Paid members get access to exclusive content beyond our regular articles. Here’s how to find and enjoy all the premium features your membership includes.
Where to Find Exclusive Content
Main Navigation:
- Articles – Exclusive content is tagged for easy search
- Podcast – Video episodes for paid members
- Forums – Exclusive forums for members
- Groups – Members are automatically added to groups exclusive to their membership tier
Your Member Dashboard:
Access your personalized dashboard:
- Log in
- Hover over “Profile” in the menu
- From the dropdown, select “My Dashboard”
Dashboard shows:
- Recent exclusive content
- Upcoming Office Hours (Insider)
- Event alerts and other announcements
- Quick links to important pages
Types of Exclusive Content
For Critic Members ($3/mo):
1. Premium Essays & Analysis
- Full access to paywalled articles
- Extended analysis pieces
- In-depth investigations
- Special content
Where to Find These:
- Articles > Tag Search: “Critics”
- Linked in the monthly member newsletter
2. Behind-the-Scenes Content
- Research process documentation
- How articles are developed
- Interview preparation notes
- Investigation methodologies
Where to Find:
- “Behind the Lens” category
- Exclusive forums
- Occasional email updates
3. Full Interview Transcripts
- Complete, unedited transcripts (any redactions are for source safety reasons)
- Interviews conducted for articles
- Podcast guest transcripts
- Bonus interview content
Where to Find:
- Articles > Category: “Transcripts”
- Linked within related articles
- Searchable archive
4. Podcast Video Episodes
- Video versions of our podcast
- Extended conversations on occasion
- Enhanced with graphics
Where to Find:
- Podcast page or episode page > “Video Version” section (this will only be visible to paid members, so make sure you’re logged in!)
- YouTube (members-only videos)
5. Exclusive Forums
- Private discussion spaces
- Smaller conversations
- More intimate community
- Discussion with TCL team
Where to Find:
- Community > Forums > “Critic’s Club”
- Or Profile > Membership > Member Links > “Critic’s Club”
Everything in Critic, Plus:
For Insider Members ($10/mo):
6. Office Hours
- Bi-monthly group video calls
- 45-minute sessions
- Direct Q&A with TCL team
- Small group discussions
How to Access:
- Invite sent via email upon subscription
- Also seen on your member dashboard
- Meeting link will be in the invite, and re-posted in the Insider group before each meeting
- Recordings available afterward (found in “The Insiders” forum)
7. Insider-Only Forums
- Highest tier discussion spaces
- Strategic input forums
- Early feedback opportunities
Where to Find:
- Community > Forums > “The Insiders” and “Insider Polls”
- Or Profile > Membership > Member Links > “The Insiders” and “Insider Polls”
- Automatic access upon subscribing
8. Early Access to Articles
- Preview selected upcoming content
- First look at investigations
- Beta testing new features
How it Works:
- Early access articles appear in your dashboard
- Published to all members at later time
9. Content Direction Input
- Monthly polls on upcoming topics
- Suggest article ideas
- Vote on interview priorities
- Shape publication direction
Where to Access:
- Forums > Insider Polls
- Or Profile > Membership > Member Links > “Insider Polls”
- Monthly email with poll links
10. First Access to Special Events
- Priority event registration
- Exclusive meetups
- Early merchandise access
- Special announcements
Notifications:
- Email alerts
- Dashboard notifications
- Forum announcements
Downloadable Resources
Available to Paid Members:
Research Documents:
- Source lists and bibliographies
- Reading lists
- Curated resource collections
- Templates and frameworks
Graphics & Visuals:
- Infographics from articles
- Data visualizations
- Quote graphics
- Downloadable posters
Guides & Worksheets:
- Media literacy tools
- Analysis frameworks
- Discussion guides
- Educational materials
Where to Download:
- Forums > “Resources & Action Alerts”
- Linked within relevant articles
- Link to forum in member dashboard
How to Download:
- Browse or search for content
- Click item
- Some are stored here, some are on external drive links
- Click “Download” button
- Choose format if multiple available
- Save to your device
Formats:
- PDF (most documents)
- PNG/JPG (graphics)
- MP4 (video recordings)
- MP3 (audio only versions)
Accessing Video Content
Podcast Videos (Critic & Insider):
Watch on Website:
- Make sure you’re logged in
- Go to Podcast page
- Select episode
- Scroll to “Video Version”
- Click “Watch Video”
- Video player opens
- Full screen option available
Watch on YouTube:
- Members-only YouTube videos
- Login required
- Use the same email as your membership email with us, we sync automatically based on this
- Subscribe to channel for notifications
Office Hours Recordings (Insider):
Access Past Sessions:
- Forums > The Insiders > Office Hours Recordings
- Newest recording will be at the top of the replies
- Click the link
- Watch or download recording
Features:
- Searchable by keyword
- Download option available
- Slides/materials linked when applicable
Email Deliveries
What Gets Emailed:
Critic Subscribers Receive:
- Monthly exclusive content roundup
- Member-only announcements
Insider Subscribers Additionally Receive:
- Office Hours invitations and reminders
- Early access notifications
- VIP announcements
Managing Email Preferences:
- My Dashboard > Email Preferences
- Choose frequency
- Opt in/out of specific series
Maximizing Your Membership
Tips to Get Full Value:
Check Dashboard Regularly:
- New content alerts here
- Everything you need in one place
Engage in Exclusive Forums:
- Where the best discussions happen
- Connect with other dedicated members
- More direct interaction with the TCL team
Attend Office Hours (Insiders):
- Highest value benefit
- Personal connection
- Real-time Q&A
Download Resources:
- Build your own library
- Access offline
- Share with others (within fair use)
Provide Feedback:
- Let us know what you value
- Suggest new exclusive content
- Help shape future ideas and offerings
Troubleshooting Access Issues
Can’t Find Exclusive Content?
First:
- Verify you’re logged in
- Confirm membership tier (My Dashboard or Profile > More > Membership)
- Check payment status
- Clear browser cache
- Try different browser
Still Having Issues?
Use our support portal or email [email protected] with:
- Your account email
- Membership tier
- What content you’re trying to access
- Screenshots of any error messages
Common Issues:
“Content Not Available”:
- May be tier-restricted (check if Insider-only)
- Payment may have failed
- Browser not recognizing login
Video Won’t Play:
- Check internet connection
- Try different browser
- Disable ad blockers
- Update browser
Download Doesn’t Work:
- Check popup blocker settings
- Try right-click > Save As (for images or PDFs)
- Contact support for direct link
We’re constantly adding new exclusive content and features. Check your dashboard regularly and read member emails to stay updated!
