Thanks for this. I’ve been struggling to understand how discussion threads could serve my readers and, just like you explained, sharing your experience was super helpful. Great stuff!
I never thought of even having a mailing list, because I don't join or read them. But, I'm surprised how many people are joining. I'll give the discussion threads a shot too - see what happens. Thanks!
This is great advice and I want to start using Threads more frequently, but I have a question.
When I look at the settings for threads the only two options are "Public" and "Paying Subscribers Only." Does this include subscribers I've comped a full subscription to? It's worded differently than the options for emails.
That's a great question, I'll have to defer to Hamish or Chris on that. From what I understand, everything I send out for paid subscribers includes ones I've given comps to -- whether that's discussion threads, podcasts or emails. Good question, though.
Thank you very much for sharing your experience. I especially like the advice to focus on (specific) personal questions, rather than questions about the news / current events.
You're welcome, Mark! I've found over time that certain questions/topics resonate with readers more than others, but it's hard to predict. Each publisher's audience is unique (and they're not static -- they change over time as subscribers come and go), so the topics that resonate today might be different six months from now. It's all an experiment. :)
Thanks for this. I’ve been struggling to understand how discussion threads could serve my readers and, just like you explained, sharing your experience was super helpful. Great stuff!
Thanks, Keith!
I never thought of even having a mailing list, because I don't join or read them. But, I'm surprised how many people are joining. I'll give the discussion threads a shot too - see what happens. Thanks!
This is great advice and I want to start using Threads more frequently, but I have a question.
When I look at the settings for threads the only two options are "Public" and "Paying Subscribers Only." Does this include subscribers I've comped a full subscription to? It's worded differently than the options for emails.
Yes, this includes anybody who has subscriber status including comps. (I can see how that's confusing)
Thanks for the clarification!
That's a great question, I'll have to defer to Hamish or Chris on that. From what I understand, everything I send out for paid subscribers includes ones I've given comps to -- whether that's discussion threads, podcasts or emails. Good question, though.
Thanks! That makes sense.
Thanks for your wonderful advice on how to approach this awesome feature. :)
Thank you very much for sharing your experience. I especially like the advice to focus on (specific) personal questions, rather than questions about the news / current events.
You're welcome, Mark! I've found over time that certain questions/topics resonate with readers more than others, but it's hard to predict. Each publisher's audience is unique (and they're not static -- they change over time as subscribers come and go), so the topics that resonate today might be different six months from now. It's all an experiment. :)
Hi Terrell,
I read your guide and found it inspirational, but still have a few questions:
1. How did you launch the thread? (any fanfare or advance notice to readers)
2. If you start at 8:30-9am, how long do you "live post" during the discussion? or float into and out of the thread?
3. Have you ever used invited/featured "guests" to host the thread?
Thanks for your time and consideration. Looking forward to hearing your thoughts.
Thank you for sharing this! Great points
Thanks Terrell this is really useful to know about!
Thanks, Bill!
Great advice, thank you! jamesgarside.substack.com/about
Thank you for this write up it was really helpful
Why can't pasted hyperlinks be opened directly on web ?
I'd like to set this up, but my newsletter is free, no paid subscribers. Can I still get this going?
Yes! You can still start a public discussion thread. Just hit the "New thread" button that's below the "New post" button.