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Thanks for reading The Tyee today — we hope this article added to your day in some way. Our team of independent journalists takes pride in doing in-depth reporting and taking time to get it right.

We're able to focus our attention on publishing impactful journalism in the public interest, and publish it for free for all to read, because we have the support of Tyee Builders. Tyee Builders are readers who contribute a bit of money — at a level and frequency of their choice — to support our editorial budget.

This core of supporters — making up about 1 to 2 per cent of our daily readership — enables us to pay our writers, keep our articles free and open to all, and not bombard our readers with annoying ads while you try to read.

Instead of focusing on what kind of articles will attract the most advertising dollars, we can spend time devoted to researching and writing stories that our readers find most valuable and make the most positive impact in our region.

If you'd like to join thousands of readers who help make independent journalism possible, consider joining Tyee Builders. Thank you.

— Jeanette Ageson, Publisher

Click here to Join Tyee Builders

Help us un-break journalism in Canada

You made it all the way through the article – I hope that means you liked it (or if not ‘liked’ it, gleaned some useful information from it). Tyee articles are known for being quite lengthy, so we appreciate when people spend some quality time with our work.

Listen, I’ll get to the point – the article you just read was made possible because our non-profit newsroom was able to pay a talented journalist to research and write it. And we can only afford to do that because of our business model, which relies on a certain percentage of our readers signing up for our paid membership program called Tyee Builders.

The traditional business model for journalism in Canada has been completely disrupted, and we’re witnessing a slow collapse as corporate newsrooms buy up distressed publications, lay people off, and suck the value out of them before declaring bankruptcy. And it doesn’t help that tech giant Meta has blocked Canadian news on their Facebook and Instagram platforms.

There is another way and we are carving the path.

Between 1 to 2 per cent of people who visit The Tyee contribute financially, but amazingly, that small percentage is enough to fund half of our overall budget. And it means we can operate without a paywall, too. 1 per cent of people giving means 99 per cent of people get access to quality, fact-based journalism from a talented team of journalists who live and work in B.C., Alberta, and across Canada. We think that’s pretty remarkable.

If you’re concerned about the way journalism is heading in Canada and you’d like to do something about it, consider joining Tyee Builders and contributing an amount that works for you.

— Jeanette Ageson, Publisher

Click here to Join Tyee Builders
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Tyee News

Wave of Support 'Builds' in Final Days of Tyee's Drive

Something amazing has happened in the past two weeks. Help us finish strong!

Shannon Smart and David Beers 30 Apr 2012TheTyee.ca

Shannon Smart is The Tyee's Community Manager.

David Beers is The Tyee's editor.
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Be a Tyee Builder, too! Join 330 loyal readers who've together pledged more than $4,000 a month critical to The Tyee's growth and impact.

It's been two weeks since we asked loyal readers to help us grow by pledging a monthly financial contribution. What a great response we've received. And rather than tailing off, the wave of support is picking up speed!

The past few days have been among our busiest for sign-ups. We are proud to be joined by more than 330 new Tyee Builders.

They clicked here to learn about the program.

And then decided to pledge voluntary subscriptions that will, collectively, add $50,000 dollars annually going straight into producing new journalism on The Tyee!

We asked you to show that Canadians care about supporting independent media as essential to our democracy. You've sent that message, loudly and clearly. A huge thank you from all of us at The Tyee.

Still time to gain rewards

It seems a bit strange to announce the final days of our springtime Builder drive just when it's so encouragingly, well, building. But after introducing you to more than two dozen famous Canadians who support The Tyee's Builder initiative (meet them here), we think you'll agree we've made our pitch and enough is enough.

Okay then, one last time. Before we go quiet on this stuff tomorrow, we just want you to know about:

Signed books by your favourite literary stars

If you pledge $15 or more a month you will receive a signed book by one of these acclaimed Canadian authors -- but as those books are limited you should act fast to have the best chance of receiving your first choice.

Tyee bling

Is $5 or $10 a better fit for your budget? We are grateful for whatever you decide to pledge. We show it by giving everyone who does this nifty made-in-B.C. Tyee pin. Wear it proudly feisty one!

As well, you'll become part of our supporting team receiving (if you opt to) special updates on Tyee initiatives, gatherings and other insider news.

Every dollar raised goes straight into new journalism on top of what we already produce at The Tyee. We aren't asking you to pay for rent or post-it notes. You're funding new, important stories we couldn't produce without your additional Builder funds.

We are using a totally secure, socially responsible online payment system called BeanStream. Some of you have asked if you can pay by cheque, or just once rather than monthly. Answers: yep, and you bet! The details are on our much-visited Builders' Frequently Asked Questions page.

We are at $4,000 a month now. Can we get to $5,000 in the next 48 hours before our springtime Builder drive ends? That would fund over 50 per cent more Tyee journalism in the coming year than we produced last year.

    Click to Become a Tyee Builder

All together now, reach deep into your tool belts. It's Hammertime! [Tyee]

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