Where’s Waldo?
The elders who rule well are to be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who work hard at preaching and teaching. For the Scripture says, “You shall not muzzle the ox while he is threshing,” and “The laborer is worthy of his wages.” 1 Timothy 5:17-18 NASB
Preaching and teaching – About 39.8 percent of the people who receive this message will actually read it. Of that number, about 5.8% will look up the verse, spend a minute considering the implications or engage the Lord in prayer about what they learn. Those aren’t guesses. They are the average statistics for Today’s Word readers for many years now. And of the 40,000 people who view the page on the web site, less than 1/10 of 1% will make any commitment to join us. I find this extremely disheartening. It often makes me feel as if I am doing something wrong or that my efforts just aren’t good enough to attract most of these readers to a deeper walk and a greater commitment. Of course, those of you who are reading this right now might not feel this way, but I’m not writing to you (and I don’t know how to write to those who aren’t going to read). It’s discouraging.
In Israel last month one of the participants told me that she always believed I was simply a retired rich man who did this out of the goodness of his heart. She had no idea that my livelihood depends on those who follow my work. Most of you who read this realize that I am the ox, threshing God’s Word in order to sift the good grain. My call is to work His message so we will all understand it better. And the ox needs to eat too.
Last year (as usual), 20% of the 1565 subscribers to Today’s Word provided more than 80% of the support. 50% gave nothing. That support makes it possible for me to teach groups in South Africa, Central America, England, Europe and Israel. I could stay at home and write, but Hebraic ideas are often best communicated in person, especially with dialogue and a good soak in community living. You, the ones reading this, make all of this possible. I don’t know if you realize this, but you are changing the world by helping me do this. And anytime anyone of you wishes to come along with me, you are oh-so-welcome!! Please, join me and see just how much your support changes people.
But today, the question, “Where’s Waldo?” is answered by, “Waldo is at home, trying to understand how to make a significant difference to those who are marginally connected.” Waldo wants wisdom to welcome fellow walkers more effectively. Waldo needs your help. If you know one of the 61.2% who aren’t really participating, if you know someone in the 80% who hasn’t made a commitment to this community, if you find yourself holding back some of the threshing floor grain, maybe this is a day to do something.
Rosanne faithfully reminds me that I write for an audience of One. I know I will stand before Him when He judges me. But I am desperate to tell Him, “Yes, and I brought all these with me so that they could see You smile.”
Topical Index: threshing floor, ox, grain, statistics, 1 Timothy 5:17-18
A few thoughts for you Skip.
First, the email open rate for non-profits is 10%. You have a 40% open rate. So, you’re doing 300% better than the others.
As a former ad agency media planner, you should be aware that there are three dominant reading patterns that apply to you. The first is read an issue/skip an issue, followed by group a bunch together and read in one setting, and finally, read every issue. Read every issue is the smallest number of readers, even for secular pubs.
Regarding boosting income, well, there are some of us, myself included, who support you monthly. So I’m reading here that we’re supporting you monthly while others are getting it for free. Online pubs like the New York Times and Washington Post allow a non-subscriber a certain number of articles per month. When that number is reached, they either have to subscribe or wait for the month to roll over to get the next batch of articles.
Regarding Amazon. Well, the net you’re reporting is what publishers work from when going through a distributor to a retailer. If you want more income, then you have to be prepared to sell direct and handle shipping, which is a dog and getting worse. Or, create more ebooks which don’t go over $9.99 which enables you to keep 70% from Amazon. In your situation, I suggest you look at Book Baby.
Thanks for the insight. Good ideas. I like the one about a certain number of articles per month. I’ll have to figure out if we can do that with the platform we use.
Skip – I just want to encourage you that your work has made a tremendous difference in my life. It has now had similar impact on my wife (although it took a few years of me walking through it first), and soon my young children. Thank you for all you do, and please keep up the good work!
~MB
See you in Phoenix soon.
The Kettle (Skip)
The numbers and percentages are not a measure. I think the Kettle would tell me it is Greek thinking. Your gift and talent has helped shape my life in immeasurable ways. Keep seeking His face and what is right will be added (or taken away). I know you and Rosanne know that all too well. I don’t think a week goes by where your teaching or inspiration is not referenced or discussed within our assembly. I thank YHWH that you do what you do. It takes time and trust to build the relationships that your inspiration nurtures. The culture has a strong hold of many (including my kids), and it takes a relationship before they are ready to listen to instruction. Keep dusting off the sandals and keep sharing His word. Thank your Labors!!!!
Shalom,
The Pot (Mark)
Hello Skip, just trying to catch up all we missed while in Ireland – I was so encouraged to read your comment –
“It’s not Messianic ASSEMBLIES or CONGREGATIONS. There are plenty of those, but they are churches with Hebrew overlay. What we are looking for is a Messianic SYNAGOGUE and, as far as I know, Joseph Shulam’s Roeh Israel is the only one.”
I was wondering how your meeting with Joseph had gone. I haven’t caught up with Daniel yet on whether he had heard from you about it.
Many of us help towards missionary activities in other parts of the world but surely we would be better to invest in helping towards the WHOLE TRUTH being preached in context in God’s way rather than “church.”
If we can help open the eyes of a few in “church” in GOD’s way, surely our results would be multiplied dramatically and the world would be turned upside down.
We will be making some changes.
Shalom brother.
“I know the answer is the community stepping up and considering how this ministry affects not only current subscribers, but also the ones coming behind us.”
I believe you are correct Brett……….
This has been on my heart since I first read the article. Yes, I am guilty of reading it for free. God has not told me to send money. I think “doing the math” is very Greek and one needs to just simply trust that the work The Lord wants done will be done no matter what the $$ amounts are. I literally live each month amazed that at the end I still get to keep my house and buy groceries.
When Boaz asked God to bless Ruth for her faithfulness, he immediately proceeded to fulfill the blessing through his own actions. Perhaps God has already spoken.
Skip,
Just wanted to let you know that I am one of those who seldom comments. If I weren’t leaving this comment,
you’d probably think I did not participate at all. But things are not always as they appear, are they?
Each morning, while the wife and children are asleep, and it is quiet, I enjoy a cup of coffee, and
carefully read the daily bread you share. I often ponder it for minutes, sometimes hours, some times all day,
sometimes days. Through you writings I have come to realize that “Surely our fathers have inherited lies”.
I have a dear brother who is also a client and business associate, who also receives your daily word. He
also has purchased several of your lecture series…and we often spend hours on the phone, discussing these important things.
Nonetheless I must admit slackness. Even though I have purchased a few different lecture series from you,
I have not given thought to supporting your daily efforts. As my teenage Son would say “my bad”.
So I shall repent and work to find myself being more diligent in this area.
How does one express gratitude without the tired, worn phrase of “thank you”? I know in person
I grab my son, or my brother around the shoulder, squeeze him, look him in the eye, and say
“I appreciate you”. So even though we are miles apart, know also, that I appreciate you.