Founding membership
In 1946, just a year after World War II, George Orwell wrote, “To see what is in front of one’s nose needs a constant struggle.”
Almost 80 years later, we’re living with this same struggle—only now, in the midst of another: the constant struggle for our attention. Digital technology and media are at the heart of it, with a dominant business model: addiction.
Every media brand that makes its money engaging people for as much time as possible is using this model—and stoking its effects: isolation, agitation, anxiety, and, ultimately, a deadened sense of what we can do, in our lives and the world.
We’re building The Signal because we know there’s a better way.
You know, too—you’re already with us
Help us reach millions more who want to escape the media-engagement trap, understand the world effectively, and help create a digital ecosystem for human flourishing rather than human suppression. Become a founding member.
You joined The Signal because you need something, yourself. Good questions over “correct” narratives; context to think over agitation, fear, and anger; orientation, resiliency, hope.
We’ve shown it works, with readers across America and around the world. It’s time to grow—and make a difference.
Founding membership is simple.
Pay once. Get every benefit of annual membership, permanently—along with:
- Early access to new offerings
- Consultation on new initiatives
- Invitations to gatherings, in-person and online
- An annual founder’s despatch with company updates and exclusive briefings on global current affairs
- 10 annual memberships to share
This rate is for existing members. Public rate launches in November at $2,500.
Why now
We can grow The Signal over the next 3-5 years. Or we can prove its model works at scale—fast.
Millions, like you and us, need a source for current-affairs coverage that’s designed to help us protect our time, cultivate our ability to think, feel centered as we develop our knowledge of the world.
Founding members will help us:
- Expand The Signal’s coverage—across democracy, technology, the economy, the environment, and culture
- Reach millions more—everywhere in America, not just on the coasts, and around the world
- Publish in print—multiple editions annually
- Design better user experiences—and expand into audio and video
- Connect—building an infrastructure for real community
The specifics
1. Every benefit of annual membership, forever
Pay once. $1,250. Never renew.
2. Early access
We’re ambitious about evolving The Signal’s offerings as rapidly as resources and bandwidth allow—with new digital products, new print products, and more.
3. Early consultation
What’s working? What are we missing? What should we do next? You’re part of our brain trust. Plus priority access to us and our founding community.
4. Event invitations
We’re debuting our first event series, the District Underground, in Washington, D.C., this fall, expanding to other cities next year.
5. 10 annual memberships at your disposal
Bring people you care about into a better way to experience information and develop interpretations. Your friend trying to connect disparate threads in the world. Your colleague at sea in the news environment. Your team that needs clarity and context to be effective.
6. Founder’s despatch
Physically mailed to you, at the address of your choice, with company updates, exclusive briefings on global current affairs, and more.
The process
Quite simple …
Step 1: Join
Click below. Complete payment. Your current subscription converts to permanent founding membership right away.
Step 2: Benefit
Within a day: a welcome email with next steps. Within a week: access to your 10 gift memberships. In early 2026: your first annual founder’s despatch.
Step 3: Enjoy
You’re in permanently.
Questions
Is this opportunity time-limited?
Not currently. Of course, the earlier you join, the faster we’ll grow.
Why $1,250 for existing members and $2,500 for the broader public?
To recognize your support. We consider it loyalty pricing.
May I request a receipt?
Certainly. We’re happy to provide whatever documentation you or your organization might need. Simply request at concierge@thesgnl.com.
And if I’m currently on an annual subscription?
Your subscription will convert immediately to permanent founding membership.
Suppose I’d like to upgrade to a founding membership later?
You can upgrade anytime.
How do the 10 gift memberships work?
You get 10 full annual memberships ($95 value each) to distribute however you wish. We’ll send instructions after you join.
If you have any other questions, please be in touch: concierge@thesgnl.com.