Posted by Don Antonio, Rep. of Panama on December 8, 2008:

I've been "sponging" off your great "This is True" long enough! I've been meaning to upgrade now for the last six months and finally "James" of Western Australia and "Mike" of Dallas, in one of your recent freebies, pushed me over the edge and said the very same thing I was thinking of writing to you "one of these days".

Well, here I am, sheepishly looking down, with my hat in my hand. Sign me up!!

Posted by Fred in Arkansas on December 13, 2008:

My computer is set up for the visually handicapped. I cannot order anything online my computer prevents it from doing it. I think that you should have a phone number that we could call to order.

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I think you should have a better adaptation system: I have plenty of blind readers who tell me that my sites are completely usable for them, and they order all the time. You propose that I set up an expensive order taking system that would require someone to answer the phone 7 days a week. I'd definitely have to raise the fees for that (and I haven't raised the Premium price since 2004).

If you can't order online, I already accept mail orders. That's reasonable, it works for just about anyone, and doesn't require expensive new services. -rc

Posted by Christine, Fredericksburg VA on May 23, 2009:

"Finally!" That's what you should be saying to me. Thanks for adding the amazon.com upgrade feature. Yep, I hate paypal and was too lazy about the other upgrade options. I figure, if I can afford chicken and steak (enough for friends and family) for the holiday weekend BBQ, I can DEFINITELY start with a one year subscription to the best newsletter I have the privilege to read. Next up, GOOHF cards and other gifts! Thanks for your patience, Randy! It took too long for me to get it right. I hope you're now thinking: Better late than never!

Posted by John from Cleveland on May 26, 2009:

I've been on the free list since late 1994, before it was called This is True. I've read enough at this point that it feels like I know you. Last week's request that you need my upgrade brought me here finally. Wishing you many more years of success!

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Thanks, John! -rc

Posted by Barb, Houston, TX on July 3, 2009:

I've been a True free subscriber for many years. I really enjoy the stories, but never felt "compelled" to upgrade. I can't really explain why I have upgraded to the Premium subscription, except that the Good News story really made an impression on me. I've been wanting to learn CPR for a long time, but now I am very motivated to learn it as soon as possible. Thanks for all you do! God bless.

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That was certainly the farthest thing from my mind when I wrote the story, but I'm glad you're giving it a try. I think you'll find you really enjoy it and it will be worth renewing when the time comes, even if the "good feelings" from the story have long worn off. -rc

Posted by Stephen, Idstein Germany on October 11, 2009:

After a few years of the free version, I finally broke down and upgraded. I am looking forward to 2 years (and more) of laughs and frustrations over stupid stuff....

Keep it going!

Posted by Peter - Alabama on November 9, 2009:

It's been quite some time since my last run of Premium lapsed. I've missed all the extra stories and such. Your server move happened at an opportune time; I have the money and thought, "what the heck."

The free newsletter is great, and has tided me over till now. But it's rather like going onto the B.R.A.T. diet, it'll sustain you, but it's rather less filling and not quite as tasty as real food. I'm lookin' forward to my PREMIUM steak next week!

Posted by Frank - Oklahoma City on January 2, 2010:

After I don't know how long, I have finally upgraded to the premium edition. Not sure why it took so long. Not only that, I set it up through PayPal to renew automatically, so I won't ever have to worry about it. Thanks Randy!

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Thanks for helping to support my work, Frank. -rc

Posted by Gnuthad - New Zealand on January 2, 2010:

As I live in NZ the premium costs a lot more over here - around 25% more - and I haven't really seen a good reason to spend what little money I get from my min wage income. Since I saw the premium edition for Christmas I realised how much more entertaining it was and worked out that the cost of two years is around the same as hiring 10 DVDs over that time.

I have now decided to upgrade and forgo hiring a DVD for a few weeks. Your free newsletter has entertained me for a few years, so it's really only a small cost overall.

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Whatever works for you, and glad you were able to get a taste of Premium to see what it's like. -rc

Posted by Ryan - Taylor, Michigan on April 6, 2010:

After receiving This is True #824 the paragraph where you stated: "If you're one of the lucky ones who has managed to stay pretty even, TRUE could *definitely* use your support." This is me...G-D has blessed me to continue to be gainfully employed. However, I had a light bulb moment and it occurred to me that the economy was negatively affecting This is True. The stats really drove home the need for me to do my part. So Thank You again for all of your work. I enjoy your newsletter tremendously.

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Thanks, Ryan -- I appreciate your thoughtful support. -rc

Posted by Kathleen, Dearborn MI on June 30, 2010:

After a year or so of the free edition, I upgraded to the Premium edition for two reasons. 1) The request every week worked on my Roman Catholic guilt complex. ;-) 2) Having to click that darn link every week for the Honorary Unsubscribe put me over the edge finally. I am nothing if not lazy. Oh, 3rd reason - the little tidbit telling me what I missed. I hate missing out on things.

Thanks, Randy.

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Thanks for your support: I literally could not write TRUE at all without the Premium subscribers. -rc

Posted by Jonathan, formerly Dubai, now Beirut on July 3, 2010:

It's a new start for me and, having been a free subscriber for many years, I decided that it was finally time for me to upgrade. I've enjoyed reading True for so long and I always look forward to receiving it. Your puncturing of pomposity and highlights of absurdity make my week sometimes and if we can unite to rid the world of zero tolerance and political correctness, then long may your line continue!

Posted by Tom Rochester, NY on September 2, 2010:

I have been a long time freebie and, was a premium for a year.(let it run out when i lost my job. I have one of your books. I really enjoy your inkings. Though I still can't find employment I wish to show my support to one who has unselfishly has kept me laughing for nothing more than his enjoyment for others. God blessed me with meeting you through the marvels of electricity. Thanks mate!

Posted by Steven - Jerusalem Israel on October 31, 2010:

OK, Randy, you got me. Cathy's story was both beautiful and sad and touched my heart (and apparently my "purse strings"), and I'm not interested in missing similar stories. KUTGW!

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Its intention wasn't to get people to upgrade, but rather to show just how cool my readers are. But I'm glad it touched you. -rc

Posted by David in Princeton KS on December 11, 2010:

I have been a free subscriber for many years (If I remember correctly, since at least 2000) and have always said that when finances improved I would upgrade. Well, considering the current state of the economy and that finances may never improve (and they could improve too), it's time to take the plunge and upgrade. Thanks for making each week a little more enjoyable for so long.

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I'm glad there was an option for you in the meantime! -rc

Posted by robert, Hazard on January 15, 2011:

You have the most hysterical set of stories I have ever read. I am in stitches by the time I finish reading. Just moved to the Premium--excited to see the new issue. My son loves the issue also...it is a family thing we do once a week to read the stories.

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You're not the first parent to say he reads the stories with his kids. It's a great way to get real-life object lessons. -rc

Posted by Mark- Omaha on January 28, 2011:

I've long enjoyed True, and have been a premium subscriber in the past, even a recipient of a free upgrade for a while. While our finances, like so many Americans, have not been good for the last couple years, I decided to use a Christmas windfall for something I knew would bring me enjoyment all year.

Thank you for all your work!

Posted by Jay - Beaverton, OR on February 10, 2011:

OK Dammit, I did it.

After reading the free edition since 1995, I took the plunge.

Honestly, I don't know why I wanted so long....

Posted by Linda, Michigan on March 21, 2011:

You finally got me to subscribe to the premium with your generous offer! Don't know if I'll have time to read all in the premium issue each week, but can't pass this up!

I don't always agree with you, but True has made me think and laugh as well as other emotions. The Honorary Unsubscribe is my favorite section - this week's was so touching, I never knew how the Ronald McDonald House began.

The envelope and check are ready to mail tomorrow for a 2 year subscription (can't send just one year since you're donating so much!) and will include an extra donation for the "Japan pot" that I was going to send this week.

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Thanks, Linda. For those who find this later, after the earthquake and tsunami in Japan, I offered to donate a portion (essentially all, actually, after out-of-pocket expenses) of the subscription fee for all new Premium subscriptions to the relief effort. Offer expiration: 31 March 2011. -rc

Posted by Leonard in SoCal on March 25, 2011:

I have enjoyed your Free version for some time. Your generous offer to help the Red Cross put me over the line to upgrade. Thank you for what you have been doing. I also sent the Red Cross a gift equal to my purchase at your site. The Honorary Unsubscribe is always food for thought.

Posted by Heidi in Seattle on March 25, 2011:

I really want to take advantage of this great offer, but I haven't *got* $24 until April 1st. Sometimes living on a fixed income really sucks.

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I do understand and sympathize, but can't afford to extend it -- two weeks was already a stretch. -rc

Posted by Jim, Tonantzintla, Puebla, MEXICO on March 26, 2011:

I've been a freeloader for what seems like forever (maybe 12 years?). At least I was a *principled* freeloader--I even sent you a mail telling you why: I'm cheap! Still, I can't resist your Japan offer, so I'm signing on. However, I'm not only cheap, but forgetful, too, so I guess I'll do it through Amazon, and have them do the automatic renewals (I haven't had real good luck with PayPal--it's just too complicated, since I live out of the US). I also want to use this as a goad to send some help to Japan (well, I did do a FarmVille 'buy FV dollars special for Japan' thing, but just for about 10 bucks, and I can afford more). So here goes.

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I don't consider free subscriber "freeloaders", but I do agree with you that Paypal's annual subscription option leaves a lot to be desired, and am glad you have the choice to use Amazon instead, which seems to work pretty well. Adding the foreign aspect into Paypal, and yeah: it's not surprising it's a nightmare! They really, REALLY need a viable competitor. Maybe Amazon will expand more into Paypal's turf. I'd certainly welcome it! -rc

Posted by Julia, Dutchess County, NY on March 27, 2011:

I have enjoyed my free subscription for a couple of years now, especially your "Zero Tolerance Gone Wrong" type stories. Couldn't resist upgrading any longer. I always feel smarter after reading my "This is True" newsletter; I expect after reading the Premium edition PLUS knowing I helped the Tsunami relief effort through you, I'll feel positively ingenious! Thank you for giving back in such a huge way.

Posted by Chantel - Maryland on March 28, 2011:

I've been a free subscriber for a few years. My uncle forwarded me a copy of True and I've loved it ever since. Your offer to donate a portion of the premium subscription price to the Red Cross got me! I've wanted to upgrade for awhile now but always put it on the back burner.

Thanks Randy! Keep up the great work!

Posted by Shari J, NY on May 14, 2011:

Since donations for Japan were successful, how about donations for our Americans who used to admire the Mississippi River?

Love your emails!

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It's way, way too soon for me to afford to give up all of my profits again. If you feel compelled to give, then please do so! -rc

Posted by MSgtMackel, Mo. on May 14, 2011:

I wish I had the money to subscribe. So I want to thank those who do because they allow me to get the free one. Like I told the State Patrol officer that called me for a donation, "I have 84 cents in the bank son and I don't get paid for a week and a half." I'm not complaining just telling how it is. I get a pension from my 25 years in the Air Force and social security that pays my bills. I wasn't afforded the luxury of buying a house during my military career so it makes it harder during this part of my life. But, the good Lord takes care of me and the misses. I don't want anyone to think I am hoboing.

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I definitely don't. You're welcome to stay on the free list as long as you wish, sir! -rc

Posted by Amy, PA on May 27, 2011:

Ok, I finally have a little extra to spend for something I would like & I can't think of anything better than upgrading to premium.

However, being that it is the beginning of the Memorial Day weekend I would like to buy a years subscription for MSgtMackel, Mo. as well as a thank you for his service to our country! I used paypal to send you payment for 2 years; one for each of us.

Thanks Randy for making me think & laugh for so many years.

Posted by Michael - Branson, MO on May 27, 2011:

Wow, just when you think the world is all sour somebody comes along and sweetens it up. Thanks for the upgrade! That made my year. It took me awhile to post this because I am in SW MO and during all the storms lightning zapped the DSL. Again, thanks so much. God bless your pea-picking heart.

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Michael is also known as MSgtMackel. His letter seems to have touched several people: three of you upgraded him, so his subscription will run for three years. -rc

Posted by Richard, Courtenay, BC, Canada on July 8, 2011:

Finally bit the bullet & upgraded after a long time on the free list. There isn't much in the way of balanced, rational and thoughtful commentary either side of the border, so it's good to be able to support what must a times seem like a hopeless task. But then you have quite a few subscribers and probably even more on the free list, so perhaps its not a hopeless task after all.

Thank you for at least trying (and succeeding to some extent). Don't stop, we need thoughtful voices more than ever, as well as the laughs (sometimes even more than the thoughtful bits).

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I don't consider it hopeless at all. Reaching "everyone" would indeed be hopeless, but that's not what I'm doing. I'm reaching out to those smart enough to "get it", and who care enough to work toward improvement. -rc

Posted by Anna, Torrington CT, USA on August 21, 2011:

I've been a free subscriber for what has to now be...10 years, maybe? Forever. A long damned time. So I've been a longtime fan. It served me well through my poor times when I didn't even think I could afford to pay to keep my internet going. But today I'm doing okay, and when I read your appeal for help to pay for legal fees, I figured it was time to give back. I cherish you and your writings, Randy!!

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Thanks, Anna. Just as a note to future readers: I asked for some upgrades to help pay a media lawyer for an opinion on a legal nastygram. -rc

Posted by Clarence, Medford, OR on August 22, 2011:

Just updated to Premium after many years of enjoying the free edition. It is so addictive I have hesitated to add more stories that I can't resist reading as soon as they are posted. But I do want to support your work, as well as increase my endorphins.

As for "insulting" your readers by pointing out their sometimes silly comments: O wad some Pow'r the giftie gie us
To see oursels as others see us.

Posted by Reed, Corvallis Oregon on December 7, 2011:

Like so many others I've been subscribing free for ages and decided it was time to be just a bit more unselfish and enable others besides myself to benefit from a true voice of reason. The PayPal auto-renew option will make it easy to keep doing the right thing. Thanks Randy for putting thought (and laugh) provoking material before us.