Gumroad vs. Amazon & Creating a Regenerative Framework for my Work.
aka - Gumroad Trojan Horse Plan
Story Time: Kauai 2022
I lived in a yurt on a regenerative agriculture farm on the island of Kauai once. There’s a lot I could talk about, but today I want to focus on Farmer John. He’s a badass farmer from Massachusetts who wants to leave something meaningful behind for his kids. So, he works the land, and as he walks me through what will one day be a food forest, he explains that these now 10-foot trees are only two years old. His intention is to create something that not only feeds itself but also nourishes the soil.
Papaya trees, pineapples, rainbow chard, and lemongrass—I harvested them a couple of times a week, while chickens roamed nearby, fertilizing the soil. This is beyond sustainability; it's regenerative. It’s a system designed to create and sustain life with minimal human involvement. In the apocalypse, it might be the kind of Garden of Eden we hear about, with its massive fruit trees and bushes of edible greens.
But why aren’t people like this? Why aren’t we, as a society, living like that in our systems? Why can’t I live a regenerative life on Earth where the energy I put into what I create not only sustains me but also feeds the soil of my community?
How do I do this? How do I become a Free-Range, Full-Spectrum Human whose hands and ideas regenerate both my body and spirit?
The system we live in works, but maybe not for me. The corporate ladders, endless hours—we’ve all worked ourselves to the bone as a species, but for what goal, to what end? We can have the "why are we here" conversations and probably find some form of God at the end of it, but while I still breathe, I’d like to do things a little more my way.
I’m not out to change the world. I’m just here to plant my own garden of ideas, watch them grow, and feed my community. Because it’s fun—and that’s enough.
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Enter the Gumroad Trojan Horse Plan
This whole post began as a prompt from a friend: “Why did you choose Gumroad over Amazon?” It’s a question that’s been brewing for a long time, and it ties directly to the dissatisfaction I feel with how our systems fail to support the arts. So here’s my answer:
1. Optics and Vibes
As a new author with a creative, non-mainstream following, my community knows me as someone who values individuality. My branding naturally fits with Gumroad’s vibe. It feels more personal—these aren’t just customers, they’re my friends, family, and people I’ve shared meals with. Gumroad treats creators and their following as a community, unlike Amazon, which reduces us to numbers.
2. Building a Strategy for a Niche Book
My book is niche, and while it might resonate with my community, I’m not sure how it will perform in the broader marketplace yet. Amazon is crowded, and without a known name, it’s easy to get lost. That’s why I’m betting on my community. Instead of diving into Amazon right away, we’ll take the backdoor through Gumroad. The goal is to gather 100 reviews from readers who purchased through Gumroad, then post those on Amazon. This way, we bypass Amazon’s fees, keep more of the profits, and still leverage their system. If we can create a steady stream of buzz, we might trigger their algorithm to highlight *Soup From Bones*. That way, it’s not just one author selling one book—it’s 100 voices cutting through the noise of a saturated market. We go through the back door with an army.
3. Economic Flexibility and Cost Comparison
Gumroad’s flexible pricing options allow me to lower the entry barrier for my community, who come from various economic backgrounds. My priority isn’t to maximize profit but to share something I’ve spent years creating. On Gumroad, I make $22 for every $25 ebook sold, which means I can afford to lower Amazon’s price later without feeling like I’m overcharging my community. This way, I’m not working for Amazon—I’m working for the people who support me. Plus, Gumroad pays out weekly, while Amazon’s bi-monthly payouts leave me waiting. I’m not a digital nomad with a steady source of income. I rely on my creativity, networking, and now, my book sales to push me through.
4. Redefining Success
I’m not chasing fame or fortune. My success has always been defined by sharing my art and passions. If I can live with the support of 1,000 dedicated people who understand and appreciate my work, that’s enough. I don’t need millions to do what makes me happy. I’m creating a path where my creative energy regenerates, and that’s the freedom I’m after.
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SoupFromBones: Nomad Edition E-BOOK ←buy here :)
So yeah —- I just want to live in a place where we can create what we want to see in the world and I’d like to contribute my time and energy to that cause this book, is the first big step in a much larger plan.
Thanks for reading,
Johnny