”
Janice, patron
“I did in order to stop being prey!”
Amy, patron
“You are worth every penny. You and St Judes are the only two things I donate to.”
Bob, founding member
“I never subscribe to things online. Something always stops me... what made me want to be a founder is Clay's earnestness in his quest.”
Trish, founding member
“My state legislature has been wrestling with a minimum wage law... Thank you for giving me the proper ways to confront the 'feelings' arguments. Amazingly, no push back when confronted with the value of their labor approach.”
Don, founding member
“Ron Paul's former press secretary here. I am totally with you. You said very well what I have been struggling with since... 2018.”
Rachel Mills
$18/mo
midterm patrons. 50 seats lock $15 for life, each with a numbered badge. closes on election day. 28 seats left.
billed monthly. cancel anytime.
the amount doesn't change what you get. it changes what your name carries.
205 people pay for this.
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