The Squared Circle Society Is Now Free - Here's Why
Discover the exciting changes and exclusive content coming your way
As we approached the end of 2023 — thank you all for still being on this journey with me — I was reflecting on the year. It’s filled with triumphs and challenges. At the beginning we celebrated Wrestle Kingdom 17. During March I ended a podcasting friendship, and I talked about that on the Squared Circle Podcast. I had moments of burnout. I had moments of extended breaks and wondering what else I would need to do to increase engagement and community building. I created a cool Discord that had many rooms and a forum to chat about wrestling but then I faced some disrespected in the Discord and stopped using it ever since then.
I’m proud of my accomplishments. I’m proud that I get to build friendships and networks. I’m succeeding in small ways.
As for triumphs, I went from official podcaster to commentator for Goddesses of War Wrestling. I was a guest commentator for Invicitus Pro Wrestling for the women’s match and JBoujii vs Flip Gordon main event while having my heart breaking as JBoujii and PJ Savage had a promo battle for the ages.
As for triumph, I’ll be covering Major League Wrestling on October 14th in Philly.
As for triumph, I enrolled in the mastermind masterclass about becoming a full-time creator with Chris Van Vliet and his buddy Travis Chappel. My renewal date is approaching — October 7th — and sadly, I’ll be cancelling. I can’t afford it. I've already stretched my budget by contributing a dollar to give it a try and share my insights with everyone reading my newsletter. I wanted to be transparent about this, but I don't want anyone to feel guilty about it.
Change is on the horizon, and I'm excited to unveil what's coming next. I understand that discussions about financial support can evoke varied reactions. Some content creators find it easier, while others grapple with the topic, and some may even feel reserved about it.
When I ask for support, whether it's through contributions or donations (just in case the term 'money' feels strong), it's not about wanting your hard-earned money without offering anything new in return. It's about sustaining and enhancing our shared experience. Your support enables me to maintain exciting activities and explore new ventures, which we'll delve into shortly.
By asking for financial support, I can travel to events, document the experience through vlogs, and bring you exclusive interviews and never-before-seen content from the start to the finish of each event. Your support also alleviates the financial pressure tied to bills and necessary services that keep everything running smoothly. It's about creating a sustainable and enriched journey that we can all enjoy together.
I want to make it clear that I can't compel anyone to contribute or donate, but I've created several ways for you to show support, and every bit, no matter how small, truly makes a significant impact. Despite what you might think, your support goes a long way.
I initially had Substack Paid Subscriptions set up, but I've turned that off. Now, you can support me by subscribing on Twitch, where I'm an affiliate and can receive subs. I'm also an Amazon author, so purchasing a wrestling planner and/or journal from there greatly helps me out. Additionally, I have some awesome merch waiting to be purchased.
And the big news—I'm launching on Patreon. This will be the primary platform for support, where you can join in and be a crucial part of this journey. I appreciate each and every one of you for considering supporting in whatever way feels right for you.
I offer a unique blend of service and entertainment by immersing myself in the world of wrestling by talking, watching, and crafting written content. If you enjoy what I do, consider supporting my efforts with a contribution, as it allows me to dedicate more time to this passion.
Also, Substack and I are still going strong; we're not going anywhere. However, there's a shift in focus. If exclusive content and behind-the-scenes access are what you're after, Patreon is where you want to be.
I realized that trying to make Substack the central hub for all things wrestling wasn't the best approach. Wrestling, with its fast-paced nature, constant changes, and my diverse range of activities, wouldn't translate well to a platform that might annoy you with constant emails. Substack remains an essential part of what I do, but for a more immersive and exclusive experience, Patreon is the go-to spot.
So let’s talk changes. Again, everything is subject to change.
What is and why Patreon?
Patreon is a unique and dynamic platform that empowers creators to connect with their audience on a more personal level. It's a membership-based service where creators, like me, can offer exclusive content, perks, and experiences to their supporters, known as patrons. Think of it as a digital space where fans become active participants in the creative process.
Patreon provides a sustainable way for creators to fund their work and engage with their community. Unlike traditional models where content is often monetized through ads or sponsorships, Patreon allows supporters to directly contribute to the creator's endeavors. This direct support not only helps cover the costs of content creation but also enables creators to offer unique, high-quality experiences that go beyond what's available on free platforms.
By joining Patreon, you're not just a viewer; you become an integral part of a supportive community. Depending on the tier you choose, you gain access to exclusive content, behind-the-scenes insights, personalized interactions, and more. It's a way for me to express gratitude to those who choose to support, and together, we can create a more immersive and enriched experience around our shared passion for wrestling.
In essence, Patreon is a bridge that allows creators and their audience to form a deeper connection, fostering a sense of community, collaboration, and mutual appreciation for the creative process. It's a win-win where supporters get exclusive access, and creators get the support needed to continue doing what they love.
Support Tiers (still a work in progress)
Casual | Tape Study Series | Ringside | Career Sponsor
Causal
Patreon and Substack feed and updates
Polls and general feedback
Access to Private Facebook Group
Updates on upcoming indie shows, my media press dates, my commentary dates
Facebook Livestreams
Entry support
Tape Study Series (for wrestlers)
Match/promos/character work/and more feedback for wrestlers
Access to Private Facebook Group
Separate Monthly 1 on 1 chats via Google Meet booked through Calendly
Interviews if you wish
Ringside
Private Google Meet calls
Google Meet YouTube calls going over wrestling shows (we’ll figure this out, but you get to be on a panel)
Unreleased special content
Audio and video interviews - all new
Shout outs on social media and Vlogs
NJPW Watchalongs
AD free content
Reaction videos
Wrestling scripts
Sneak peek at my novel writing
Pick a match to watch and discuss
Priority interview guest questions
VOD of any Twitch Livestreams
Career Sponsor
Name in the end credits of vlogs, interviews
Everything in the above tiers
Personalized video shout outs
and more
This may seem like a lot or maybe not. Understand that everything is subject to change, and I appreciate your flexibility as we navigate this journey together.
The diverse nature of my content creation doesn't align seamlessly with Substack's membership program, and that's perfectly okay. I've come to this realization after a conversation with a money coach, realizing that charging $7 a month wouldn't cover what's needed. I want to be the best content creator I can be for you.
The introduction of multiple tiers is about flexibility, allowing me to provide more while ensuring sustainability. I genuinely need your support to make this happen. And by support, I don't just mean financial contributions. Let's chat about wrestling, share thoughts, and build a community around our passion.
Thank you for being part of this journey. Your engagement and support mean the world to me.
Why Free?
I reached a point where marketing a small monthly price, fluctuating between $5-$7, began to feel overwhelming. I couldn't help but notice that people casually spend between $10-$15 on breakfast or lunch. It got me thinking deeply about the value I offer.
I acknowledge that my paid perks may not have felt substantial or that I didn’t stand firm in what should be paid, and I take responsibility for that. It was probably due to poor planning on my part and not seeking enough input from you. Silence, as many Substack writers would agree, can be unnerving. It made me question if I'm doing something wrong with my content.
In the world of American wrestling, crowd engagement is a crucial indicator of success. The same principle applies here. I understand we all have lives, but your feedback is invaluable. Don't forget your favorite content creators; we need love too.
For everyone who has shown me love in this content creation space — thank you. Your support means the world to me.
Wrestling News will forever remain free.
Interviews — both video and audio formats — will be previews with written content.
Show reviews — audio only — full episodes with transcripts on here, Spotify, and Patreon (paid…maybe)
Written articles — still accessible, still free.
Wrestling Novel will be on a website called Ream Stories. Snippets and previews will be on Substack and Patreon and if you have people who love reading send them over to Ream Stories.
This is me, Marie Shadows, recognizing the value I bring and sharing that exclusive content is now making its way to Patreon. I want to be upfront about what to expect and the decision that led to this shift.
Putting content behind a paywall wasn't an easy decision, but as any content creator knows, sharing valuable content often comes with a need for support. If you're considering the path of content creation, putting yourself out there becomes an essential part of the journey.
Thank you for understanding and being a part of this evolving adventure.
Click the Patreon link below and take a ringside seat to an exclusive wrestling experience! 🎉 I'm giving out an Early Bird Special—20% off the Ringside tier! 🎟️ Secure your spot now and be a part of the action.
🔗 [Patreon Link]
🚨 Limited-Time Offer Details:
The RINGSIDE tier is currently discounted by 20% for early sign-ups.
Hurry! This exclusive offer lasts for two weeks only.
Your RINGSIDE tier will reflect the discounted price during this period.
After two weeks, the tier returns to its regular price.
Next month, you'll be charged at the regular price—still an incredible value!
Upon becoming a Patreon member, you will gain access to the Google Meet link for this week's wrestling discussion: Edge's debut at AEW, NXT, and general wrestling.
💰 Why Now? Because I Value You! I want to express my gratitude for your support. This Early Bird Special is my way of saying THANK YOU. 🙌 I appreciate you being a part of this community, and I want you to enjoy exclusive content at a discounted rate. 💙
Don't miss out on the ringside experience at a steal! 🎟️ Click the Patreon link, sign up, and let's dive into the world of wrestling together.
🔗 [Patreon Link]
Thank you for being awesome! 🌟