Changes are Emerging at Latter-day Voices

Russell Anderson

Dec 01, 2023

I want to share some changes I am making to the format of Latter-day Voices.

If you are like me, you may be thinking,

“Ya. In other words, this publication is turning into a paid subscription.”

Let's nip that concern in the bud right now!

“Nope. No way. Nada.”

Since its launch, Latter-day Voices has been a project more about passion than profit.

All content provided on this site will continue to be provided for FREE!

I am adding a way for anyone to help support Latter-day voices if they choose. I’ll cover more on that down below.

Remembering the Original Vision

Latter-day Voices was never meant to be solely a “religious” publication. It’s about much more than religion, Sunday worship, and “magnifying your calling.”

The original vision was to provide realistic, principle-based solutions to live and prosper in today’s world. To unite a community of like-minded individuals of any faith sharing common values.

Community

The very foundation of the Latter-day Voices project is a safe community for

our pack,

our tribe.

A gathering place where we may come together to increase our self-defined faith in God, our individual self-confidence, and our trust in each other.

To learn from each other, encourage each other, and prosper together.

Like this:

“And as all have not faith, seek ye diligently and teach one another words of wisdom; yea, seek ye out of the best books words of wisdom; seek learning, even by study and also by faith.” (D&C 88:118)

De-cluttering

In addition to recommitting to the original vision, I am making this change to minimize my mental clutter and workload by consolidating several publishing platforms into one, Latter-day Voices.

My mind is very active and all over the place, like an active rodeo. Metaphorical cowboys, broncs, bulls, steers, barrel racers, mud, blood, flags, and clowns.

And I wouldn’t have it any other way.

However, getting too many irons in the fire is exhausting!

That’s why I am striving to consolidate platforms.

Expanded Content Sections on a Single Platform

Bringing several content platforms together means Latter-day Voices will include additional sections going forward.

That is good news! You will have access to more actionable and occasionally mind-bending content to choose from.

Here is the new layout.

Latter-day Voices is still the primary publication. But now there will be three main sections and a fourth section in the wings for the future:

Section 1: LDV Classic

The same familiar subject matter presented in the past is now its own section.

Short Description: Faith-promoting content for Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and other like-minded individuals to help each other build enduring faith in Jesus Christ and thrive even while living in turbulent times.

Typical Topics Include: Come Follow Me Insights, Gospel Principles, Apostasy, Character, Family, Godhead, Plan of Salvation, Priesthood, Restoration, and Revelation.

Section 2: Self-reliant Living

Short Description: Principles of self-reliance and sovereignty to level up your “personal strategery” to create your self-defined legacy of success at home and work.

Typical Topics Include: Self-reliance, Critical Thinking, Personal Finance, Personal Skills, Physical Health, Mental Health, Occupation, and Micro-business Strategies

Section 3: Mental Meandering

Short Description: The nexus of personal attention deficit, entertainment, and informed content.

Typical topics Include: Anything. Really, anything! Mental Meandering is my personal outlet for free writing. The fun thing is you never know what topic may surface next! Think of this category as “Russell without borders.”

Section 4: Online Courses (A coming attraction to watch for.)

I hope you enjoy the added content as it is rolled out.

Three Ways You Can Help Support Latter-day Voices

First and foremost.

Your participation is a “soft” price you are invited to pay when you are comfortable doing so. Constructive subscriber interaction is the lifeblood of a vibrant and valuable community.

Active chats, discussions, and comments will add value to our community and help grow our tribe. Let your latter-day voice be heard!

I am introverted by nature. I bet a lot of you are too!

But I know quiet, unassuming people possess valuable thoughts, ideas, understanding, wisdom, and opinions.

YOUR VOICE DESERVES TO BE HEARD!

Please summon your courage, engage with the community, and share your wisdom. If a shy introvert like me can speak up, so can you!

Second, Create and Add Your Own Content to the Library.

Ultimately, Latter-day Voices aims to attract content from creators within and outside of the LDS faith.

I think this can best be accomplished by nurturing an open community of diverse opinions and cultures.

After all, our purpose is to curate and openly share the truths we have each discovered along life’s path so all like-minded community members can help each other find purpose, peace, and comfort while responding to life's challenges and living according to our personal defined faith.

Following the prompting of Isaiah, we desire to publish peace, bring good tidings, proclaim salvation, and declare unto Zion that God reigns (Isaiah 52:7).

How to Contribute Your Creative Work

If you would like to contribute your articles for publication, please contact me by clicking on “Reply” to this email or any post. Be sure to include your message or question along with any contact information you think I may need. Your email message will come straight to my inbox, and I will reply.

Finally, You are Invited to help too. But don’t feel obligated.

I hope it is now clear that EVERYONE enters this community as a “Free Subscriber” with full access to all of the content and benefits of the Latter-day Voices platform.

Pulling this off requires a lot of effort, tools, and overhead.

It is all made possible by Benevolent Donor Subscribers.

If you feel moved to support this work, we’ve made it easy to help keep Latter-day Voices content free for everyone.

Ongoing benevolent donor support is more than just a contribution; it's a partnership in spreading insightful perspectives and uplifting voices.

Here are some ways your donations will help:

Keeps our digital community welcoming and up-to-date.
Equips us with the research and writing tools tools for deeper dives and online courses.
Funds in-depth stories and learning experiences that resonate and inspire.

Flexible Donation Options

While the Substack payment portal says “Subscription Plans,” think of them as “Donor Support Tiers.” Here, every dollar counts, and every dollar is put to meaningful use.

Choose from:

$5/month: For the price of a fancy beverage, you're fueling quality content.
$50/year: Be a pillar in our community of insightful readers.
Or subscribe as a Founding Donor: Lead the charge in deep, investigative storytelling. The $150/year is only a placeholder. As a Founding Donor, you are free to input any amount you choose over $50/year. Every bit helps us grow and thrive. That is a positive action you can feel good about!

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Have you ever found yourself nodding along to an article or sharing it with a friend? That's the kind of engagement we want to continue, and with your help, we can.

Now you are in the know.

Thanks for being here from the beginning!

Let’s build our tribe together.