# Matter's Transition to a Subscription Model: What You Need to Know
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Chapter 1: Introduction to Matter's New Model
In recent years, there has been a surge of applications aiming to replicate the success of Pocket and Instapaper, which allow users to save web content for later reading or offline access. Among these, Matter has emerged as a notable contender, largely due to its text-to-speech functionality, integration with tools like Readwise, and an aesthetically pleasing reading interface.
Furthermore, Matter provided users with a dedicated email address for direct newsletter delivery, keeping these updates separate from personal email accounts and allowing users to read them on their terms.
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Section 1.1: User Concerns about Business Practices
Despite its popularity, Matter faced criticism regarding its business model. Many users, including myself, were eager to integrate the app into our routines but hesitated until the developers clarified their pricing strategy. It was clear that ongoing development and support required a sustainable revenue model.
Recently, the Matter team addressed these concerns, shedding light on their long-term revenue strategies.
Subsection 1.1.1: Positive News on Advertising
(Image courtesy of GetMatter.app)
One of the most reassuring updates is that Matter has opted against incorporating advertisements into the app. While advertising isn't inherently negative, the developers rightly believe that it could detract from the app’s attractive user interface and the overall reading experience.
Section 1.2: Subscription Details
Starting January 15, 2023, Matter will implement a subscription model for revenue generation. A free tier will remain available for basic Read-it-Later functions, while enhanced features—such as text-to-speech, platform integrations, highlighting, and note-taking—will come at a cost of $8 per month or $60 annually.
While this pricing might seem steep, as it exceeds Pocket's subscription by about 50%, I believe Matter offers superior functionality.
Chapter 2: Unique Offer for Early Supporters
Interestingly, Matter has introduced a third subscription option for the first 1,000 patrons who choose to support the app on Patreon.
This unique offering requires a one-time payment of $150 and includes:
- Three years of Matter Premium: This represents a 48% discount compared to the standard annual subscription fee.
- Access to a private Slack channel: Engage with the Matter development team and fellow patrons, potentially influencing the app’s future direction.
- Exclusive merchandise: Patrons will receive a new app icon, stickers, and a coffee mug featuring the phrase “Words are my Matter.”
If you’re interested in trying out Matter before the subscription kicks in, you can download the app from their website or the iOS App Store. For those wishing to support the business through Patreon, simply log into the app and follow the link in the announcement window that appears.
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