I agree with all of this. I spend money on things so not necessary. It’s been a much better option to support writers for a $5 a month fee and certainly worth it.

As far as Stripe, I used my bank account info instead of a Stripe account with a card attached but it was still through Stripe. Do they just not have Stripe at all?

It’s crappy to be invited with no way to be paid. Disheartening I would imagine.

Thanks for sharing! Hopefully other non members will read your non member to member reasoning (A.K.A. pragmatic).