I use Vocal from time to time. It’s a nice writing platform for some type of content. But one thing was always for sure: You’re not getting rich on Vocal.

Now, they’ve just introduced a new feature: Paid subscription. Sort of Substack for Vocal. 

While I wouldn’t say I’m buzzing with excitement, I do think it presents some interesting opportunities for both creators and readers.

Exclusive stories

The basic premise of Exclusive Stories is that it allows Vocal creators to offer premium, members-only content to their most loyal subscribers. 

This could take the form of serialized stories, behind-the-scenes looks, specialized tutorials, or any other type of specialized material that goes beyond the typical free stories available to the general public.

Substack anyone?

Everybody is chasing Substack now, it seems. Medium did it. Many newsletter platforms are doing it. And now Vocal.

From my perspective, the potential benefit of Exclusive Stories is the ability for creators to foster a deeper sense of community and connection with their dedicated fan base. 

Rather than just passively consuming free content, subscribers will now have access to private comment sections where they can interact directly with the creator and fellow fans. 

This could help build a more engaged, intimate following around a creator’s work.

At the same time, I recognize that the creative freedom afforded by Exclusive Stories may be appealing to some creators. Without restrictive word count minimums or other limitations, they’ll have more leeway to fully express their artistic visions. And the instant publishing model means fans won’t have to wait to access new premium content.

Money

Ultimately, I think Exclusive Stories represents a potentially useful tool for Vocal creators looking to diversify their revenue streams and build stronger connections with their most dedicated fans. 

I am not saying, it will make earning money on Vocal any more likely or easier. But it might be a start.

The bottom line

As a consumer, I’m curious to see how some of my favorite writers and artists choose to utilize this new feature. While I wouldn’t say I’m overly enthusiastic, I’m certainly interested to observe how it unfolds.

Time will tell whether Exclusive Stories becomes a good new thing for Vocal or just another hopeless try to get more traction among the booming newsletters and writing space. 

For now, it seems like a reasonably promising addition that could benefit both creators and fans, if implemented thoughtfully. I’ll be keeping an eye on it with cautious optimism.

What’s your take?