I like a lot of things about Substack, I've recommended it to people, and I enjoy the simplicity (because I could easily tinker with website appearance forever). BUT... I am increasingly frustrated with how limited the customization options really are:
I like a lot of things about Substack, I've recommended it to people, and I enjoy the simplicity (because I could easily tinker with website appearance forever). BUT... I am increasingly frustrated with how limited the customization options really are:
1. Why can't we adjust the weight of body text?
2. Why can't we use straightup black for body text and headlines (instead of dark grayish for certain fonts)? Black is easiest to read (and looks very nice on the New York Times website, as one of many examples).
3. Why can't we wrap text around pictures (with pictures on one side or the other in text blocks)?
4. Why is the heading/watermark so limiting regarding space and height? After the cover page (which most people don't see after subscribing), it's totally anticlimactic and weak.
5. Why does the "About" page offer more freedom with headlines, subheads and picture placement than posts do?
6. Why can't we opt for links to open in a new tab/same tab?
7. And why does a site like The Free Press get to customize so many more features? Did they pay extra behind the scenes or something?
I have a few other complaints, but I'm not trying to post an extensive list of grievances (because there's so much about Substack that is positive and appealing). What it boils down to is that Substack could benefit from some VERY BASIC customization options. I know it has made a few improvements in that area, but it should continue with more improvements ASAP.
Without more customization options, I see myself leaving Substack at some point. I'd much rather stay.
Some people would still complain about added customization features. They're (a.) intimidated by them, (b.) worried that such features would distract from the written content, and/or (c.) want to be sure Substack sites maintain a certain standard of appearance and consistency.
I understand all those concerns. But, personally, I think a happy balance could exist. Substack will always be content-driven. I just think creators should at least have more OPTIONS for basic customization. It wouldn't have to be anything crazy, just some more basics for those of us who want to employ them.
I like a lot of things about Substack, I've recommended it to people, and I enjoy the simplicity (because I could easily tinker with website appearance forever). BUT... I am increasingly frustrated with how limited the customization options really are:
1. Why can't we adjust the weight of body text?
2. Why can't we use straightup black for body text and headlines (instead of dark grayish for certain fonts)? Black is easiest to read (and looks very nice on the New York Times website, as one of many examples).
3. Why can't we wrap text around pictures (with pictures on one side or the other in text blocks)?
4. Why is the heading/watermark so limiting regarding space and height? After the cover page (which most people don't see after subscribing), it's totally anticlimactic and weak.
5. Why does the "About" page offer more freedom with headlines, subheads and picture placement than posts do?
6. Why can't we opt for links to open in a new tab/same tab?
7. And why does a site like The Free Press get to customize so many more features? Did they pay extra behind the scenes or something?
I have a few other complaints, but I'm not trying to post an extensive list of grievances (because there's so much about Substack that is positive and appealing). What it boils down to is that Substack could benefit from some VERY BASIC customization options. I know it has made a few improvements in that area, but it should continue with more improvements ASAP.
Without more customization options, I see myself leaving Substack at some point. I'd much rather stay.
Some people would still complain about added customization features. They're (a.) intimidated by them, (b.) worried that such features would distract from the written content, and/or (c.) want to be sure Substack sites maintain a certain standard of appearance and consistency.
I understand all those concerns. But, personally, I think a happy balance could exist. Substack will always be content-driven. I just think creators should at least have more OPTIONS for basic customization. It wouldn't have to be anything crazy, just some more basics for those of us who want to employ them.
I totally agree