Takeaways from another year of publishing on Substack: writers share insights that every Substacker could benefit from, such as letting your readers be the boss and finding a sense of purpose in your pride.
I love this! It's so warming to be a part of an ecosystem that still has folks dedicatedly writing years and years later <3
Sometimes when I see these, I feel a bit of internal doubt, like is Substack just going the way of most "open creator platforms," where a small minority at the top are able to capture the vast majority of the value? A) I'm sure some of that is still true, and I'm certainly not an economist, but B) there's still hope and happiness I feel in knowing that the top Substack writers don't seem to be capturing value through sort of "lowest common denominator" content, like the top creators on Youtube; rather, they are sincerely creating work that embodies what they want to be writing and thinking about. I hope this precarious balance can remain and we can continue to have many ecosystems that support each other.
I don't know if this is right, but I hope it is: “As social platforms collapse and websites continue to devolve into carnival-like ad-riddled no-go zones, environments like Substack will evolve into what we can consider, from this vantage point, ‘the future of the internet’s ecosystem.’
Love these regular pieces on the 'hows' and 'whys' of other Substacker's work - really great to learn from. Great also to encounter other writers whose work you might not otherwise see.
Substack is forcing open a reflection space between the ongoing storms on places like Twitter and epistemic bubbles on other SM - and this is so very welcome. And feels like the future is arriving today...
Reading this post felt a bit discouraging at first. I didn't come to Substack with an established readership from elsewhere. I'm notoriously bad at self-promotion. The focus of my writing is neither mainstream nor an important but undiscovered niche. Does it matter to me how many paid subscribers I have? What is more important, the process of writing with its challenges and joys or some positive feedback that grows exponentially? I decided to hang in there, give it more time, stay committed to a year. I love the community, the Substack "helpers" and support, and the great format. Thank you.
So many of these reflections underscore for me that writing (any art, really) will remain an evolving process for most of us, right up until we die. I'll drop a link to the milestone reflection from Survival by Book, an experienced writer who decided to try creating a scrappy startup of a Substack a few years back. Her reflection is, in part, about being one of those "who started making art two years ago from out of the deep silence of the pandemic." For some of us, that silence forced us to push aside creative blocks that we hadn't realized were there. https://courtneycook.substack.com/p/imagining-trying-and-building
I appreciate that you are highlighting people who have had some success but I think you should make a point to highlight more creators who don’t necessarily have an established audience.
Several of your milestone roundups are from people who worked at established publications which allowed them to start at Substack and be ahead of many writers who haven’t had this type of audience.
I started my Substack in February 2021 without an established audience and recently passed 100 subscribers. I didn’t have a large audience at an established publication and I didn’t even gather my personal email list of people who I already know. The audience I have is completely organic to Substack and my work on it.
Obviously, it’s not my suggestion that I should necessarily be elevated over other people. I just think it’s interesting how much Substack promotes people with previous establishment experience over those who are working from the ground up on the platform.
Yeah, I agree Andrew. I started my Substack in January of this year and I’m at 138 subscribers and that is JUST FINE. I decided fairly early on that I would not focus on promotion, just on “craft,” until I felt ready. I’m not even sure yet what “ready” means, but I’d like to think I’ll know it when I see it. For now, I’m really gratified by the very frequent conversations I have with fellow Substackers about our shared work, and for the opportunity that it provides me to write regularly for my own purposes.
I appreciate you speaking up about this - certainly not an easy thing to do. I am in a similar boat.. growing slowly, but organically.
I was thinking about the Substack business the other day and of course they value the newsletters with paid subscriptions, because after all, it’s a business, but I must admit -- I’ve reached out to them a few times with some newbie questions and they took to the time to help me through each and every one.
It would be nice to focus on the 0-100 crowd as one of their tiers, but they have been great about individual help.
Keep growing strong and I look forward to reading your work!
For sure, my fundamental point is that if Substack wants to be successful long term, it should focus on some version of this being an interview in 10 years:
“A movie you wrote just made a billion dollars at the box office, to what do you owe your success?”
“Well, I started writing it on Substack and...”
or
“You just exposed one of the biggest political scandals in history, what has helped you do it?”
“I decided to start covering things the mainstream media won’t cover on Substack and...”
Something like this will be much more valuable to Substack’s future.
I write on ecology and the environment. My readers let me know that they wanted more articles on science, book reviews, too. Since I've made the changes because of their feedback, sign-ups for my Substack have more than quadrupled.
I’m just planning in a few more “ask the audience” posts as I’ve seen polls here and I want to try that out... it’s such a spacious and informed way to connect I’m excited!
I had a one-year milestone post back in May where I celebrated making writer friends on Substack and shared plans for future paid subscription! https://valthinks.substack.com/p/one-year
My reflection for this end of Summer 2022, and writing here on Substack and my milestone period, goes like this: A little poem written for late August, early September, Summer's end, and love of the water...Enjoy.
Thanks for sharing these heart-warming and uplifting stories. I'm loving my time here at Substack and congratulations to those who are mentioned here. Well done.
It's great that this is working well. I am still a newie and writing often. Not many subscribers yet, so still free. I'm writing all about my life to date and sharing some great music that is the fabric of my journey so far. If you are a baby boomer, you might get some ideas from me, as I am looking to get ideas from you.
Five types that make up 83.74% of Republicans and examples of each.
Ne'er-do-wells - folks that have lived an advantaged and privileged gilded life without experiencing severe disappointments, tragedies or even tested by adversity. This type is very common among white effeminate males with the southern effete being particularly active in the GOP. Their mode of life has given them little opportunity to come in contact with others outside their elite status. They claim their success is solely because of their hard work but upon close inspection it is not unusual for Ne'er-do-wells to inherit financial resources well beyond most citizens. Also their family riches are often gained by means inconsistent with the highest rules of morality. While often very charming, Ne’er-do-wells can make delightful company however they are delusional regarding the strengths and weaknesses of a pure free market economy. They are totally oblivious to the welfare of others and feel that it is not the responsibility of laissez faire capitalism to feed the hungry, heal the sick, cloth the naked or house the homeless. The answer to every cultural, economic or social problem is to cut their taxes while reducing welfare to the most needy. They resent any concern over poverty or inequality and mock the notion that it is the duty of citizens "to whom much has been given, much is expected". Seldom sees any reason for reform as from their perspective everyone has equal opportunity, liberty and justice. These are advocates of the trickle-down theory and the status-quo ante and cronyism at its most pathological level. Koch brothers, Mitt Romney, Donald Trump, Jeb Bush, Lindsay Graham and Chris Christie.
Philistines - these are insufferable, narrow-minded, intolerant, hypocritical, boorish louts. Rather than read books Philistines prefer to get their political views from bumper stickers and Fox News. Ironically most have benefited from government programs that they are now vehemently against such as: Social Security, Veterans benefits, work place safety, Medicare, Pell Grants, Worker's Compensation and public schools. Best known for loving America while hating Americans they demand the blessings of freedom and liberty for themselves but don't give a damn about freedom and liberty for others. Characteristics are anger, bitterness, despair, pessimism, whining and reckless destructive criticism. Also it is not enough for them to gain power; they demand that people acknowledge that they are right. Common themes are a no compromise attitude for dealing with Democrats, fear of the Affordable Care Act, absolutely no amnesty for illegal immigrants and a pathological hatred of organized labor unions. Also think that the poor have too much money, ketchup is a vegetable, women cannot get pregnant by legitimate rape, global-warming is a hoax and that trees cause pollution. The hottest place in Hell is reserved for these knuckleheads. Rush Limbaugh, Ann Coulter, Sean Hannity, Karl Rove, Herman Cain, Scott Walker Marco Rubio and Rand Paul.
Tom & Tammy Fools - these are crass "family value" hypocrites and crackpots (remember must Newt Gingrich loves families because he started three of them) that are never in doubt but almost always wrong. The TTF type is one of the most numerous of Republican supporters despite the many skeletons in their own closets. These folks believe perception over reality and their emotions trump any facts you may present to them. They are very strident in their tone, hysterical in their negativity and push the boundary with being too sympathetic with bigots, racists and polluters. They are a little beyond comic books but are still not ready for any intelligent or nuanced debate. Other Republican types look to the more notorious TTFs for guidance because they are celebrities who pander to extreme right-wing groups of gun nuts, environmental regulation haters, one-world government plotters, science deniers and other single issue reactionaries. Sad that their notoriety often makes for a remunerative second career well beyond their "sell by" date as Fox News keep rehashing their discredited ideas. The big name TTFs are demagogic rabble-rousers without any tie to reality. Sad but celebrity TTFs are what most Republicans think that a thoughtful person sounds like. Mike Huckabee, Newt Gingrich, Michele Bachmann, Paul Ryan, Rick Santorum and Sarah Palin.
Lunatic fringe - these folks often operate in secret because they believe that government is the enemy. They are the gun nuts with hordes of weapons and ammo waiting for the ubiquitous black helicopters to land and confiscate their assault rifles. While believing the earth is flat and only 6,000 years old, these are mentally deranged rabid anti-government zealots and commonly identify themselves as "sovereign citizens" and thus not under any government jurisdiction. Also in this category are the Posse Comitatus, KKK, White Separatists, Lost Cause fanatics, various "Patriotic" groups and their lunatic fringe survivalist cousins. This group brings home the old saying that rings so true, "when fascism comes to America, it will be wrapped in the flag and carrying a cross." A small number are religious extremists that see themselves as part of the divine plan for the Messiah’s return. Sadly the lunatic fringes draw inspiration from the Philistines and are motivated by the Tom & Tammy Fools. They see themselves as persecuted and victims suffering from imagined injustices with overt hatred for others not like them. They fear gays, the government, people of color and the UN. They do not think of negative consequences to their actions as they feel justified in using violence. Fox News commentators foolishly give succor to the lunatic fringe with their wild accusations and conspiracy theories. Identities are usually hidden until a nightmare atrocity happens. Westboro Baptist members, Ted Nugent, Cliven Bundy, Ted Cruz and numerous armed militia groups operating with their members’ identity concealed.
Chicken Hawks - folks whose knee jerk reaction to most events is to send the military to blow up something. Chicken Hawks wrap themselves in the flag all the while refusing to insist that our war fighters have the training, body armor, steel reinforced Humvees and heavy weapons they require. However they will attach metallic WE SUPPORT THE TROOPS signs on their automobiles, wrap themselves in the flag and claim their patriotism is on a higher level than other Americans. This is perhaps because many were draft dodgers or used their family connections to keep from serving. Their "special" patriotism is to compensate for their own cowardice. However while always a warrior they seldom (if ever) serve as a soldier, sailor, airman or Marine. Also Chicken Hawks never encourage their own son or daughter to serve in the armed forces as they could be put in harm's way. A particularly loathsome variety of Chicken Hawks are those that are also Ne'er-do-wells i.e. George W Bush is the obvious example of this awful toxic combination. Also includes Dick Cheney, Rick Perry and Bill Kristol.
Footnote - The above mentioned five classifications make up 83.74% of Republican activists and give the remaining 16.26% a bad name. These 16.26% are scattered among many types. One in particular is the chamber of commerce and community volunteer type. Usually harmless at the local level, they have a noblesse oblige quality about them and want what they feel is best for their community. They may be over represented as Republicans because while they vote in the Republican primary the secret ballot allows them to vote for a Democrat in the general election. They seldom identify with being a Democrat because of the ridicule from their country club elite friends and golfing buddies. Also too few in number to be worthy of its own type is the evangelical and social conservatives who vote Republican but are environmentally concerned and want to be a good steward of the earth's resources. Occasionally one of the five types will have a road to Damascus epiphany and change their attitude and outlook regarding the hungry, homeless, helpless and hopeless usually late in life or via a death bed confession. In the end though the vitality of democracy depends on popular knowledge of complex questions and America needs the GOP to more than just be the party of aristocracy, oligarchy and aggressive ignorance. So it is.....
Sometimes when a saint is not available, God allows a pragmatic scoundrel to do his work in this world.
I love this! It's so warming to be a part of an ecosystem that still has folks dedicatedly writing years and years later <3
Sometimes when I see these, I feel a bit of internal doubt, like is Substack just going the way of most "open creator platforms," where a small minority at the top are able to capture the vast majority of the value? A) I'm sure some of that is still true, and I'm certainly not an economist, but B) there's still hope and happiness I feel in knowing that the top Substack writers don't seem to be capturing value through sort of "lowest common denominator" content, like the top creators on Youtube; rather, they are sincerely creating work that embodies what they want to be writing and thinking about. I hope this precarious balance can remain and we can continue to have many ecosystems that support each other.
I don't know if this is right, but I hope it is: “As social platforms collapse and websites continue to devolve into carnival-like ad-riddled no-go zones, environments like Substack will evolve into what we can consider, from this vantage point, ‘the future of the internet’s ecosystem.’
Gosh this is such a good point!
Love these regular pieces on the 'hows' and 'whys' of other Substacker's work - really great to learn from. Great also to encounter other writers whose work you might not otherwise see.
Substack is forcing open a reflection space between the ongoing storms on places like Twitter and epistemic bubbles on other SM - and this is so very welcome. And feels like the future is arriving today...
Very welcome indeed!
Reading this post felt a bit discouraging at first. I didn't come to Substack with an established readership from elsewhere. I'm notoriously bad at self-promotion. The focus of my writing is neither mainstream nor an important but undiscovered niche. Does it matter to me how many paid subscribers I have? What is more important, the process of writing with its challenges and joys or some positive feedback that grows exponentially? I decided to hang in there, give it more time, stay committed to a year. I love the community, the Substack "helpers" and support, and the great format. Thank you.
So many of these reflections underscore for me that writing (any art, really) will remain an evolving process for most of us, right up until we die. I'll drop a link to the milestone reflection from Survival by Book, an experienced writer who decided to try creating a scrappy startup of a Substack a few years back. Her reflection is, in part, about being one of those "who started making art two years ago from out of the deep silence of the pandemic." For some of us, that silence forced us to push aside creative blocks that we hadn't realized were there. https://courtneycook.substack.com/p/imagining-trying-and-building
Thanks for sharing, Judith. And, happy 2 years to Courtney!
I appreciate that you are highlighting people who have had some success but I think you should make a point to highlight more creators who don’t necessarily have an established audience.
Several of your milestone roundups are from people who worked at established publications which allowed them to start at Substack and be ahead of many writers who haven’t had this type of audience.
I started my Substack in February 2021 without an established audience and recently passed 100 subscribers. I didn’t have a large audience at an established publication and I didn’t even gather my personal email list of people who I already know. The audience I have is completely organic to Substack and my work on it.
Obviously, it’s not my suggestion that I should necessarily be elevated over other people. I just think it’s interesting how much Substack promotes people with previous establishment experience over those who are working from the ground up on the platform.
Thanks for your feedback, Andrew! It is heard. We want to help celebrate writers at all stages.
Yeah, I agree Andrew. I started my Substack in January of this year and I’m at 138 subscribers and that is JUST FINE. I decided fairly early on that I would not focus on promotion, just on “craft,” until I felt ready. I’m not even sure yet what “ready” means, but I’d like to think I’ll know it when I see it. For now, I’m really gratified by the very frequent conversations I have with fellow Substackers about our shared work, and for the opportunity that it provides me to write regularly for my own purposes.
I appreciate you speaking up about this - certainly not an easy thing to do. I am in a similar boat.. growing slowly, but organically.
I was thinking about the Substack business the other day and of course they value the newsletters with paid subscriptions, because after all, it’s a business, but I must admit -- I’ve reached out to them a few times with some newbie questions and they took to the time to help me through each and every one.
It would be nice to focus on the 0-100 crowd as one of their tiers, but they have been great about individual help.
Keep growing strong and I look forward to reading your work!
For sure, my fundamental point is that if Substack wants to be successful long term, it should focus on some version of this being an interview in 10 years:
“A movie you wrote just made a billion dollars at the box office, to what do you owe your success?”
“Well, I started writing it on Substack and...”
or
“You just exposed one of the biggest political scandals in history, what has helped you do it?”
“I decided to start covering things the mainstream media won’t cover on Substack and...”
Something like this will be much more valuable to Substack’s future.
Hard to disagree with that! Hopefully your voice is heard (no pun intended). Happy to help where I can as well - just let me know!
Loved this.
I write on ecology and the environment. My readers let me know that they wanted more articles on science, book reviews, too. Since I've made the changes because of their feedback, sign-ups for my Substack have more than quadrupled.
I’m just planning in a few more “ask the audience” posts as I’ve seen polls here and I want to try that out... it’s such a spacious and informed way to connect I’m excited!
Fully loved it. Those stories... Amazing...
This is so cool! Thank you for featuring “my commitment to writing” piece. What a pleasant surprise 😊
If I may plug my own reflections on becoming a full-time Substack writer, and how to grow:
https://karlstack.substack.com/p/the-state-of-karlstack-523
Since I wrote this article 2 weeks ago my paid subscribers have gone from 82 to 96! Soon I will hit 100!
I had a one-year milestone post back in May where I celebrated making writer friends on Substack and shared plans for future paid subscription! https://valthinks.substack.com/p/one-year
My reflection for this end of Summer 2022, and writing here on Substack and my milestone period, goes like this: A little poem written for late August, early September, Summer's end, and love of the water...Enjoy.
~Ole Gulf Waters
Florida miming, Sunshine go!
Washing, rinsing, head to toe,
Ole Gulf Waters ebb and flow.
Sun Bath on whiteness sand,
I smell a heavy salted hand…
And feet, and lips,
And bosom taut with seaweed grit.
Heads in deep--bottoms-up,
Immersing in Her
Warm-womb-cup.
Calling all to Her lap,
Ole Gulf Waters...
A nectar-sap!
Thanks for sharing these heart-warming and uplifting stories. I'm loving my time here at Substack and congratulations to those who are mentioned here. Well done.
It's great that this is working well. I am still a newie and writing often. Not many subscribers yet, so still free. I'm writing all about my life to date and sharing some great music that is the fabric of my journey so far. If you are a baby boomer, you might get some ideas from me, as I am looking to get ideas from you.
Five types that make up 83.74% of Republicans and examples of each.
Ne'er-do-wells - folks that have lived an advantaged and privileged gilded life without experiencing severe disappointments, tragedies or even tested by adversity. This type is very common among white effeminate males with the southern effete being particularly active in the GOP. Their mode of life has given them little opportunity to come in contact with others outside their elite status. They claim their success is solely because of their hard work but upon close inspection it is not unusual for Ne'er-do-wells to inherit financial resources well beyond most citizens. Also their family riches are often gained by means inconsistent with the highest rules of morality. While often very charming, Ne’er-do-wells can make delightful company however they are delusional regarding the strengths and weaknesses of a pure free market economy. They are totally oblivious to the welfare of others and feel that it is not the responsibility of laissez faire capitalism to feed the hungry, heal the sick, cloth the naked or house the homeless. The answer to every cultural, economic or social problem is to cut their taxes while reducing welfare to the most needy. They resent any concern over poverty or inequality and mock the notion that it is the duty of citizens "to whom much has been given, much is expected". Seldom sees any reason for reform as from their perspective everyone has equal opportunity, liberty and justice. These are advocates of the trickle-down theory and the status-quo ante and cronyism at its most pathological level. Koch brothers, Mitt Romney, Donald Trump, Jeb Bush, Lindsay Graham and Chris Christie.
Philistines - these are insufferable, narrow-minded, intolerant, hypocritical, boorish louts. Rather than read books Philistines prefer to get their political views from bumper stickers and Fox News. Ironically most have benefited from government programs that they are now vehemently against such as: Social Security, Veterans benefits, work place safety, Medicare, Pell Grants, Worker's Compensation and public schools. Best known for loving America while hating Americans they demand the blessings of freedom and liberty for themselves but don't give a damn about freedom and liberty for others. Characteristics are anger, bitterness, despair, pessimism, whining and reckless destructive criticism. Also it is not enough for them to gain power; they demand that people acknowledge that they are right. Common themes are a no compromise attitude for dealing with Democrats, fear of the Affordable Care Act, absolutely no amnesty for illegal immigrants and a pathological hatred of organized labor unions. Also think that the poor have too much money, ketchup is a vegetable, women cannot get pregnant by legitimate rape, global-warming is a hoax and that trees cause pollution. The hottest place in Hell is reserved for these knuckleheads. Rush Limbaugh, Ann Coulter, Sean Hannity, Karl Rove, Herman Cain, Scott Walker Marco Rubio and Rand Paul.
Tom & Tammy Fools - these are crass "family value" hypocrites and crackpots (remember must Newt Gingrich loves families because he started three of them) that are never in doubt but almost always wrong. The TTF type is one of the most numerous of Republican supporters despite the many skeletons in their own closets. These folks believe perception over reality and their emotions trump any facts you may present to them. They are very strident in their tone, hysterical in their negativity and push the boundary with being too sympathetic with bigots, racists and polluters. They are a little beyond comic books but are still not ready for any intelligent or nuanced debate. Other Republican types look to the more notorious TTFs for guidance because they are celebrities who pander to extreme right-wing groups of gun nuts, environmental regulation haters, one-world government plotters, science deniers and other single issue reactionaries. Sad that their notoriety often makes for a remunerative second career well beyond their "sell by" date as Fox News keep rehashing their discredited ideas. The big name TTFs are demagogic rabble-rousers without any tie to reality. Sad but celebrity TTFs are what most Republicans think that a thoughtful person sounds like. Mike Huckabee, Newt Gingrich, Michele Bachmann, Paul Ryan, Rick Santorum and Sarah Palin.
Lunatic fringe - these folks often operate in secret because they believe that government is the enemy. They are the gun nuts with hordes of weapons and ammo waiting for the ubiquitous black helicopters to land and confiscate their assault rifles. While believing the earth is flat and only 6,000 years old, these are mentally deranged rabid anti-government zealots and commonly identify themselves as "sovereign citizens" and thus not under any government jurisdiction. Also in this category are the Posse Comitatus, KKK, White Separatists, Lost Cause fanatics, various "Patriotic" groups and their lunatic fringe survivalist cousins. This group brings home the old saying that rings so true, "when fascism comes to America, it will be wrapped in the flag and carrying a cross." A small number are religious extremists that see themselves as part of the divine plan for the Messiah’s return. Sadly the lunatic fringes draw inspiration from the Philistines and are motivated by the Tom & Tammy Fools. They see themselves as persecuted and victims suffering from imagined injustices with overt hatred for others not like them. They fear gays, the government, people of color and the UN. They do not think of negative consequences to their actions as they feel justified in using violence. Fox News commentators foolishly give succor to the lunatic fringe with their wild accusations and conspiracy theories. Identities are usually hidden until a nightmare atrocity happens. Westboro Baptist members, Ted Nugent, Cliven Bundy, Ted Cruz and numerous armed militia groups operating with their members’ identity concealed.
Chicken Hawks - folks whose knee jerk reaction to most events is to send the military to blow up something. Chicken Hawks wrap themselves in the flag all the while refusing to insist that our war fighters have the training, body armor, steel reinforced Humvees and heavy weapons they require. However they will attach metallic WE SUPPORT THE TROOPS signs on their automobiles, wrap themselves in the flag and claim their patriotism is on a higher level than other Americans. This is perhaps because many were draft dodgers or used their family connections to keep from serving. Their "special" patriotism is to compensate for their own cowardice. However while always a warrior they seldom (if ever) serve as a soldier, sailor, airman or Marine. Also Chicken Hawks never encourage their own son or daughter to serve in the armed forces as they could be put in harm's way. A particularly loathsome variety of Chicken Hawks are those that are also Ne'er-do-wells i.e. George W Bush is the obvious example of this awful toxic combination. Also includes Dick Cheney, Rick Perry and Bill Kristol.
Footnote - The above mentioned five classifications make up 83.74% of Republican activists and give the remaining 16.26% a bad name. These 16.26% are scattered among many types. One in particular is the chamber of commerce and community volunteer type. Usually harmless at the local level, they have a noblesse oblige quality about them and want what they feel is best for their community. They may be over represented as Republicans because while they vote in the Republican primary the secret ballot allows them to vote for a Democrat in the general election. They seldom identify with being a Democrat because of the ridicule from their country club elite friends and golfing buddies. Also too few in number to be worthy of its own type is the evangelical and social conservatives who vote Republican but are environmentally concerned and want to be a good steward of the earth's resources. Occasionally one of the five types will have a road to Damascus epiphany and change their attitude and outlook regarding the hungry, homeless, helpless and hopeless usually late in life or via a death bed confession. In the end though the vitality of democracy depends on popular knowledge of complex questions and America needs the GOP to more than just be the party of aristocracy, oligarchy and aggressive ignorance. So it is.....
Sometimes when a saint is not available, God allows a pragmatic scoundrel to do his work in this world.