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Editor’s Note: Introducing Quwa Premium
In 2015 I founded Quwa with the aim of discussing Pakistani defence issues. In the lead-up to releasing my first post, I had found that there was a dearth in accessible information on Pakistani defence programs.
Yes, the information was there, but it was rarely ‘knitted’ to provide an informed perspective on why such programs were pursued, where they stand today and where they are heading in the long-term. In some cases, the information would get lost and forgotten, leaving gaps in knowledge for most observers.
Since writing my first articles more than two years ago, I have been joined by thousands of unique daily readers. It has been an immense honour producing content for you and receiving your feedback over the years. Truly, it has been an honour, making this announcement even more important.
As you might imagine, Quwa Premium is a paid subscription tier.
However, I am not taking anything away from Quwa’s existing content. If you came here based on the content free content published on Quwa, then rest assured that will continue. I personally hate the use of frequent paywalls. Hence, Quwa Premium will not impact Quwa’s existing or future free content.
Quwa Premium is an distinct addition to Quwa’s free content and it is intended to be a direct vehicle for achieving the core goals I had planned for Quwa from the start.
Those following Pakistani defence issues will know that its coverage is not generally done from the view of defence enthusiasts, researchers or analysts. I am, at heart, an enthusiast and since following the area in 2003 I have had not enjoyed as much on Pakistan as I might have other countries.
With Quwa Premium, I intend to provide that depth of work – i.e. detailed research and analysis, original news coverage, engaging with established analysts and observers and more – for Pakistani defence issues (i.e. the niche and readership that Quwa owes its existence).
I want to deliver the questions we have, investigate the trends we see and, above all, provide timely, informed and digestible answers. Moreover, I want those supporting this effort directly to be the ones to access it and to help shape it. However, I also want to keep its entry accessible to all.
Quwa Premium costs $10 USD per month for one weekly 1,500+ word article (i.e. four articles per month on recent Pakistani defence issues brought to the public discourse), a monthly 4,000+ word research report on a deeper question or seminal Pakistani defence topic, and original news coverage by attending relevant defence exhibitions and engaging with those involved in the Pakistani defence space.
These articles will not just be bigger defence news summary and commentary pieces, but will comprise of insights from history, public policy, international relations, development and/or economics to provide a holistic picture. The monthly reports will be built upon proper research. The original news coverage will start with attendance to relevant exhibitions, e.g. IDEAS (and others).
In terms of price, $10 USD per month is relatively high for content that is not daily. However, I want the content to utilize my best work and effort. This price enables me to avoid chasing volume, retire AdSense advertising and closely engage with the readership. There was the option of asking for donations or support, but I am of the belief of providing those who pay with a product in return for their patronage.
There are no contracts or mandatory terms. There are no refunds, but you may subscribe for any specific month and cancel at any time (you have access to subscription management tools, including cancellation).
I sincerely want to keep good faith, so for this month, I am releasing a complete free sample of the weekly article and, for the lifetime of Quwa Premium, provide free excerpts (15-20%) of the weekly and monthly content to all readers. Excerpts will be emailed to you through the daily newsletter (which you can subscribe to using the form on the right for desktop or bottom on mobile).
This is for a start. Through 2018 I will add more to Quwa Premium to increase the value and satisfaction. Those who join and maintain their subscriptions will be grandfathered for life, so regardless of what I add to Quwa Premium, you will not endure a price mark-up on Quwa’s end. On a case-by-case basis, I will also accommodate for those with financial difficulties, just send an email to premium@quwa.org.
Finally, let me thank you all for your continued readership. I am excited for Quwa Premium and will stand behind it, but knowing that thousands of people around the world are coming to Quwa to read about the JF-17 fighter, al-Khalid tank, Project Azm and other programs is humbling and surely a cause to improve.
If you are interested in subscribing to Quwa Premium, the following button will take you to the subscription portal.
18 Comments
by آصف اقبال
Good luck Bilal.
by Khalid Riaz
You have made a truly extra ordinary effort in bringing highly professional defense analysis to the enthusiasts, researchers and experts. Quwa commentary and analysis are trusted across a broad spectrum of readers. I certainly hope that the Quwa Premium will gain enthusiastic support of the readers.
by Omar Dar
Good luck Bilal. I would like to suggest that you should also cover Indian defence developments as well, as they are quite relevant to this region.
by Bilal Khan
Thanks!
by Bilal Khan
Much appreciated.
by Bilal Khan
One of the goals behind this is to procure resources to get the best people for that and other topics and countries. Nothing beats a native understanding of an issue, but it takes time and avid interest to get there.
by Lasit
Good initiative Bilal, wish you luck.
Just a suggestion. I assume that a large part of the readership for the site will be outside of Pakistan and they come here for your broader coverage of defence news. Hence it may be a good idea to coverage news from other countries like India specifically.
by Headstrong
All the best on your new venture, Bilal.
by Amir Timur
Best of luck, Bilal Khan. As Omar Dar has already mentioned, covering Indian defence would be very valuable. That allows readers to have a calculated comparison in mind when following evolving military doctrine, technology and interests. But finding an Indian source for such coverage might be a bit problematic. It’ll require sifting through a lot of speculation. Anyways, this nevertheless is going to be something very informative. Respect from IHK.
by Ghufran Ali Quresh
I wish you good luck, Bilal. I might join some time later as your analysis and commentary on news items is what i come here to read. I have been an admirer of your posts since the original PDF forum since 2008 i guess. You went by a different name Diving Falcon. I am not sure about the name but your pattern is easy to follow, especially when it comes to JF17, your posts always advocated strong A Darter/ r dater integration. There were many good posters there. I enjoyed reading and learning from senior members there. Though i didnt post much. I am really happy to see how this website had become a place for quality analysis and authentic news, away from all the chitter chatter of forums. May Allah grant you success in your future endeavors. Amein
by Bilal Khan
Thanks! Be sure to sign up for the Daily News list, I’ll be sending Quwa Premium excerpts through there every Friday. Given the full length of the Premium-tier articles, the excerpts alone would have about 350-500+ words of content 🙂
by Abdul Rashid
Ameen
by Usman Ali Khan Tahir
As a journalist, Quwa has always been a great source for me, and I can’t appreciate your efforts enough. Other defence oriented sites in Pakistan end up becoming overly jingoistic in their delivery and end up compromising their quality; however, Quwa has always been free from all that drama and focuses on sharp, astute analysis. May the Almighty bless your efforts and give more success to the website.
by Bilal Khan
Thanks!
by Shershahsuri
Mr.Bilal, wish you all the best on your new venture. Hope Quwa will soon be recognized worldwide as an authentic source of information in the field of defence and security.
by Abdul Basit Iqbal
Mr. Bilal, in my opinion it will be a compliment for you, that those who r entrusted with defense of this nation, ppl among them also read your articles and follow them regularly. Whatever u present, is an authentic piece of information. Keep up the good work.
by Frkh
Very good initiative. Best of luck.
by Bilal Khan
Until December, part-time (w/studying and part-time work). Next six months, full-time.