Every now and then, when I’m speed-browsing social media, I’ll see a comment wondering why My Buckhannon doesn’t offer a way to purchase a single article for people who don’t want a monthly membership. It sounds simple — charge 50 cents per story and watch the piggy bank fill up, right?

Well, it’s not that easy. Everybody takes a cut of online payments – the service that processes the transaction, the credit card companies, even the app stores if you go that route.

Those fees come in two flavors — a percentage fee, typically around 3%, and a flat fee of about 30 cents. That flat fee might not seem like much on a $100 charge, but it really eats into a 50-cent story. Suddenly, a microtransaction is basically a zero transaction, which is financially unfeasible for a small business like ours.

And even if you could make the numbers work, there’s also the logistical side: more transactions mean more complex user systems, additional customer support and more complicated financial reporting. Tracking every single micro-payment is a headache.

That’s why we opted for a $10 monthly membership — and, honestly, it’s a bargain. You get unlimited access to daily updates, our beloved email digest and much more. Steady membership revenue allows us to do what we do best: covering important community issues and bringing you accurate, in-depth reporting from around Upshur County.

Your membership is an investment in local journalism. It funds the stories that matter right here in our hometown. We appreciate every one of you who has stepped up to support My Buckhannon, and we thank you for not sharing our hard work with those who choose not to subscribe. Together, we’re making sure our community stays informed and connected.

Brian Bergstrom is the owner and publisher of My Buckhannon.