What are co-ownership credits?
Credits are how we track your contribution to Novlr’s collective co-ownership effort. Credits can be earned through several avenues, including volunteering time and expertise, being an active member of our community, subscribing to Novlr Plus or Pro, referring new users or co-owners, and making purchases on the platform. As the co-op or trust is set up when we reach our wave co-ownership goal (see our letter of intent for more info), wheFew readersWhy should I become a co-owner?
Shared ownership models have already proven successful in fostering collaborative communities. Creative platforms like Stocksy, Ampled, and even Substack have shown that there is a need for creator-led communities and that they thrive. With a social shift in mindset towards more equitable and inclusive systems, being part of a shared endeavour is more important than ever. A writer-led community means more writers writing, more words written, and more stories told on a platform where your goalFew readersI bought an original lifetime account before October 2022, why do I not get co-ownership included??
In October 2022, we introduced a lifetime account option that allowed users to pay $499 for a lifetime of access to Novlr Pro. We knew when we introduced this that, when co-ownership launched, it would be bundled with this price. We are therefore giving co-ownership at no extra cost to anyone who bought lifetime at this price. If you are lifetime member but paid before October 2022, coownership is not bundled and must be purchased separately using the one-time opt-in fee.Few readersWhat happens if Novlr decides to discontinue or shut down the platform in the future?
Of course, we hope this doesn’t happen. Firstly, to be very clear, being a co-owner of Novlr in the manner we’re doing it puts no liability, responsibility, or any other burden on you as a co-owner. That’s why we’ll be using a coop or trust structure. Obviously, we’d only be shutting down Novlr if there was no viable way to keep it going, and we’d explore all options with you, our co-owners, if that were to happen. So, exactly what happens, I don’t know yet, but one of the reasons we’re doingFew readersHow do I become a co-owner?
We want co-ownership to be accessible to as many writers as possible, so will be offering two avenues to become a writer-owner: 1️⃣ Single buy-in fee of $99 2️⃣ Bundled with lifetime access to Novlr Pro for $499 This is an investment in Novlr’s future and is non-refundable. The co-ownership buy-in is not related to your Novlr subscription or any other purchases from Novlr.Few readersHow do co-ownership invite codes work?
Novlr's invite-a-friend program allows co-owners to invite others to become part of our writer-owned community. When you invite someone, they will have the opportunity to join as co-owners and reap the benefits that come with being part of that community. By growing our community, we not only strengthen it, but also support our mission to create a more inclusive, supportive, and rewarding platform for all writers. To invite someone, log in to your Novlr dashboard and visit the co-ownership pageFew readersWhat happens if Novlr doesn't reach the necessary number of co-owners for a trust or coop?
We’re confident that we will reach that number, and that it’ll be feasible for us to set up the trust or coop at that point. However, we are learning how to do this in public, with you, so we don’t know for sure that writers want this. If it becomes clear that we’ll never get the numbers to make writer co-ownership work, we’ll, of course, refund anyone who wants a refund.Few readersCan I become a co-owner if I don't use Novlr?
Co-ownership is available to everyone, even if you’re not a writer, so all you need is a free Novlr account in order to view and access your co-ownership dashboard. No subscription is required for co-ownership.Few readersHow will Novlr ensure transparency and accountability in the distribution of profits among co-owners?
Please read our letter of intent for an overview on how we plan to ensure transparency and accountability. Like most early stage businesses, we are a long way from being profitable enough to distribute profits to anyone. However, when we do, we intend to make it as clear as we possibly can. Depending on the percentage of the business owned by the writers, that amount of profit will be distributed to writers. That distribution will be basedFew readersWhat rights and responsibilities do co-owners have to Novlr (and vice versa)?
Exactly how co-ownership will function is something we’ll work out with our co-owners. What we do know is that once we have 1000 co-owners, we’ll be pulling together the exact structures of a writer entity — a trust or coop that will initially own a part of Novlr, then, as the members grow, will own the majority of Novlr. Being a co-ownerFew readersAre there any limitations of restrictions on co-ownership?
Anyone over the age of 18 can become a co-owner of Novlr, no matter where they are in the world, or if they’re a writer or not. There are no geographical restrictions on who can become a co-owner.Few readersWhat happens if Novlr introduces platform or policy changes that I disagree with as a co-owner?
All our co-owners have a voice, so if there’s anything you’re not sure about or would like to discuss, we are always open for discussion in our Discord, or in one of our open Town Hall-style meetings. Once the Novlr board is set up, our writer-owners will be able to nominate a representative, who will represent their interests and have a vote.Few readersHow can I stay in formed and ask questions about co-ownership?
Our co-owners have a dedicated channel in our Discord server where they will have full access to the founders and team for any questions. We’ll also hold regular Town Hall meetings where you can pop in, ask any questions you have, and give us feedback. All events will be visible in Discord, where you can register your interest, and we’ll also make sure upcoming events show in your co-owners’ dashboard. If you’re not a co-owner yet, you can get in touch with us at any time through our Discord chFew readersCan I cancel my co-ownership?
Yes, you can cancel and opt out of co-ownership if you would like. Just get in touch with us via our customer support chat bubble in app, or by emailing hello@novlr.org to have yourself removed. If you would like to cancel your co-ownership and request a refund, this must be done within 14 days of the initial purchase.Few readersHow do I earn co-ownership credits?
Credits can be earned through several avenues, including volunteering time and expertise, being an active member of our community, subscribing to Novlr Plus or Pro, referring new users or co-owners, and making purchases on the platform. All purchases and subscriptions made through Novlr will earn one credit for every dollar spent. This includes subscriptions, course purchases, and paying for any future services we may release. However, we also wanted to make sure that there are ways for co-ownFew readersCan I upgrade my co-ownership status or increase my stake in the platform over time?
If/when Novlr becomes profitable, we will share those profits with our writer owners based on their accrued co-ownership credits. We want to reward those who have contributed to the community, which is why we’ve given our co-owners the ability to earn credits through their subscriptions, purchases, and through volunteer opportunities. Your credits will increase over time as you continue to contribute, but this is completely voluntary.Few readersHow will Novlr ensure fair and transparent decision-making?
We want co-ownership to be as democratic as possible. We will hold regular open meetings (Town Halls) in our Discord where co-owners can ask questions, float ideas, or discuss issues. Once we reach our first 1000 co-owners, we’ll also invite a representative for our co-owners to sit on the Novlr board. This representative will be chosen by our co-owners, giving them a vote on Novlr’s future.Few readersHow will Novlr ensure that co-owners have equal opportunities to contribute and participate in decision-making?
We want to make sure that co-owners can contribute in a variety of ways. Some co-owners will contribute financially through subscriptions or purchases, while other will have expertise that can benefit the community as a whole, or will have opportunties to donate their time. Co-ownership is all about community, and we know that everyone will have different things they can bring to the table, and we plan to give all writers, no matter their circumstances, the chance to contribute, participate in tFew readersCan I transfer or sell my co-ownership to someone else?
Your contributions and credits are tied to your account and activity, and cannot be transferred or sold.Few readersWill co-ownership affect Novlr's pricing?
Co-ownership is completely separate from your Novlr subscription, so will not affect Novlr’s pricing. You will be able to earn co-ownership credits through your subscription or by supporting the community, but your subscription price will not change.Few readersHow can I contribute as a co-owner?
As a co-owner, Nolvr is yours too, so any way you contribute to Novlr’s success benefits you and your fellow writers. There are lots of ways for you to contribute. While you can contribute financially through purchases and subscriptions, we will also offer referrals in future, and share volunteer opportunities via the co-ownership dashboard or in our co-ownership Discord channels. If you have any expertise you feel could benefit the community, we’d also love to hear it. Just reach out and leFew readers