max / makenotwork

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1	# Pricing Tiers
2
3	Choose the tier that matches your content. Every tier includes all features from lower tiers.
4
5	## Founder pricing: half off, locked for life
6
7	We are running a founder window. Every creator who joins right now pays half the prices below, for the entire life of the account, on any tier. No renewal-rate surprise, no expiring promo. The founder rate is yours as long as you keep an active creator membership when the window closes.
8
9	\| Tier \| Founder monthly \| Founder annual ({{ derived.annual_discount_pct \| percent(0) }} off) \| Eventual sticker \|
10	\|------\|-----------------\|--------------------------\|------------------\|
11	\| Basic \| ${{ tiers.founding.basic }}/mo \| ${{ derived.annual_founding_basic }}/yr \| ${{ tiers.standard.basic }}/mo \|
12	\| Small Files \| ${{ tiers.founding.small_files }}/mo \| ${{ derived.annual_founding_small_files }}/yr \| ${{ tiers.standard.small_files }}/mo \|
13	\| Big Files \| ${{ tiers.founding.big_files }}/mo \| ${{ derived.annual_founding_big_files }}/yr \| ${{ tiers.standard.big_files }}/mo \|
14	\| Everything \| ${{ tiers.founding.everything }}/mo \| ${{ derived.annual_founding_everything }}/yr \| ${{ tiers.standard.everything }}/mo \|
15
16	The window closes when we reach {{ cohort.cap_display }} creators or when we exit beta, whichever comes first. After that, new signups pay the sticker price.
17
18	Why we're doing this: Makenotwork is a one-person operation today, profitable from day one and operating without venture capital. We would rather set a sustainable post-founder price from real signup data than guess at a number we can't easily change later. The sticker prices above are our current upper-bound targets; the founder cohort gets a permanent discount in exchange for taking the chance with us before we have those numbers. If the post-founder price ends up lower, our founders stay below it.
19
20	## All tiers
21
22	Every tier is a complete creator presence, not a payment widget. All tiers include: your `/u/username` profile page, project and item pages, the [Multithreaded forum](https://forums.makenot.work) for your project, listing on the [Discover](/discover) page, 0% platform fee on fan payments, memberships, pay-what-you-want, promo codes, RSS feeds, contact sharing, [analytics](./analytics.md), full data export, and 2FA/passkeys.
23
24	One identity across all of it. Your `/u/username` is the same name on your profile, your items, your project pages, your forum posts, and your fans' receipts, not seven handles on seven services your fans have to reconcile.
25
26	The tier you pick changes the envelope (how large each file can be and how much you can store), not which features you get.
27
28	Downloads are unlimited. There are no bandwidth caps or throttling on fan downloads or streaming. Fans can download purchased content as many times as they want.
29
30	The one caveat: "unlimited" assumes ordinary fan-use patterns. We don't meter and we don't intend to. If a project ever drives extraordinary egress (orders of magnitude beyond the tier price as it stands today), we'll reach out and figure it out with you rather than throttling silently. We've never had to, and we don't expect to. This note exists so we can keep the unlimited promise honestly instead of writing terms-of-service language that walks it back.
31
32	Broadcasts: one per day, up to {{ broadcasts.recipients_per_send_display }} recipients per send, and {{ mail_cap.monthly_display }} emails a month in total. Both bounds apply at once, and the monthly one is the one that usually decides how often you can write. Divide {{ mail_cap.monthly_display }} by your list size to get your sends: a {{ broadcasts.recipients_per_send_display }}-person list is two a month, a 2,000-person list is twelve.
33
34	The monthly total counts every email your projects send, including the automatic ones that go out when you publish an item or a blog post. Those don't count against the one-per-day broadcast limit, and they do count here.
35
36	Neither number is a ceiling. If your list is bigger, or you want to write more often than that works out to, email info@makenot.work and we'll lift the caps for your account. Your dashboard shows the count, the cap and the reset date before you get near either, and a send that would cross the monthly cap is refused with a message rather than half-delivered. They exist so a compromised account can't bankrupt the platform on transactional email; they're not a limit on what we want a real creator to do.
37
38	Need a larger file? Big Files and Everything creators can request a per-file size increase beyond {{ tier_limits.big_files_per_file }} from the Storage tab of their account settings.
39
40	Fan+ features come with your tier. Creators do not need a separate [Fan+](./fan-plus.md) subscription to access Fan+ benefits; they ship with every creator tier by default. The two carve-outs are the `+` mark (creators have a `c` mark instead) and the monthly credit allowance, which is fan-only. See [Creators and Fan+](./fan-plus.md#creators-and-fan) for the full policy.
41
42	---
43
44	## Basic, ${{ tiers.standard.basic }}/month
45
46	The smallest envelope that still gets you the complete platform: profile, project pages, item pages, forum, discovery, memberships, analytics, data export. Everything listed under [All tiers](#all-tiers) above. The only constraint is per-file and total storage size, which makes Basic a fit for writers, bloggers, journalists, and newsletter creators whose content is text-shaped.
47
48	### What You Get
49
50	- Everything in [All tiers](#all-tiers)
51	- Unlimited posts and articles
52	- Rich text editor with markdown support
53	- Code syntax highlighting
54	- Free, paid, and member-only posts
55
56	### Storage Envelope
57
58	- {{ tier_limits.basic_total }} total for images, covers, embedded images, and any downloadable files
59	- {{ tier_limits.basic_per_file }} per file (covers, embedded images, downloadable files)
60
61	### Multimedia on Basic
62
63	If your primary content is text but you occasionally want to embed an audio or video piece, you don't have to upgrade. Embed or link to anything you've already posted elsewhere, on any video, audio or streaming host, from inside your posts and item pages. We encourage cross-posting and cross-streaming generally. Your work doesn't have to live in one place to be discoverable here. Upgrade to Small Files or Big Files when you want the media to live on MNW (own the file, sell it, gate it behind memberships, generate a podcast RSS feed, etc.).
64
65	---
66
67	## Small Files, ${{ tiers.standard.small_files }}/month
68
69	A larger storage envelope for musicians, podcasters, sound designers, indie developers, and plugin makers. The platform features are the same as Basic; what changes is the file size the envelope can hold and the content types it allows.
70
71	### What You Get (in addition to Basic)
72
73	- Audio hosting (MP3, WAV, FLAC, OGG, AAC, AIFF)
74	- In-browser streaming via custom audio player
75	- Chapter markers with timestamps
76	- Cover art per item
77	- Podcast RSS feeds
78	- Binary downloads (.zip, .dmg, .exe, .appimage, .deb, .tar.gz, .clap, .vst3)
79	- Versioned releases with changelogs
80	- License keys with activation tracking
81
82	### Storage Envelope
83
84	- {{ tier_limits.small_files_total }} total for primary content (audio files, binaries, plugins, and supplementary materials)
85	- {{ tier_limits.small_files_per_file }} per file
86
87	---
88
89	## Big Files, ${{ tiers.standard.big_files }}/month
90
91	The largest standard envelope: up to {{ tier_limits.big_files_per_file }} per file. For game developers, educators, course creators, and anyone producing large content. Same platform features as every other tier; what changes is what fits.
92
93	### What You Get (in addition to Small Files)
94
95	- Video uploads (MP4, WebM, MOV) up to {{ tier_limits.big_files_per_file }} per file
96	- In-browser video player with access control
97	- Member-only and pay-per-view videos
98	- Video series and playlists
99	- Large binary downloads up to {{ tier_limits.big_files_per_file }} per file
100	- Per-file size increase available on request for files over {{ tier_limits.big_files_per_file }}
101
102	Automatic transcoding, adaptive streaming, and thumbnail generation are on the [roadmap](../about/roadmap.md#more-content-types).
103
104	### Storage Envelope
105
106	- {{ tier_limits.big_files_total }} total for primary content (video, large binaries, game builds, and supplementary materials)
107	- {{ tier_limits.big_files_per_file }} per file (increase available on request)
108
109	---
110
111	## Everything, ${{ tiers.standard.everything }}/month
112
113	For creators who want every feature the platform offers, including ones that carry real marginal cost, now and as we ship them. The lower tiers already include everything we can give creators without raising the bill. Everything is where the high-cost capabilities live.
114
115	### What You Get (in addition to Big Files)
116
117	- First access to new features as they ship (see the [roadmap](../about/roadmap.md))
118	- Priority for per-file size increases beyond {{ tier_limits.everything_per_file }}
119	- Cost-heavy features (streaming infrastructure, etc.) as they ship
120
121	As the platform grows, this tier always includes the full feature set. You won't need to upgrade again.
122
123	Our goal is to move features down into lower tiers over time, not gate more behind Everything. The economics of running this platform are a problem to be solved, not a goal to be maximized. If infrastructure costs drop or the creator base grows enough, we'd rather lower prices or expand what each tier includes than keep the margin.
124
125	### Storage Envelope
126
127	- {{ tier_limits.everything_total }} total for primary content (same as Big Files)
128	- {{ tier_limits.everything_per_file }} per file (same as Big Files, increase available on request)
129
130	---
131
132	## What Creators Keep: Example Earnings
133
134	All numbers are monthly. These examples use approximate US Stripe fees ({{ stripe.percent \| percent }} + {{ stripe.fixed \| money }} per transaction) and 0% platform fee. Stripe fees vary by country (2.2%-3.5%); check [stripe.com/pricing](https://stripe.com/pricing) for your region.
135
136	### Understanding Stripe's Per-Transaction Fee
137
138	Stripe's fee is percentage plus a flat {{ stripe.fixed \| money }}. The flat portion matters more on small transactions:
139
140	\| Sale price \| Stripe fee \| Effective rate \| You keep \|
141	\|---:\|---:\|---:\|---:\|
142	\| $1 \| {{ derived.stripe_fee_on_1 \| money }} \| 33% \| {{ derived.stripe_keep_on_1 \| money }} \|
143	\| $2 \| {{ derived.stripe_fee_on_2 \| money }} \| 18% \| {{ derived.stripe_keep_on_2 \| money }} \|
144	\| $5 \| {{ derived.stripe_fee_on_5 \| money }} \| 9% \| {{ derived.stripe_keep_on_5 \| money }} \|
145	\| $10 \| {{ derived.stripe_fee_on_10 \| money }} \| 5.9% \| {{ derived.stripe_keep_on_10 \| money }} \|
146	\| $25 \| {{ derived.stripe_fee_on_25 \| money }} \| 4.1% \| {{ derived.stripe_keep_on_25 \| money }} \|
147	\| $50 \| {{ derived.stripe_fee_on_50 \| money }} \| 3.5% \| {{ derived.stripe_keep_on_50 \| money }} \|
148
149	The "~3%" shorthand is accurate at $25+ but understates the cost on small transactions. Price accordingly. A $1 single loses a third to processing. Bundling (albums, packs) reduces the per-item fee impact.
150
151	### Basic (${{ tiers.standard.basic \| int }}/month tier)
152
153	A newsletter writer with 150 fan members at $5/month:
154
155	\| \| Amount \|
156	\|---\|---:\|
157	\| Gross fan revenue \| $750.00 \|
158	\| Stripe fees (150 transactions at ~{{ derived.stripe_fee_on_5 \| money }} each) \| -$67.50 \|
159	\| You keep \| $682.50 \|
160	\| Your MNW tier fee \| -${{ tiers.standard.basic \| int }}.00 \|
161	\| Net income \| ${{ tiers.standard.basic \| int }} less than the line above \|
162
163	On a percentage-cut platform at 10%, you'd pay $75.00 in platform fees instead of ${{ tiers.standard.basic \| int }}.00. At 20%, $150.00.
164
165	Break-even: Your tier fee pays for itself at four $5 sales (or two $10 sales).
166
167	### Small Files (${{ tiers.standard.small_files \| int }}/month tier)
168
169	A musician selling albums at $10, averaging 80 sales/month, plus 50 fan members at $7/month:
170
171	\| \| Amount \|
172	\|---\|---:\|
173	\| Album sales (80 x $10) \| $800.00 \|
174	\| Stripe fees on sales (80 x ~{{ derived.stripe_fee_on_10 \| money }}) \| -$47.20 \|
175	\| Fan membership revenue (50 x $7) \| $350.00 \|
176	\| Stripe fees on fan memberships (50 x ~$0.50) \| -$25.15 \|
177	\| You keep \| $1,077.65 \|
178	\| Your MNW tier fee \| -${{ tiers.standard.small_files \| int }}.00 \|
179	\| Net income \| ${{ tiers.standard.small_files \| int }} less than the line above \|
180
181	On a percentage-cut platform at 15%, you'd pay $172.50 in platform fees. At $1,150/month gross, MNW saves you the difference minus your tier fee.
182
183	Break-even: A handful of album sales or fan members covers the monthly tier fee.
184
185	### Big Files (${{ tiers.standard.big_files \| int }}/month tier)
186
187	A game developer selling a $25 game, averaging 40 sales/month:
188
189	\| \| Amount \|
190	\|---\|---:\|
191	\| Game sales (40 x $25) \| $1,000.00 \|
192	\| Stripe fees (40 x ~{{ derived.stripe_fee_on_25 \| money }}) \| -$41.00 \|
193	\| You keep \| $959.00 \|
194	\| Your MNW tier fee \| -${{ tiers.standard.big_files \| int }}.00 \|
195	\| Net income \| ${{ tiers.standard.big_files \| int }} less than the line above \|
196
197	On a 30% platform (typical game stores), you'd pay $300.00. MNW costs your tier fee instead.
198
199	Break-even: A couple of game sales covers the monthly tier fee.
200
201	### At Scale
202
203	A creator earning $5,000/month gross (any tier):
204
205	\| Platform model \| Platform fee \| You keep (after all fees) \|
206	\|---\|---:\|---:\|
207	\| MNW (0% + ${{ tiers.standard.basic \| int }}–${{ tiers.standard.everything \| int }} tier fee) \| ${{ tiers.standard.basic \| int }}–${{ tiers.standard.everything \| int }} \| ~$4,800 \|
208	\| 10% platform \| $500 \| $4,355 \|
209	\| 15% platform \| $750 \| $4,105 \|
210	\| 20% platform \| $1,000 \| $3,855 \|
211	\| 30% platform \| $1,500 \| $3,355 \|
212
213	The flat fee becomes increasingly favorable as revenue grows. At $10,000/month, a 15% platform takes $1,500; MNW costs your tier fee.
214
215	Illustrative examples, not income guarantees. Stripe fees vary by country and payment method: [stripe.com/pricing](https://stripe.com/pricing).
216
217	---
218
219	## Software on Makenotwork
220
221	Software creators (app developers, plugin makers, game studios) fit into the tier system based on their file sizes:
222
223	\| What you make \| Typical size \| Recommended tier \|
224	\|---------------\|-------------\|-----------------\|
225	\| WordPress themes, small tools \| Under {{ tier_limits.basic_total }} total ({{ tier_limits.basic_per_file }} per file) \| Basic (${{ tiers.standard.basic \| int }}) \|
226	\| VST3/CLAP plugins, presets \| 50-{{ tier_limits.small_files_per_file }} \| Small Files (${{ tiers.standard.small_files \| int }}) \|
227	\| Sample libraries with installers \| {{ tier_limits.small_files_per_file }}-2GB \| Big Files (${{ tiers.standard.big_files \| int }}) \|
228	\| Games, large applications \| 2-{{ tier_limits.big_files_per_file }} \| Big Files (${{ tiers.standard.big_files \| int }}) \|
229	\| Very large games ({{ tier_limits.big_files_per_file }}+) \| {{ tier_limits.big_files_per_file }}+ \| Big Files (${{ tiers.standard.big_files \| int }}) + size increase request \|
230
231	All tiers from Small Files up include versioned releases, changelogs, license keys, and promo codes. Pick the tier that fits your largest deliverable.
232
233	---
234
235	## Storage Limits
236
237	When you reach your tier's storage cap, new uploads are blocked until you free space or upgrade. Existing content remains published and accessible to fans.
238
239	Upgrades take effect immediately and are prorated. If you're at 240GB on Small Files ({{ tier_limits.small_files_total }} cap), upgrading to Big Files ({{ tier_limits.big_files_total }} cap) unblocks uploads instantly.
240
241	---
242
243	## Upgrading and Downgrading
244
245	- Upgrade anytime. All existing content, members, and settings carry over. Prorated for the current billing period.
246	- Downgrade anytime. Existing files stay. New uploads are subject to the lower tier's limits. If you're over the new cap, you can't upload until you're under the limit.
247	- Missed payment: If a payment fails, Stripe retries automatically (typically 3 attempts over ~3 weeks). During this period your existing content stays published, but new uploads are disabled. If all retries fail, your creator tier subscription cancels and the cancellation grace period begins.
248	- Cancellation: {{ policy.cancellation_grace_days }}-day grace period applies. Uploads are disabled, but existing items remain accessible to past buyers. After {{ policy.cancellation_grace_days }} days, items become hidden (not deleted). Resubscribing to any tier automatically restores all hidden items.
249
250	---
251
252	## Free Trials
253
254	Request a free trial (2 weeks to 3 months) when you [apply for creator access](./getting-started.md#free-trials). No credit card required. At the end of the trial you can join or export your content.
255
256	## Getting Started
257
258	1. [Create your account](./getting-started.md)
259	2. [Set up your profile](./profile.md)
260	3. Share with your audience
261
262	## See Also
263
264	- [Pricing Overview](./03-selling.md)
265	- [Getting Started](./getting-started.md)
266