In March, Moonshine Ink put out a membership survey to better understand what current and prospective members value, expect, and hope to see in the program. The results offer a clear endorsement of the mission and a roadmap for deepening member engagement.
We received 20 responses, and while the information is useful and clear patterns did emerge, we would like to hear from more readers and members. We’re considering this round a temperature check and will be back to hear from more of you. Meanwhile, here’s a roundup from the survey:
Strong Support for Local Journalism
A resounding 100% of respondents selected “I believe in supporting local journalism” as a reason for joining or considering membership. This reinforces the core motivation behind most member contributions: a shared belief in the importance of independent, community-focused reporting. Beyond this, nearly half of respondents expressed interest in connecting with journalists through events and discussions, while others were drawn to exclusive content or perks like discounts at local events/businesses or merch. Two written-in comments were heartening: “Best newspaper out there” and “Best coverage of local issues.”
Most Desired Perks: Investigative Work and Insider Access
“Deep-dive investigative stories” were by far the most popular perk (chosen by 89% of respondents), followed by “exclusive events and behind-the-scenes access,” “live Q&A sessions with journalists,” and a “members-only newsletter.” This feedback highlights members’ appetite for high-quality, original reporting, and a deeper connection with the newsroom.
Current Satisfaction and Room to Grow
Most current members reported strong satisfaction, with 78% selecting “Love it! Keep it coming!” and a smaller number noting “Pretty good, but could be better.” Some comments pointed to a desire for even more serious journalism, and one noted disappointment with the prominence of lighter content. The feedback suggests that while the core offering resonates, refining our content balance could improve perceived value.
What Members Want More Of
Respondents crave more depth and inside access. The top responses to “what would make membership even more awesome” mirrored perk preferences: more exclusive, in-depth stories led the way, followed by interactive events, behind-the-scenes newsletters, and influence over story choices. One comment offered a different take, saying a one-page article was about the limit for their attention. There was some interest in member discounts with local businesses and events.
Willingness to Pay
Most respondents are comfortable contributing $10 to $20/month, viewing this range as fair support for quality journalism. A few would prefer the lower $5 to $10/month tier, and one respondent simply asked what the outlet needs, signaling openness to flexible support models.
Top News Topics
Local government, the environment, and arts and culture topped the list of high-interest topics, followed closely by housing and development, education, and the economy. This provides clear direction for story planning.
Final Takeaway
Our readership values journalistic rigor and wants more ways to connect — with our newsroom, with each other, and with the deeper stories behind the headlines.
- Readers want in-depth stories.
- There’s strong interest in interactive offerings like events and journalist Q&As.
- Members are largely happy and willing to pay, especially if perks and journalistic depth are clear.
Supporting Moonshine doesn’t have to be monetary!
Below are items we could use to give our world headquarters on Riverside Drive a new shine.
- Wood conference table with chairs
- Adjustable-height desks
- Desk chairs
- Fedoras with “press” cards in the band ;)
