Is This The End?

The Aetherway started as a way to promote my work, but it became something much deeper. I knew that cool designs alone wouldn’t be enough—I needed something that truly resonated with people. So, I poured my soul into this project, and it’s been a rewarding experience. In the process, I’ve discovered myself as a writer, and bringing these stories to life has been both fulfilling and healing. After years of relying solely on commissions, this has given me a creative space that feels like my own.

That said, rewarding doesn’t always mean successful. Getting people to actually support the project has been an uphill battle. I constantly remind people that they can help in multiple ways, yet the results are minimal. It can feel cold and lonely at times—even expecting a comment feels like asking too much. Which is ironic, considering The Aetherway is all about connection.

I realize nobody asked for this, but then again—who asks for anything in This Dimension? Sometimes, you don’t know you want something until you see it. People complain about the current uncreative landscape, but how can new projects thrive when they’re met with indifference? Right now, The Aetherway is just a sprout. But if we nurture it, it can grow into something huge—something we can look back on and say, “Hey, we build this.”

So, I’ve been thinking—maybe I should start paywalling new stories on my Ko-fi, at least temporarily. Maybe I should’ve done this from the start, but I hesitated, weighing the trade-offs of reaching fewer people. Not that I expect comments to magically increase, but at least it would ensure some tangible support. That’s the reality of self-promotion nowadays—sometimes, you have to put a price on what you create, even when you wish you didn’t have to.

What do you think? Should I keep full access to new stories free, knowing they might not continue, or is a small paywall the right move to help The Aetherway grow?