It’s been a month since I launched MXSW Insider, a series of in-depth posts for paid subscribers on Mouth by Southwest. (If you missed the announcement about MXSW Insider, you can find it here.) So far, the paid subscriptions have been a success, although many MXSW readers still have misconceptions and questions. I hope these points will help clear up any confusion:
• The majority of MXSW posts remain free to read: In May, 56 out of 64 posts on Mouth by Southwest – nearly 90% – still were free to read. Just because a couple in-depth posts are being added each week for paid subscribers, it doesn’t affect the usual short posts you’ve been able to read for free for the past 12 years.
• The daily email newsletter remains free to receive: I include a headline, photo, and link to any new MXSW Insider story in the daily email newsletter. You need to be a paid subscriber to read that MXSW Insider story, but the rest of the newsletter stories are still free to read.
• The difference between a regular MXSW post and an MXSW Insider post: Most regular MXSW posts are three sentences or less. They’re meant to be quick reads. The first MXSW Insider post was a guide to all 50-plus breweries in the Valley with photos, maps, beer recommendations, trivia, and social media links for each brewery.
• Other MXSW Insider posts in May: In-depth guides to the 27 top steakhouses in the Valley and 21 restaurants within walking distance of a D-Backs game at Chase Field. Interviews with local celebrity chef Adam Allison, acclaimed pastry chef Tracy Dempsey, and NakedQ BBQ owner Oren Hartman. A rundown of 100-plus new Valley restaurants still scheduled to open this year.
