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Katie @ Substack's avatar

Happy 70th Office Hours! As we look ahead, what support do you need more of? How might the Substack community be able to help? Share your ideas.

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Ted Levi Toldman's avatar

Katie @ Substack, Congratulations to all your team members, and thank you for just being here and creating something great!

The only thing I've encountered here and am having difficulty with is finding a feedback form to send a request to the support team. But on the other hand, if the form is in a conspicuous place, people will be too lazy to figure things out on their own and will write a bunch of simple and insignificant questions. And this is already causing a fuss.

I think that in the form in which Substack exists now, with its pluses and insignificant, almost nonexistent minuses, it is ideal. God forbid this site will develop only for the better. Amen 🍀

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Medha Murtagh's avatar

This! I've been looking for a way to contact support to ask some questions and haven't found anything. Are you saying there is a form?

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Terry Freedman's avatar

This is great, thanks. I didn't know about this

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Michael Mohr's avatar

🔥🔥❤️

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Robert C. Gilbert's avatar

More features to promote writers looking to build an audience and perhaps a de-emphasis on writers that have already very well-established audiences. From personal experience, being featured on Substack Reads turbo-charged my publication and got me almost 200 subscribers in 48 hours. Off the top of my head, I can think of at least six writers whose work should be far better-known than it is.

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Charlie Rogers's avatar

Totally here for this. Promoting the less well known future success stories over those who already have an audience would be SUPER useful.

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Renée Eli, Ph.D.'s avatar

Agreed, Charlie.

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Sarah Styf's avatar

Yes! I would love a feature. We all know that social media is a mess and having a way to get our names out there because we believe we have quality content would be SO helpful. Or even a way to apply to get featured.

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Sarah Miller's avatar

You can recommend a newsletter to be featured (including your own) here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScs-yyToUvWUXIUuIfxz17dmZfzpNp5g7Gw7JUgzbFEhSxsvw/viewform

"Featured" doesn't necessarily = Substack Reads. There are various ways they highlight newsletters; Substack Reads is just one of them.

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Tomi Daniel's avatar

Thanks, Sarah. Will check it out. And I just subscribed to your newsletter. Looks interesting and could be a good complement to what some of my subscribers read from me.

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Sarah Miller's avatar

Aw, thanks!

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Joan DeMartin's avatar

Thanks Sarah, I'm going to recommend my newsletter right now:-) !

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Sabrina LaBow's avatar

I just followed link and recommended myself! Thank you!

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Wendi Gordon's avatar

Thank you, Sarah. I did not know that and appreciate you sharing the link.

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Jacky Power's avatar

I didn’t know about this, thank you!!

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Kevin Alexander's avatar

Thanks for this!

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Sam W's avatar

I had no idea that was a thing! I went and put one in. Thanks so much for including this link!

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Terry Freedman's avatar

thanks, Sarah

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Sarah Styf's avatar

Thank you for this!

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Jo Huber's avatar

Thank you, Sarah.

@Medha: if you see this, I've just recommended 'Great Things'. Best of luck, you deserve a bit more exposure!

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Ted Levi Toldman's avatar

Thank you, Sarah.

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StockOpine's avatar

Thank you Sarah for providing this link. Was not aware of it but we just added our publication.

We feel that finance community should be aware of our equity research reports.

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Wendi Gordon's avatar

Not all social media is a mess. Yes, Twitter is a toxic cesspool I'm glad I left months ago, and Facebook is has more ads than posts and its privacy policies are horrible. I'm not on IG or TikTok and don't want to be. But Post and Mastodon are awesome and have a lot of high quality content and kind people willing to help newcomers figure out how to use them.

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Sarah Styf's avatar

I'm excited to spend more time on Post once summer hits. I'm still posting there, but not really making the connections I want to make yet. And I loved IG before they changed all of the algorithms, but it looks like they may be correcting some of that now.

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De's avatar

Having troubles with both Mastodon (sign-ins) and Post says I have to subscribe to someone there but not found way to get my publication on the site

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Tomi Daniel's avatar

Ha! Did not even know about Post and Mastodon. I will check them out to see how those work. Thanks for sharing.

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Vicki Smith's avatar

Me neither!

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Diane Hatz's avatar

totally agree! I've been getting really frustrated at seeing all these big names just getting bigger when smaller pubs like yours (and mine) have content just as good!

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Sarah Styf's avatar

Well, I'll definitely be putting in the recommendation for mine now. I'm glad Substack is growing, but it also gives them more newsletters to go through to highlight. But yes! You have had some amazing pieces.

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Diane Hatz's avatar

(I already submitted myself - maybe it's time we both get more brazen....)

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Sarah Styf's avatar

Recommended both of mine, using the other Substack to recommend ;-) This introverted Enneagram 1w9 struggles with self-promotion, but I also know that it is a necessary evil in the creative space.

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Claire Venus ✨'s avatar

Oh yes an application request would be good. I sometimes look to see how long folks have been writing but there doesn’t seem any rhyme or reason?

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Sarah Styf's avatar

I think that's just ALL of writing 😂

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Lacey Delayne's avatar

Yes yes yes

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Suw Charman-Anderson's avatar

Totally agree! Perhaps a regular "New to Substack" post that looks at newsletters with under 250 subscribers?

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Wendi Gordon's avatar

Agree about a regular post highlighting newsletters with under 250 subscribers, but would not want it called "New to Substack." Some of us aren't that new and still have <250. Maybe "Hidden Gems" or "Lesser Known Newsletters Worth Checking Out" or something.

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Faith Christine Bergevin's avatar

I second that - Hidden Gems sounds nice :)

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Mark Isero's avatar

I like this idea a lot – especially the distinction between “new” and “hidden gems.”

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Jo Huber's avatar

'Hidden Gems' sounds lovely!

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Ted Levi Toldman's avatar

I think the phrase "Lesser-known newsletters to look out for" is perfect.

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Suw Charman-Anderson's avatar

You're right, smaller newsletters aren't necessarily new. And I'm sure that Substack could improve on every aspect of my comment if they chose to go that route.

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Cindy's avatar

Great idea!

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Diane Hatz's avatar

Not sure why 250. I have under 500 and struggle as much as those with 1 subscriber.... I think it could even be under 1000 and based on the article, not the writer's resume, niche, or whatever....

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Scott Weinzirl's avatar

Definitely. I'm still trying to break 20, but I know that 500 isn't a lot. Good comment.

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Suw Charman-Anderson's avatar

It was a random number that seemed reasonable, but if it isn't much better with 500, or even 1000, then those would be good numbers for them to look at. I'm sure Substack has some sort of data about at what number of subscribers growth supports itself. I only have 175 on one newsletter and 117 on another, so I feel the pain of trying to grow!

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Diane Hatz's avatar

I brought some people in from another mailing list I had so that's probably why I struggle also. I've switched to a different topic and even though I cleaned out over 100 old subscribers that weren't opening emails, I could probably get rid of more. It is what it is. I take it as the universe telling me to get back to writing my next book!....

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Suw Charman-Anderson's avatar

I started one Substack, Why Aren't I Writing?, from scratch, and the other, Word Count I ported over from Mailerlite and thankfully only lost 1 subscriber in the move. But subscriptions have slowed down and it's hard to know how to reach the right people when Twitter's so useless and people rarely click links on Facebook!

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E.R. Flynn's avatar

An excellent idea! I know from my own experience its been a long climb just to get past 200 subscribers. It would be nice to get a little notice for all our hard work.

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Greg Leveille's avatar

Absolutely. I've hoping that Substack would add this.

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Michael Swartz's avatar

I would definitely qualify on that...at the moment I would just like to break the 30 subscriber barrier on my "home" site that's been tantalizingly close for a couple months (stuck on 29) and double digits on my baseball Substack.

I like the low barrier to entry for Substack (after paying for my own domain for 17 years) but it seems like the same old writing conundrum where 1% of the writers have 30 to 40 percent of the subscribers. I don't need 10,000 subscribers but 1,000 paying would be nice as I get closer to retirement.

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Ted Levi Toldman's avatar

Good idea!

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David's avatar

love this idea!

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Kevin Alexander's avatar

Yes please! I wish I could like this more than once. There’s a LOT of great writing that deserves to be in the spotlight.

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Bailey @ Substack's avatar

Tell us the 6 people!

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Robert C. Gilbert's avatar

Kate Raphael / The Overshare - https://kateraphael.substack.com/

[unsure who the writer is here] / Ooof! Bong! - https://ooofbong.substack.com/

William Poulos / Cosy Moments - https://williampoulos.substack.com/

Renee Faber / The Creator's Compass - https://thecreatorscompass.substack.com/

Tom Moon - Echo Locator - https://echolocator.substack.com/

Brandon Pytel / Planet Days - https://planetdays.substack.com/

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Kevin Alexander's avatar

Huge +1 for The Overshare!

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Celeste Tsang's avatar

This is going on my list to read later. Thanks Robert!

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Jo Huber's avatar

Thanks Robert!

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onecloud's avatar

all interesting

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Diane Hatz's avatar

Not to push myself, but I've written some really good articles, have been part of the community for over 2 years, and have never been mentioned once. I don't understand the criteria and what I need to do to join the club....

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Robert C. Gilbert's avatar

One big thing for me was taking part in Substack Go last year, which was a series of workshops with fellow writers, which was the beginning of the slow, but steady, growth of my newsletter. I understand that similar opportunities may be in the offering soon - I would keep your eyes and ears peeled and sign up.

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Diane Hatz's avatar

I took part in it also and didn't have the success other people did obviously. I'm happy it worked out for you. Oh - I just wrote on Ode to Bruce Springsteen about my years seeing him.... I guess the universe is just letting me know it's not time year for my stack to take off....

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Faith Christine Bergevin's avatar

Thanks for sharing. I'm glad it worked out for you. I am 6 months in and sometimes overwhelming with all the offerings. It's been enough to just commit to writing every week.

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Trevor Knell's avatar

I was part of that last year too, really enjoyed it and started me off meeting writers in my field. Learnt a lot from it and then being featured on the Substack home page late last year sent my free subscriptions flying over the 500 mark which has really helped me out a lot.

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Wendi Gordon's avatar

So many wonderful newsletters worth highlighting. In addition to mine, two others that come to mind immediately are "Human Stuff" by Lisa Olivera and "My Sweet Dumb Brain" by Katie Hawkins Gear.

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Dahlia Rimmon's avatar

Thanks for sharing!

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David's avatar

thank you for posting this - I have been a loyal Substacker for 2 years and all of my growth is organic. Having no social media (mental health first) I grow slowly. A shoutout to the long term regulars be very appreciated.

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Dahlia Rimmon's avatar

Love that you asked!! :)

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Glenn Cook's avatar

Agree wholeheartedly. Like many writers, I sometimes feel like I'm on my own little island of one. My writing/photos are all over the place, and I recognize that not having a specific niche is likely not to get them featured. At the same time, I also think there's good stuff in there that deserves a wider audience.

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Good Humor by CK Steefel's avatar

Pick me! Pick me! I would love to be featured. How does one get their site on the Substack Reads?

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Robert C. Gilbert's avatar

I think with each digest that is sent on Saturday, there's a chance to suggest publications to feature. If not, I would add a comment in the hopes of getting some visibility.

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Ehud Neor's avatar

Start by putting on a wig. :)

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Good Humor by CK Steefel's avatar

Haha. The clip ons are amazing. I wish falls would come back in style. My mom wore it well in the 60s.

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Jimmy Gleeson's avatar

Or an odd hat?

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Jo Huber's avatar

Done both, didn't work 😉

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Ehud Neor's avatar

I was giving her a silent shout out for her last piece, which is about losing hair. She is really funny.

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Terry Freedman's avatar

Just out of interest, Robert, how did you come to be featured there? Was it random, or is there a process? I just keep writing what I think is good stuff and hope someone on high will pick up on it!

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Robert C. Gilbert's avatar

I had the very lucky fortune of having a fellow Substacker recommend me to be included, which happens occasionally still.

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Terry Freedman's avatar

Very nice. By the way, are you familiar with Brad Kyle's substack? He writes about music too.

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Robert C. Gilbert's avatar

Yes indeed! I am a fan!

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Sabrina LaBow's avatar

I just keep writing compelling content that moves readers. Just keep doing it consistently over and over. Every day if possible.

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Scott Weinzirl's avatar

Subscribed.

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Terry Freedman's avatar

Looks interesting. I've subscribed.

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Sue Ferrera's avatar

Terry, I just subscribed to your newsletter. All this time I thought I was subscribed to you, haha! I read Dear Rebecca and I'll look forward to reading through your work! I just posted this but I don't think I posted it as a response to you so I'm reposting it.

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Sue Ferrera's avatar

Terry, I just subscribed. All this time I thought I was subscribed to you, haha! I read Dear Rebecca and I'll look forward to reading through your work!

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Felix Purat's avatar

People seem to have said what needs to be said. Just adding my two cents: I agree when it comes to helping the little guy. And not just because I'm a little guy. :P Nowadays, when there is a lot of stagnation in the arts, Substack is in a position where it can truly make a big difference in influencing the course of culture. Helping the little guys rise is a crucial part of that.

Other than that, no other complaints I think. In general I feel like you guys really want us to succeed, and while that's only one step it makes a big difference.

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Dahlia Rimmon's avatar

Love this, Felix!

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Scott Weinzirl's avatar

Excellent comment, Robert. Yes, getting some pub for us little fish would be nice. I probably get a just a views coming from Substack but the I was hoping for a little more at this point. I'll just keep writing and posting where I can.

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Ted Levi Toldman's avatar

The main thing is to keep writing, that's the most important thing.

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Chevanne Scordinsky's avatar

Agreed. We maintain a pyramid where a select few stay at the top with little predictability for mobility.

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Andrew Paul Koole's avatar

I've been pleasantly surprised by the mix of popular and small newsletters highlighted in Substack Reads. But you're right—the smaller ones (look over here!) could use the help.

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Ted Levi Toldman's avatar

True!👍

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Scott Weinzirl's avatar

just subscribed to you, Andrew.

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Jo Huber's avatar

Just seen Garfield...

Subscribed!

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Jefferson Graham's avatar

How do you get featured in Substack Reads?

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Robert C. Gilbert's avatar

There's opportunities to recommend publications - it was a great stroke of luck that I was able to be featured.

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Kevin Alexander's avatar

Yes please! I wish I could like this more than once. There’s a LOT of great writing that deserves to be in the spotlight.

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Dahlia Rimmon's avatar

Great idea!

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Nathan Slake's avatar

This would be really great. I realise this is a slow and steady process (for me, anyway), but absolutely agree!

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Rachel Katz's avatar

Congrats on #70 to the Substack Community team!

I'm wondering, as office hours grow, if there is a way to break it up into smaller threads, and/or change the format to something more chat-oriented. I find myself spending a lot of time scrolling here, and feeling overwhelmed by the amount of comments, the speed of comments, and the organization of comments in threads. I find myself focusing on certain sub-conversations, which works pretty well, but also make me wonder if those sub-conversations could happen on e.g. topic-oriented Discord channels or something.

This seems like more of a long-term/larger change, but wanted to throw it out there, and also see what other writers think!

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Ehud Neor's avatar

I'll tell you what I do. I just scroll and chip in here and there. It's kind of like the experience with substack as a whole. You know there are thousands of excellent writers that you will never see, so you nurture the first ones you connect with.

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Luann Akaydin's avatar

how do you make it work for you if you have an actual question?

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Rachel Katz's avatar

I feel you on this. I do think that if you post early, your question might get answered. There's just too many of us asking, which I guess is a good problem!

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Tomi Daniel's avatar

Also, I find answers to my questions from others as I scroll through the comments.

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Blessed To Be's avatar

Patiently

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Jo Huber's avatar

like sampling the buffet, you mean?

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Ehud Neor's avatar

Yes. Exactly. Thanks for demonstrating to me how I could have commented with three words.

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Donna McArthur's avatar

Good advice. So easy to go down the rabbit hole as I want to read all-the-things every week!!

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Amanda B. Hinton's avatar

I would ignore all my worldly duties if there was an Office Hours for writers in the "Literature" genre.

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Ehud Neor's avatar

Just start a new thread. (comment above all the other comments). You'll see if there is interest. Then you can schedule a chat thread on the app.

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Dr. John Rutledge's avatar

Same for an office hours for economics/investing/markets

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Adrian Purchas's avatar

You mean like George Saunders who offers such a thing as an incredible writer? Look it up - it will change your world!

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Claire Venus ✨'s avatar

Haha right!

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Michael Mohr's avatar

Ohhhh good point 🙌🙌

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E.R. Flynn's avatar

Agreed. I'd love to see one for all the artists and cartoonists here.

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Penny Kiley's avatar

Yes, I find it hard to navigate and I always worry I am missing something.

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Andy @Revkin's avatar

I agree. Even better would be what (yes) Meta did periodically when Bulletin.com was being built. Having a live form where we human-being writers could interact with each other and human-being developers and coders. It was all more beta than Substack, of course, and only about 100 writers, so scale might be an issue but I think if there were focused sessions that wouldn't be a problem. Of course, Zuck shut it down in any case but I really liked meeting peers, actual conversation - once in awhile!

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LeeAnn Ostia's avatar

would be so nice to see some faces

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Rachel Katz's avatar

Tooootally! Hard to imagine how a Zoom would work, but I would be very game to try....

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Terry Freedman's avatar

OMG Can you imagine a zoom chat with 700 other people? 😂

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Jacky Power's avatar

Who all have stories to tell!!

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Kevin Alexander's avatar

Substack has done this previously- where they hosted Zoom calls for writers and did it by subject. After the main chat, there were breakout rooms for smaller groups of 3-4 people. I was able to attend one for music writers, and it was really fun.

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Andy @Revkin's avatar

I'd be happy to host some kind of writers' jam on my Sustain What platform off and on - public or private and always focused on crosstalk. By the way, despite my main focus on sustainability and resilience, I did dozens and dozens on music: http://j.mp/sustainwhatsundays

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Diane Hatz's avatar

I've starting collapsing threads. And I'll just end when I have to get to other work. I've found it impossible to get through all of the feed anymore....

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Ehud Neor's avatar

You are so brave! Collapsing threads. Even the sound of it makes me tremble!

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Diane Hatz's avatar

oh, no! try it - it makes going through this massive thread so much easier. and you can always expand it back. that's so i don't keep reading the same things....

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Ehud Neor's avatar

Will do!

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Rachel Katz's avatar

LOL

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Luann Akaydin's avatar

I completely agree!

1st time here, cannot find anything.

Based on this experience I wouldn't want to repeat.

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Rachel Katz's avatar

It does get easier as you get used to it. I had to force myself to do a few before I got the hang of it, and I'm glad I did in the end.

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Ron Parks's avatar

Hi Rae, I totally agree.

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Claire Venus ✨'s avatar

I just play spin the wheel and scroll down a few times then chip in but yeah it’s a lot now!

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Bob Sassone's avatar

It would be good if there was an obvious way to contact tech support, both for writers and readers, if there's a problem. There's no contact info for tech support on the site. The contact page (https://substack.com/contact) only has email addresses for press, etc. It says that tech support can handle support questions but for some reason doesn't give an email address!

Bob

http://www.bobsassone.com

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Erin Bowman's avatar

I had to google how to get tech support last time because like you, I could not track down contact info.

I found this page, which let me submit a request (much like opening a support ticket), and someone got back to me very promptly.

https://support.substack.com/hc/en-us/requests/new

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Vicki Kunkel's avatar

I wonder if they only reply to substackers of a certain level. Four days ago I submitted a ticket via the online form. When I didn't hear back two days later, I emailed support@substack.com. A day later, when I STILL heard nothing, I pinged on Twitter.

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Medha Murtagh's avatar

I hope not. I just looked at the 'submit a request' page and it said they are experiencing higher than usual requests. I hope it's that instead of the deprioritising of smaller pubs.

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Ted Levi Toldman's avatar

Thank you so much, that was very helpful!

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Terry Freedman's avatar

that's very useful, thanks. It took me nearly a month last time to finally get a sensible response

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Diane Hatz's avatar

I just email support@substack.com when I have an issue. It takes ages now for an answer, but they'll get back.

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Terry Freedman's avatar

That's a bit slow though I think

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Diane Hatz's avatar

oh, yeah, super slow. i've been finding everything slow these days (and need to learn more patience) so just get on with other things until i hear back....

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Medha Murtagh's avatar

You are obviously better at googling than me, coz I tried and dind't find any contact info! Thanks for sharing.

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Erin Bowman's avatar

ha! I don't remember what my search term was, but I got lucky!

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Jo Huber's avatar

thank you, Erin.

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Sabrina LaBow's avatar

That's fabulous. Thanks for posting!

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Bob Sassone's avatar

I came upon that page accidentally one day, heh. But I don't think it's obvious to find. I sent a support ticket several months ago and never got a response. Sent an email to support a few days ago and haven't heard back yet. Wish me luck!

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Erin Bowman's avatar

Ugh! That’s so frustrating. I’m sorry. I’ve only had to use it the once, and had good results, but maybe I got lucky.

Might be worth trying again...? Hard to say.

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Vicki Kunkel's avatar

I had the same issue. Tried their online form, emailing "support@substack.com" and even hitting them up on Twitter. Crickets. For four days now.

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Sabrina LaBow's avatar

I think it's most likely because they have too many people reaching out. Not sure if they have a bot answering or if it's a human.

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Diane Hatz's avatar

It's a human - I have a particular issue right now and it took at least a week each email, but they're at least looking into it.

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Ted Levi Toldman's avatar

Yes, I had the same story.

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Ramona Grigg's avatar

I've always had great responses by emailing them at support at Substack dot com. They're kind of short-staffed, I think, but very nice and very helpful. But often it takes a while.

Substack has grown so much in the past year or so and they're swamped!

I can see that at Office Hours now. As I'm writing this there are 412 comments and Office Hours hasn't even opened yet!

This is a good place to ask if you're having problems. You'll get good answers here, too.

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Donna McArthur's avatar

Also if you’re a beginner writer, or any kind of writer, you can follow Ramona because she did a great series on how to get started on Substack, very helpful. She is creating a great community over on her space and is committed to helping other writers succeed.

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Ramona Grigg's avatar

Thanks so much, Donna. I'm always happy to help newbies and to talk about writing with everyone!

https://writereverlasting.substack.com/

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Medha Murtagh's avatar

I joined right when it theoretically started and there were already 706 comments.

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David C.'s avatar

Who isn't short staffed these days. The post office, at least in my area is. I got my mail delivered one day this week at 9:00 PM(!)

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Jo Huber's avatar

i'm happy to hear that... i don't even have a post office where i live; i spent half a day trying to fill out forms online just to send my newsletter's giveaway prize to my reader!

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Michael Woudenberg's avatar

I just hit up support@substack.com and get responses right away!

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Bob Sassone's avatar

Yes, but I don't see that email on the contact page (or anywhere else).

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Michael Woudenberg's avatar

haha. True. I just guessed it based on typical support emails!

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Kevin Alexander's avatar

Same. They’re literally helping me work through an issue as I type this.

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Medha Murtagh's avatar

That's good to know given how many people are saying they have gotten no response.

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Joshua Doležal's avatar

Response times really vary.

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Terry Freedman's avatar

Brill

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Fran Gardner's avatar

Wait a minute! Here we are talking about how hard it is to get support from a company that takes 10% of everything we make. And they are short staffed? It’s not like they don’t have the money to hire some staff. I have some big questions about how to format my posts and I am getting nowhere with finding answers.

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Blessed To Be's avatar

I seem to remember we are pretty free (on our own) with formatting. So far, I found options pretty limited. We can size our headings. We can add art, and photos.

My guess is more options will be coming. I'm just working within the known parameters, until and/or unless something better comes along.

I feel very blessed to have Substack to get my words out!

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Vicki Kunkel's avatar

I'm not able to post at all...so that is a definite hit to my business. Yet, they seem not to care.

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Blessed To Be's avatar

I'm assuming you selected the "post" button. Mine worked 3 of 4 times. But, I think there's one more button (I can't remember what it said), like 'continue' or something. Anyway, I probably didn't wait long enough to see the second button to confirm my 'post' request. Maybe my excitement got the best of me.

--this may be what happened.

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Vicki Kunkel's avatar

This issue is I cannot get past the CONTINUE button because the system freezes up at that point. And, before you ask, yes, I have rebooted the computer, cleared my cache, and closed out and relaunched the Substack app.

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Vicki Kunkel's avatar

LOL. Yes. I've posted multiple times before successfully. The system from up on me and seemingly deleted my posts. Yes, I know how to post.

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Fran Gardner's avatar

My issue, if anyone cares, is that the poetry block stopped working properly. I couldn’t enter a new headline under my poem without the whole poem defaulting to the headline style. Multiple returns didn’t fix it. Reformatting the poem in Word and repasting didn’t fix it. I finally just removed the poem so I could write the rest of the post.

Good luck finding support for a minor issue like this. A two-minute conversation with a knowledgeable CS agent would probably clear it up. But Substack is apparently too cheap for that.

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Sue Deagle's avatar

Yes!! I asked this question below but maybe it belongs in this tech support seciton:

Friends have reported suddenly no longer receiving my newsletter. They haven't unsubscribed, they've checked spam and promotions folders. How can I help them??

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De's avatar

Yes Bob, I have continued issues with Comment pages on computer sites shutting down and sites loading up on phone for Office Hours segments

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Ted Levi Toldman's avatar

Yes, Bob, it really is. I also recently tried to contact tech support but found no mail, no form, absolutely nothing.

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Brad Kyle's avatar

There's a little blue "Help" button that shows up on my 'Stack Dashboard page. I'm guessing your D-board page, too.

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Bob Sassone's avatar

That's not tech support, just a search/link to support documentation.

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Brad Kyle's avatar

Oh. It's never occurred to me to push it. I guess I've never needed anything even resembling help.

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Steve Goldberg's avatar

You self-sufficient, man of all knowledge!:) I just had to tease "never needing anything resembling help...:)

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Brad Kyle's avatar

Oh, believe me, I only mean here on the 'Stack! As I once heard a comedian say, "I'm usually walking around with my head in a sling!"😁

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Medha Murtagh's avatar

So much yes to this commment!

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Brian Reindel 👾⚔️'s avatar

I think it's been awhile since anyone asked, but any plans on adding tip jar functionality instead of subscriptions?

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Bob Merberg's avatar

I like this idea, too. I can understand arguments against it, which include the possibility that tip jars devalue paid subscriptions. But I think there's something to be said for giving authors the option.

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Good Humor by CK Steefel's avatar

True but a tip jar is like an invisible sliding scale for the public. I would welcome anyone who can afford a big tip. Hello mama.

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Bob Merberg's avatar

I'm all for tip jars. And I believe it makes sense for Substack to offer them as an option... because if more substackers start using "Buy Me Coffee" (which I eventually may do), it cuts Substack out of the transaction. In fact, I once heard that this violates Substack's Terms of Service, though I haven't checked yet.

I just think it's wise to be strategic. If someone gives me a big tip — say, $30 — it feels like a win. And, to some extent, it is. But it's not as much of a win (from a business perspective) compared to the same person paying $60 for a subscription over the same period.

Maybe that's not a choice people make. I don't know. Just some stuff to consider. :)

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Howard Marler Museum's avatar

Or perhaps both, that would allow for tips from your free subscribers and from people looking. It could also allow for giving a writer something extra for a really good piece, maybe?

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Good Humor by CK Steefel's avatar

Yes. I just need a billionaire to like a story.

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Howard Marler Museum's avatar

Or several of them!

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Ali Griffin Vingiano's avatar

I second this!

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Medha Murtagh's avatar

Even if they don't formally add the functionality, you could always create a custom button and link it to 'buy me a coffee' or kofi etc.

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Diane Hatz's avatar

in the buttons drop down you can create your own button. you have to have a ko-fi etc account, but put in the url and write whatever text you want for the button. Put it into your posts. It's pretty simple once you do it.

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Medha Murtagh's avatar

Exactly! Although you would need to set up an account with another software company designed to receive the donations. As an example this is the page I set up on kofi: https://ko-fi.com/medha/commissions

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Diane Hatz's avatar

yes! (that's what I meant about having another account like ko-fi) - that has to be set up first.

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Erin Bowman's avatar

Yes yes yes! I would love this so very much.

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Vincent Tangkilisan's avatar

Would love this!!

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Claire Kirby's avatar

Yes to a tip jar! Maybe with the added functionality of a customizable button either within posts or on the homepage (something like we have for what used to be "let me read it first").

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Emma Goulding's avatar

You can do that- it came up a week or two ago. I think it's in settings... you can change it back to 'let me read it first' or something else.

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Jo Huber's avatar

yes, liking this one.

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Good Humor by CK Steefel's avatar

Great idea!

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Mark Isero's avatar

I’ve used Buy Me a Coffee before and have had some readers tip who wouldn’t otherwise subscribe monthly. But overall I see Substack’s point in urging $5/month subscriptions.

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Andy @Revkin's avatar

I think this makes sense but understand businesss-model folks who want to lock people in. Recalling my frustration with news sites (like regional newspapers) that have paywalls that go up on the first visit - locking out folks there for some specific nugget. I wrote about this: How Does a News World with Thousands of Subscription Walls Survive? https://revkin.substack.com/p/how-does-a-news-world-with-thousands-21-09-12

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Howard Marler Museum's avatar

I think that there should be a way to choose either or both for a paywall but I also understand the frustration of the writer/publisher who cannot seem to make ends meet to have a regular income. But yes a per post or story model might work too.

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YouTopian Journey's avatar

Office hours has been super awesome since the very first one.

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Ted Levi Toldman's avatar

Office hours are really cool, they give us a chance to discuss pressing problems or issues.

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Joan DeMartin's avatar

I'm trying to reply here and when I hit "Post" , I keep getting error message: "Something went wrong" .

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Glenn Cook's avatar

Wholeheartedly agree. Learn something new every time I visit.

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Joan DeMartin's avatar

Agree, too. Weekly office hours are super helpful!

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Sarah Miller's avatar

Amen 💯

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James F. Richardson's avatar

I've found that the single biggest accelerant to my subscriber base was a link posted on a Top Substack author's post. Just one link. Crazy. I've since e-mailed specific posts to a bunch of folks, but, not all authors cross-promote like Rob Henderson. I comment on Rob's posts frequently and he acknowledged this and then subscribed to my pub. Then the cross post happened. I'm happy to spend time finding the authors who consistently cross-promote and who overlap with my topical interests. BUT, it would be so awesome, if Substack had a filter that highlighted the authors who this generous with their platforms. the current Explore feature turns this into a long, manual churn process. I'd like to boost my subscriptions to larger subscriber-based authors who cross-promote

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Mariah Friend's avatar

Does anyone remember the Substack author who offers payment for writing pieces on their Substack? He's left the link a few times during office hours but alas, all of my open tabs were closed and I can't remember his name. Thanks for your help! I've been feeling the nudge to submit a piece on grief and loss, hoping it might resonate with others.

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Brian Reindel 👾⚔️'s avatar

https://www.understandably.com/p/writers-wanted-share-your-work-on

It's Bill Murphy Jr., but I'm not sure if he is actively doing this anymore, or how often.

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Mariah Friend's avatar

Yes, thank you!!

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Medha Murtagh's avatar

I had a chat with Bill Murphy about this recently, so I think he is still doing it. The submission process isn't arduous, so maybe submit and see what happens?

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Emma Goulding's avatar

I saw someone doing this recently...I *think* it was Emma Gannon.

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Charlie Rogers's avatar

Hey James, I've been thinking on this one for a while - thanks for the reminder of the importance of cross-collabing and interacting with other writers. Just subscribed myself to your publication (love the name btw). There could be overlap to write on Future of Work topics if you're keen?

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James F. Richardson's avatar

I'd be happy write a guest post ANY TIME! I write regularly about work issues leading up to a major section of my upcoming book. LMK - james@socialawarenessinstitute.org

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Caitlin H. Mallery's avatar

Cross promotion and collaboration really works well.

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Dalton Bennett's avatar

Maybe a really stupid question, but I can't find a way to contact authors. I have found a few substacks that I hope might like to link to mine, but can't figure out how to make the request.

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Elizabeth's avatar

You can email any substack writer w/ nameofpublication@substack.com. So mine is whattoreadif@substack.com

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Dalton Bennett's avatar

Awesome, thanks!

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Medha Murtagh's avatar

Or you can also just reply to their newsletter emails!

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Ryan Woldt's avatar

I write about coffee, and am open to cross posting/trade columns, as long as there is a legit connecting thread between the two columns. For example, I'm working on a post with Warning Track Power (baseball) about the coffee shop I visited before going to a spring training game the week Covid shut the world down and he is writing a piece about the best clubhouse coffee in the MLB.

It doesn't have to be exactly the same, but some sort of connecting thread between coffee/entrepreneurship and the collaborating column. (Posting this again as a new comment below). My substack/podcast is www.roastwestcoast.com

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🅟🅐🅤🅛 🅜🅐🅒🅚🅞's avatar

How to email anyone with a substack publication?:

My publication URL is https://pau1.subtack.com and my email address is pau1@substack.com

This hold true for any substack publication. Daltons newsletter is https://club44.substack.com/

so his email would be club44@substack.com

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Good Humor by CK Steefel's avatar

I just subscribed to your stack. My email will be sent to you. penmom.

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Dalton Bennett's avatar

Thank you!

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Brad Kyle's avatar

Thanks! Much appreciated!

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Brad Kyle's avatar

Here's one way: bradkyle@substack.com. Gimme a holla, yo! The rest of 'Stack is on their own!

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Terry Freedman's avatar

Sometimes you can reply to their 'stack. Mine works that way. Other times, leave a comment if it's not paywalled

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Jo Huber's avatar

that's the way my readers do it, by replying to my Substack via e-mail.

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Good Humor by CK Steefel's avatar

Is there something in settings that allows a subscriber to email back?

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Terry Freedman's avatar

Yes. Settings -> Basics-> "Receive email replies to your posts from

Set who can reach you via email by replying to your posts or emailing terryfreedman@substack.com." You can set it to everybody, nobody, all subscribers or paid subscribers

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Medha Murtagh's avatar

Ha. You just taught me something! I thought everyone could reply.

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Maura Casey's avatar

James F. Richardson, your newsletter is AWESOME. And, I am picky!

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Good Humor by CK Steefel's avatar

I just subscribed. Looking forward to it.

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James F. Richardson's avatar

thanks so much!

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Martin Prior's avatar

What a great message James.

I am always trying to be generous with my platform. As much as we should be grateful for those who helped us along the way, we should also reach out a hand to those coming behind us.

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LeeAnn Ostia's avatar

this is such a great idea

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Good Humor by CK Steefel's avatar

Great idea.

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Erin Bowman's avatar

Happy 70th Office Hours!

Looking forward, I would love to a bit more control in the dashboard. Specifically, I wish I could filter my posts by newsletter section.

I have several sections, each with very unique content and posting schedules, and right now the dashboard > posts page just lists everything by publication date. Filtering here would be such a huge help when it comes to tracking stats/performance/etc.

erinbowman.substack.com

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Glenn Cook's avatar

Absolutely agree with this. Would be a fantastic addition.

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Brad Green's avatar

Agreed!! The search function is awesome, but I see so many possibilities with adding filters

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Bowen Dwelle's avatar

agree, great idea

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Valorie Castellanos Clark's avatar

Oh this filtering is a great idea, Erin!

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Dalton Bennett's avatar

How to find an audience — I was recently released from Club Fed, so of course I have no social media at all, no mailing list, and even lost most of my personal friends. I might be interested in paying a small sum (I don't have much) for marketing help. I believe my writing speaks for itself, but I don't know how to get the rubber onto the road.

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Holly Rabalais's avatar

Patience, Dalton, and promotion. I subscribed and started reading and am hooked. You have "it," now promote by showing up at Writer Office Hours and engaging in comments/discussion of other Substacks. Many fellow readers will be interested and click your profile, which will lead them to your Substack. Once they get there and read a post, they will subscribe. I didn't promote on social media or with my real life friends and family, and my subscriber list continues to grow--slowly but surely!

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Martin Prior's avatar

Thats great advice Holly.

I've met so many different writers on here who I now converse regularly with outside of this group.

They become a great support network.

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Holly Rabalais's avatar

Yes! Just this week I was emailing with another author about setting up a way to get one-time donations. The networking behind the scenes is wonderful!

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Joyce Wycoff's avatar

Would love to know more about one-time donations and thanks for your comments.

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Medha Murtagh's avatar

You can set up an account with something like 'buy me a coffee' or kofi and then create a custom button on your substack that links to it. You then choose the wording for the button - maybe something like 'one time donation' for example. Then ta da! You have a one time donation button!

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Blessed To Be's avatar

I like the "one-time donation" terminology vs. "tip jar". Thanks, sounds promising. I'd like to be invited to email you and the other author about this. Your choice--but I am a ideal person!

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Medha Murtagh's avatar

I'm not a part of that email thread, but if it's something you want to you, you can set up an account with something like 'buy me a coffee' or kofi and then create a custom button on your substack that links to it. You then choose the wording for the button - maybe something like 'one time donation' for example. Then ta da! You have a one time donation button!

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Sue Ferrera's avatar

That would be me, lol! Thanks again, Holly! 💜

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Holly Rabalais's avatar

Well, I wasn't going to out you, but...

Love having you as part of my network, Sue!

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Elise Downing's avatar

Really interesting and reassuring to know you don't promote on social media but still see growth Holly. I sometimes feel a bit torn between loving Substack as a seperate entity and feeling more comfortable to talk honestly on here - yet that feeling undermined a little by always sharing links on social too. I guess maybe a hybrid approach could work but yeah, great to hear your experience.

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Robert Urbaschek's avatar

I deleted all my social media accounts quite some years ago, only made new ones once I started writing professionally as a way of promotion. Part of me wishes I had kept the followers I used to have, because what I post does not seem to gain as much traction as it used to 'back in the day'. Regardless, I post everything on facebook, twitter, instagram etc. , it still gives me a few readers here and there.. But it does not seem useful to spend more time there for what I get in return, unlike these comment threads, which are great :)

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Sabrina Simpson's avatar

I just did exactly what Holly said! Good stuff Dalton and I am looking forward to more.

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Songletter's avatar

Agree with Holly, its very good Dalton!

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Brad Kyle's avatar

Biz cards gets your 'Stack to people you'd never otherwise see or contact, no social media involved! My card has the pic you see to your left (me and The Ramones in '77), with my 'Stack web address, plus the back has the QR code to get to my main page!

Leave your card with your payment at restaurants, tack 'em up on Starbux and Panera Bread bulletin boards, put a handful of them on your Panera/Starbux/any restaurant table (neatly in a row)! Give it a try! A significant number of my current subscribers have come from my cards! DON'T FEAR THE PAPER!

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Penny Kiley's avatar

Ooh, impressed by the Ramones pic.

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Brad Kyle's avatar

Really? Then, you're sure to dig my account of spending an evening with the lads in their Houston hotel room in '78! https://bradkyle.substack.com/p/keyless-entry-my-night-in-the-ramones Thanks, Penny!

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Penny Kiley's avatar

Thanks, I'll read it later. You might like mine - it's all post-punk stuff but mostly UK bands. https://pennykiley.substack.com/

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Brad Kyle's avatar

Thanks so much, Penny, for subscribing! I just did you back!! As one who was 8 at the time (with nothing but fond, transcendent memories), may I offer a guest post for your 'Stack about seeing THE Liverpool band on "The Ed Sullivan Show" in Feb '64? Lemme know! I'm one of the few who did far more than just watch the video on YouTube!

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Good Humor by CK Steefel's avatar

I subscribed. I grew up in the 70s and often mention it in my stack, Aging Gratefully. Will send your info to my 25 yo son. He loves the 70s. (Past life?)

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Brad Kyle's avatar

Thanks so much! I hope your son digs my stuff! If he's interested in guest-writing something, lemme know! I'd be particularly interested in how (and why!) he became enamored of my favorite decade!

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Terry Freedman's avatar

You've heard of Photoshop, right, Penny? 😂

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Penny Kiley's avatar

There's a photo of me with Paul McCartney on my Substack and that's not Photoshop either.

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Terry Freedman's avatar

so you used to write for Melody Maker? I'm impressed. I always liked that mag

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Brad Kyle's avatar

Gotta admit your Paul trumps my Ramones....although, 'twas Paul who used to sign into hotels (in the '60s) using the nom-de-tune, "Paul Ramone"! That's why The Ramones called themselves that (early in their career, seeing that on a marquee....they used to say....people thought "The Ramones" were a Mexican cha-cha band, and wouldn't show up)!!🌮😱

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Brad Kyle's avatar

Photoshop THIS, Terry!!😉👍

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Terry Freedman's avatar

😂

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Mariah Friend's avatar

That's a great idea! Leaving your card at restaurants and stuff when you pay. I love it!

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Terry Freedman's avatar

Or as a tip

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LeeAnn Ostia's avatar

thanks for such a great idea! Stuff like this is why I come to office hours!

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Maura Casey's avatar

how do you get a qr code?

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LeeAnn Ostia's avatar

just google "qr code generator" there are lots of places you can get one.

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Howard Marler Museum's avatar

There are several apps for iPhone and android that will make them for you as well. I recently heard that in addition to the common square ones they can now be custom shapes as well. I need to look into that some more myself.

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Brad Kyle's avatar

How I did it: I had my card made online with VistaPrint, and they offer that as a service....turning a web address into a QR code. Plus, I have a Ko-fi account for tips at the tail-end of articles. They, too, offer QR code availability. See what Paul (Deplatformable Newsletter) offers below.👇

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Jo Huber's avatar

That's great, Brad!

I'm just going to be cheeky and mention that I've noticed many music-related 'Stacks here tonight. Come and say hello!

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Jo Huber's avatar

Brad you're a star! I'll give that a go. Thank you!

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Emma Goulding's avatar

Love this idea!

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Good Humor by CK Steefel's avatar

Respect the paper! Haha. What's a QR code. I'm an analog writer. Still learning backroom lingo.

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🅟🅐🅤🅛 🅜🅐🅒🅚🅞's avatar

This is a great write up about qr codes...https://pau1.substack.com/p/one-thing-011723

You can make one with canva for free: https://www.canva.com/qr-code-generator/

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Jo Huber's avatar

did someone say 'analogue' ??

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Good Humor by CK Steefel's avatar

That’s me. I would still hand write but I have an essential tremor in my right hand. Hubby built his computer. Me? I just learned what a QR code is. Haha.

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Terry Freedman's avatar

I didn't come from your cards.

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Brad Kyle's avatar

It wasn't from a lack of trying! I threw one of my cards from central Texas in the general direction of England, and hey, if the wind catches it.............💨

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Terry Freedman's avatar

😂 You just summarised my marketing strategy!

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Brad Kyle's avatar

Nice! My biggest problem is always discovering the correct direction to face!

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Sue Deagle's avatar

"But here’s the thing: social media doesn’t really matter. At least, it doesn’t matter much in terms of my subscriber growth. After nearly two years of publishing Situation Normal on Substack, I’ve gotten 34 subscribers from Twitter (where I post daily) and 14 from Facebook (where I’m a ghost). In total, only about 5 percent of my subscribers come from social media.

While 5 percent of my audience is significant, it’s a disturbingly low figure considering how much time and energy I put into Twitter. Whatever I’m trying to get out of social media, my newsletter data tells me it ain’t growth."

- Michael Estrin, https://michaelestrin.substack.com/p/i-hit-1000-subscribers-heres-what

I don't know if that makes you feel better or worse... But in the last 3 months, I've gotten the majority of my subscribers by making real connections on Substack. I wouldn't have believed it before. But being here, engaging, asking & answering questions really helps! It's a WILDLY supportive community. So you're in the right place!!

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Brad Kyle's avatar

I guess it depends on the subject matter....for me, I've found, about half-a-dozen times, now, that one of my music articles actually finds the singer/musician/songwriter about whom I wrote!

Like, yesterday, my article on Marshall Crenshaw actually was forwarded to him by a friend of his who saw my link to the piece on a Facebook group. Well, as he said in his e-mail to me, "Marshall C. here"----along with appreciating my efforts, I'm hoping our connection might, now, turn into an exclusive interview! And, then maybe I can interview him right back!!😁👍

So, my presence on social media is less about potential subscribers (although, it's clear that's happened, and in pretty good numbers), than it is about connecting with potential interviewees from whom extra content might emerge!

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Dalton Bennett's avatar

Sue are there other times/place to do this kind of engagement with other substack writers, besides this writers room?

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Sue Deagle's avatar

This is the only other one like Office Hours I've seen so far: https://on.substack.com/p/shoutout-18/comments

But engaging in comments threads anywhere works!

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Brad Kyle's avatar

Dalton, about a year ago, the good folks down at 'Stack Central hosted a Substack Go and Substack Grow; from one of those sprung a bi-weekly (we also do it bi-monthly, in case they're not the same thing) hour-long face-time thing on Google Meet (like Zoom).

What started with about a dozen (who all but swore their allegiance) on our first one has dwindled to a small, but mighty and dedicated handful of regular music writers!

So, if you're able to round up some fellow 'Stackers who write in your similar topic lane (shout out for some here or any Thursday), you might find it helpful to plan something like that. We keep it low-key and informal, and just talk about challenges and successes, and it's a great place to plant the seeds of collabbing, guesting, and other 'Stack essentials! Give it a shot!

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Dalton Bennett's avatar

Interesting, thank you!

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Terry Freedman's avatar

Yes. Someone I know with 100,000 twitter followers recently mentioned an article of mine. It was seen by 1,000 people and was liked by 1

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Blessed To Be's avatar

I'm guessing you meant that literally. Thank you for sharing. I bet ya can't repeat it. Well, I hope not. I'm trying to be encouraging, because, when I read your post, I thought, "Yeah, that could be me for sure." I think I'm a pretty great writer, but not everyone seems to agree!

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Terry Freedman's avatar

It was someone I've known for 20n years, from pre-substack days. The problem with social media is that everyone has to shout louder and louder in order to be heard. I find substack comments and recommendations a much better means of finding new readers -- and writers.

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Robert Urbaschek's avatar

Before I used Substack for my articles, I had my own website, and I remember studying the analytics and seeing how many people on twitter simply liked, retweeted, or commented WITHOUT ever reading the article the post was about. Staggering. Facebook had a bit better engagement, but the number of comments etc was still much higher than the views..

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Eric Hyde's avatar

That's interesting to know, Terry. I find that Twitter is useless for REAL engagement so I guess that makes sense. Thanks for sharing that. I guess if it doesn't work....look elsewhere. :-)

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Terry Freedman's avatar

Agreed, Eric

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Ivan H's avatar

Wow interesting to see that.

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Terry Freedman's avatar

I was reading some years ago that Stephen Fry, who had 8m followers at the time, mentioned someone's website. So many people visited that it crashed the server. In the end, 5 people subscribed to the person's newsletter. The lesson I learn from this is that although a big one-off boost is most definitely welcome, I think slow, steady and consistent and consistently good writing gets the best results long term

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Faith Christine Bergevin's avatar

Thanks for sharing that anecdote. It seems discussion often sways to how to use social media, the adverse feelings towards it and sometimes submission to it. It feels overwhelming and hamster-wheelie. Just do the thing.

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Terry Freedman's avatar

Eggzactly, Faith

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Robert Urbaschek's avatar

I have encountered the same thing.. I still post my articles there , and it brings a few readers to my newsletter, but other than that it does not feel very impactful to spend any more time than that there.. I remember it being different in the past, though, when these platforms hadn't been around that long, or is that just me?

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Terry Freedman's avatar

I think Substack is a lot better than other platforms in that regard. I have a few newsletters in Mailerlite, and although the Mailerlite people and resources are very good, there's no cross-promotion of others' newsletters as far as I can tell, and nothing like Office Hours except for a Facebook group. I think it's a matter of keeping on keeping on

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E.R. Flynn's avatar

I hear you about Twitter. Personally I've given up trying to promote anymore on that toxic platform. I also dumped Facebook and Instagram since they limit the hell out of your feed (unless you pay them.)

On the plus side I've been having better responses on Counter.social, Post.news, Spoutible.com and Mastodon. Proof that Musk's Dirty Bird Kingdom isn't the be all end all of promotion.

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Robert Urbaschek's avatar

will check those out, thanks. Have also tried out Minds recently, but not sure yet how useful it is for promotion

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Terry Freedman's avatar

I hadn't heard of these!

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Jo Huber's avatar

Ditto, Sue.

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Ted Levi Toldman's avatar

Try to be an active Substack user by subscribing to and commenting on articles that interest you. Participate in Office Hours discussions, and your audience will find you.

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Brad Kyle's avatar

Nice add, Ted! I've also become beyond busy in contributing to other 'Stack music writers' pages, collabbing, asking others to contribute their thoughts on my article pages, etc! In fact, I've now got about 3 or 4 things in the fire I can't even recall......I just watch for other writers' work come into my inbox, and go, "Oh, there's that thing I wrote for so-and-so a couple weeks ago!" It's a blast, and another great way to expand, grow, and add involvement and engagement!

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Mary Cerimele's avatar

Just subscribed to you. I'm a recent retiree from NASA and I'm looking forward to having a public voice again. Because of the Hatch Act and employer confidentiality, there was so much I couldn't comment on pubicly. I just joined Substack this week hoping to give some insights into the experiences I had. Interestingly, when you're an employee there, you're considered "inside the gates." And the rest of the world is "outside the gates." Though being inside the gates, for me, was equivalent to being in an insulated, safe, but limiting cocoon, where in your case it was the opposite. I was just struck by that minuscule parallel.

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Dalton Bennett's avatar

Where I was, we got to see rocket launches and had something of an inside track. The X-37B flew right over my head one day. So we've got that in common too!

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Dave Ginsberg's avatar

Hi, Mary. Looking forward to reading what you have to say about your time at NASA. I’ve been a spaceflight fan since early childhood. I’m now trying my hand at writing about what I love - spaceflight history, pop culture, and art. You might enjoy my 'Creating Space' NERDSletter.

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Robert Urbaschek's avatar

Sounds interesting, count me in! Would love to learn more about the 'inside story' behind space travel.

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Taegan MacLean's avatar

Your substack is pure gold. I’d recommend engaging with other writers on their stacks for exposure. Also look into cross posting with writers in the financial niche.

On a side note, it’s never too late to start a social presence.

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Martin Prior's avatar

Totally right on the social presence. Im currently trying them all out....

Twitter - tricky to get engagement when you dont have many followers

LinkedIn - really easy to get engagement but hard to get click throughts to Substack

TikTok - started experimenting last night but heard it is great for getting views! I'll come back to you on this one!

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Mary Cerimele's avatar

Lately, I've enjoyed Post.News as an alternative to Twitter. It allows long form posts and so far I've need none of the snark and pettiness that Twitter engenders. That might be one place to add to your repertoire.

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Good Humor by CK Steefel's avatar

Keep at it. Takes time.

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Dalton Bennett's avatar

Thank you! I'm not sure I understand how cross posting works. Is there a guide or documentation?

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Sue Ferrera's avatar

If you think a post from another writer is something your readers would resonate with, you simply click cross-post at the bottom of their post. It will pop up a window that lets you add your comments before the post, (like, "hey, I thought this was an amazing post and I wanted to share it with you, my readers." and then it will populate on your newsletter. I just cross-posted Katie's post this week from My Sweet Dumb Brain. 💜

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Brad Kyle's avatar

Having cross-posted half-a-dozen times, Sue, I concur and would add this info for those new to cross-posting: When you cross-post another's article, it does NOT appear on your Archive page, but it does appear on your Dashboard, so you can follow the open rate, etc, like it was one of your articles (that's a question I've seen pop up here on the Thread)!

Also, I've discovered that, for those who are rendered busy (by work, vacations, illness, etc) can use cross-posting to help "fill the gaps" that may occur in your publishing schedule.

Sadly, you can't schedule cross-posting, so you'll still have to be available to monitor YOUR inbox, and then judiciously and thoughtfully, decide whether this article or that one would be a true match for your subscriber audience!

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Sue Ferrera's avatar

thanks, Brad. You just enlightened me on a few aspects about cross-posting that I did not know! 💜

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Jo Huber's avatar

It's actually really easy, Dalton. You'll see the two arrows and the word cross-post on the top right of the newsletters you subscribed to. If you think the newsletter post is relevant to your readers and would interest them, press the cross-post button, then write a little blurb to tell your readers why you're sharing this with them. They'll receive it in an e-mail and the writer will be notified.

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Terry Freedman's avatar

I've just subscribed because (a) it looks interesting and (b) I used to teach in a prison (murderers) and I think it's hard for people to get back on their feet so to speak (https://terryfreedman.substack.com/p/teaching-behind-bars-with-a-postscript)

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Dalton Bennett's avatar

You would be correct on all those points! Thanks.

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Eric Hyde's avatar

Dalton, I write a newsletter about money and markets for the newer or average investor and found that consistency in writing works wonders. I don't market on social media but I just write a couple times a week consistently. Engage with others. Be disciplined about what you do. It will take time but if it's what you love....it will come. Good luck.

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Holly Rabalais's avatar

Yes--consistency is key. I appreciate a regular cadence to the posts I receive from others, so I stick to that, too. I publish once a week, which works for my writing schedule. It's helped me be more disciplined in my writing.

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Ted Levi Toldman's avatar

Hi, my friend! I absolutely and 100% agree with you. Just glad to hear from you!

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Guru Raghunathan's avatar

Don't worry.

You can always start from where you are.

I'd recommend joining Facebook. Or Twitter. Or Quora.

Pick ONE platform.

Setup your profile. Use that as your funnel - point that to your Substack.

You don't need to have any friends or followers at all to start with.

Join groups. Start genuine conversations. Help where you can.

You don't need to promote your Substack at all.

No need to pitch.

You are unique. Your content is unique. Have faith and patience.

People will get curious and check out your profile.

You WILL eventually start attracting people to your Substack organically.

Wish you only the very best!

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Howard Marler Museum's avatar

I took a class on social media a couple of years ago and one of the most important things I learned was start with one platform and get to know it before expanding. Also not all platforms will have your audience on them so choose wisely.

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Guru Raghunathan's avatar

Yep. Makes sense.

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Good Humor by CK Steefel's avatar

Quora-- didn't think of that one.

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Guru Raghunathan's avatar

I like Quora because people with problems hang out there. It's a great place to help people solve their problems by answering their questions. You'll always find topics you can relate to.

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Medha Murtagh's avatar

I've never really engaged with Quora. Is it intutive to use?

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Guru Raghunathan's avatar

Yeah, it's in a Q&A format. Very intuitive.

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Sam W's avatar

Honestly, a huge chunk of my subscriber base (tiny as it currently is) comes from Office Hours. I meet and network with people here, and through that engagement, people click my profile and check out my Stack.

You're on the right track. Other than that, I ask my readers to share the posts that they like with their friends, or people they think might be interested in the subject of activism. They don't share often, but every now and then I get a hit that way!

And then I read and comment and engage with other writers and Stacks, promote my newsletter on Medium, and talk about the issues on social media (with links in my bio, for curious parties.)

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Valorie Castellanos Clark's avatar

I've had the same experience, this (and other Substack events) are a great way to connect with people. I also find that commenting on other people's substacks is a great way to meet new writers and readers!

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Maura Casey's avatar

This happened two weeks ago. I felt like I was being exploited.

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Laura Patranella's avatar

There are no real shortcuts. Also it’s important to keep in mind the old sales strategy of potential customers needing on average three contacts before a sale. Along with that, to get one new subscriber you need a lot more than that who just come and look.

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Dalton Bennett's avatar

That's cool, I did not mean to imply that I'm looking for shortcuts.

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Ted Levi Toldman's avatar

Well said, Laura.👍

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Kevin Alexander's avatar

Office Hours is a great place to start; not just for networking, but for any tech issues/questions you might have. I can almost guarantee someone here has faced the same problem before.

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YouTopian Journey's avatar

Promote, promote, promote.

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Brad Kyle's avatar

How? How? How?

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Joan DeMartin's avatar

Perfect, Brad...

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Robert Urbaschek's avatar

Am I getting it? Am I getting it? Am I getting it?

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Joyce Wycoff's avatar

Thanks for sharing your perspectives ... very insightful. Also, fyi, I've explored turning off comments and likes for non-subscribing readers. Yours is the first time I've experienced it ... and found it frustrating so I've removed that pay wall. Still trying to find a pay wall I can live with. Best wishes for your success.

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Ivan H's avatar

Cross-promotion is another good way to build an audience

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Terry Freedman's avatar

"Genuine conversations: absolutely

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Maura Casey's avatar

Dalton, don't pay anyone yet. I just subscribed to your stack, I've had a lot of experience in PR - I'll take a look and send you a few suggestions.

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Medha Murtagh's avatar

That's so kind of you! Go Dalton!

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Dalton Bennett's avatar

Wow, that is super generous. Thank you very kindly.

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Amanda B. Hinton's avatar

I'd love to see a way to filter search results so that it's not just the Substacks with the largest followings that show up first.

Sometimes I'm not wanting to find someone who's mainstream or popular. Here are some ways that the search function could filter differently:

- show results for the fastest growing Substack in a 7-day or 30-day period

- show results for the oldest Substack in a search result

- show results for the fastest Substack converting from free-to-paid subscribers

I'm sure there are most ways the search function could filter more helpfully. What else am I missing?

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Marco Fioretti's avatar

"I'd love to see a way to filter search results so that it's not just the Substacks with the largest followings that show up first."

EXACTLY! Thanks Amanda, for saying what I tried to express just a few minutes ago, much better than me.

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Terry Freedman's avatar

great ideas, Amanda

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Sue Deagle's avatar

Seconded!! Great idea Amanda. You're full of them ;)

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Theresa Christine's avatar

Yes please!! I would love this.

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Medha Murtagh's avatar

What Amanda said! 😁

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Kate McDermott's avatar

Congratulations on Number 70! That's a big one...and it is for me too as I'll be turning the big Seven O next month. And if you think THAT is old, well one of my subscribers turned 100 on February and my readers and I celebrated her birthday with a special newsletter edition! I wonder if she might be the oldest...or one of the oldest subscribers on the platform!

As always, the big plus for me in Office Hours is the continued community building between writers and the support Substack gives to us.

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Janice Walton's avatar

I am 84 years old and began my writing career two years ago thanks to Substack.

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Aileen Mitchell Stewart's avatar

That really cheered me up: I’m ‘only’ 72 and just starting to dip my toe in. Maybe we should have a corner for 70+ writers?

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Ali Isaac's avatar

That's wonderful, Janice! You are an inspiration to many people, I'm sure... I firmly believe its never too late to start a new project or follow your dream! 💕

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Janice Walton's avatar

Thank you Ali. I had wanted to write for a long time - and finally decided to do it rather than just thinking about it.

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Ali Isaac's avatar

I understand that... we csn really get in the way of ourselves sometimes, through fear or low self esteem for example. It can be so liberating when we finally let ourselves go!

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Jo Huber's avatar

congratulations, Janice.

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Ali Isaac's avatar

That's a really lovely thing for you to do for her, Kate! 😍

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Sue Ferrera's avatar

I'm right behind you, Kate! Keep up the good work! 💜

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Ted Levi Toldman's avatar

It's great that you pay attention to things like this, I'm sure she loved your gift!

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Jo Huber's avatar

how lovely! and so memorable for her and for your community.

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Kate McDermott's avatar

She was very touched by it!

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Wendi Gordon's avatar

The #1 thing that would help me (and many other writers, based on previous comments in other Writer Office Hours) would be better organization of Writer Office Hours comments. It would be so helpful if it were quick and easy to see replies to my posts or comments, return to where I was if I click on a link and then come back here, search for comments by category, etc. It would also be nice if there was a specific thread for nothing but questions for staff, so those questions don't get lost among all the other comments and can be responded to promptly.

With that said, I still think these Writer Office Hours are one of Substack's best features and I look forward to them each week. Overall, Substack is already awesome and I'm happy I publish my newsletter here!

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Wendi Gordon's avatar

Also, even when I click on a notification that someone has replied to my comment, sometimes it doesn't bring me to that reply, just to the thread with tons of other comments I have to wade through if I want to read and respond to that particular reply.

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Diane Hatz's avatar

Yeah, unfortunately, when that happens I don't answer. I don't have the time to wade through a massive thread to try to find a reply....

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Medha Murtagh's avatar

Same.

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Lisa Brunette's avatar

Yes, that is definitely a problem.

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Medha Murtagh's avatar

Genius idea about the different threads for engaging with staff vs writers. Agree with everything you've said!

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History, Rinse, & Repeat's avatar

We just want to echo what many other Substackers have said: we've been told that cross-promotion is an important aspect of gaining an audience, but it seems difficult, if not impossible, for many new accounts to either contact other writers or set up a reciprocal scheme.

Perhaps there can a shoutout thread each day where writers of a certain niche connect with one another? Like one day can be for music-based stacks to get in touch and the next can be centered on international affairs?

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Mills Baker's avatar

Just wanted to let you (and others) know that we take this problem extremely seriously and are working on an array of things we think will help. The fact that today Substack has a rich-get-richer dynamic / struggles to drive growth for new publications without existing sources of readers is intensely regrettable, not at all what we want.

I should caution that some of what we need to do to drive growth for "not-already-famous" publications might be non-obvious; that is, you can expect us to ship some new features and surfaces this year that we intend to be part of a solution to this problem but which might not seem directed at it, but in fact are! I'd love to say more, but I can't, of course.

Mainly just wanted to say: (1) we know this is a problem and we badly want to improve this; (2) we're working on some things that we believe will improve it in a truly scalable and enduring way; and (3) I subscribed, very stoked to read your work!

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Medha Murtagh's avatar

Just to make sure I'm following - are you commenting on behalf of Substack?

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Mills Baker's avatar

I am! I mean: I can't actually speak for everyone here, of course, but I'm Head of Design here / have been here for about 3 years, and this has been a constant concern for us and something we're extremely eager to sort out. It's very challenging work for a variety of reasons, but we think we have some paths to much-improved discovery and publication growth, esp. for the "long tail" of pubs not already earning tons.

We'll see, of course, but I did want to convey that for us, this is as important as anything on our horizon!

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George Barnett's avatar

Mills, this is very important to us and we appreciate your sharing what is going on behind the scenes. You & the team at Substack have built something excellent and writer-centric. Most of us just want to write, with minimal "startup founder SGA" hassle. And make some modest income along the way...

Thanks,

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Sarah Styf's avatar

Or if there were an easy way to message the creator of certain Substacks?

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Elizabeth's avatar

Sarah, you can email most writers with the formula nameofpublication@substack.com. So mine is whattoreadif@substack.com

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History, Rinse, & Repeat's avatar

P.S.

Our Substack is one that compares historical events to those today. If anyone is interested in connecting, our email is historyrinserepeat@gmail.com.

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Marco Fioretti's avatar

exactly, again. Because one of the reasons why I chose substack instead of other platform is exactly that popular wisdom seems to agree that this is the place where it is easier to cross-promote/cross-connect. Please compare this with my other comment of just a few minutes ago about the "Dive into your interest" page at https://substack.com/reader-onboarding

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Ivan H's avatar

I think we need something that can help gain subscribers because it's hard to gain subscribers when you have no audience.

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Sue Deagle's avatar

Like maybe an "Up and Coming" reading list published by Substack??

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Terry Freedman's avatar

could be good. An interim level between complete newbie and celeb

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Glenn Cook's avatar

That would be great.

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Jo Huber's avatar

a smart idea, Sue!

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Medha Murtagh's avatar

A great idea!

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Nadia Ryan's avatar

Absolutely with you on this

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Good Humor by CK Steefel's avatar

I have no shame in promoting. I even played the "subscribe to the gal who guest starred on Seinfeld" card.

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Terry Freedman's avatar

what card is that? I hadn't heard of this person

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Terry Freedman's avatar

oh sorry, didn't pick up on that. It's bin a long day and I'm famished

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Terry Freedman's avatar

I think commenting on other people's work, if done genuinely, helps build audience

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🅟🅐🅤🅛 🅜🅐🅒🅚🅞's avatar

I agree, Terry, genuinely agree...

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Terry Freedman's avatar

😂

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Luann Akaydin's avatar

Maybe separating this office hours into different categories:

-Q&A

-I just want to chat

-Promoting yourself

-Tips & Tricks

Things like that. Because I feel like the actual Q's are lost somewhere in here.

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Wendi Gordon's avatar

Yes, exactly! Categorizing office hours posts would be enormously helpful. We wouldn't have to spend time scrolling through hundreds of posts to find the ones of interest to us.

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J. M. Elliott's avatar

Amen to that! Would love to see a separate time and place for all the networking and self-promotion. So I can skip it...

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Sarah Styf's avatar

Congrats on 70! One thing I'm looking for is better stats for both my newsletter and podcast so I can better see which posts are getting the most traction. I love Substack in comparison to Wordpress, but Wordpress stats are still better.

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Katie @ Substack's avatar

Thank you for coming to today's 70th (!!) Office Hours. Our team is signing off for today with lots of ideas of how we can keep improving Office Hours together.

Until then, you can visitor our resources: https://on.substack.com/s/resources

See you next time,

Katie, Bailey, Mills, Ngoc-Quyen, and Kevin

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Bailey @ Substack's avatar

Welp, that's a first! We're back now. Sorry for that blip.

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Ramona Grigg's avatar

Oh, it was a blip? I wondered! LOL

Glad it wasn't anything worse!

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S.E. Reid's avatar

Hello all, and happy Office Hours! Here's a little bit of encouragement from one small newsletter to all of you:

Chasing numbers can drive us crazy. Obsessing over the perfect time to post on all of our platforms can rob us of the real joy of sharing our work. Here's a rule I implemented for myself a long time ago, to save myself from the horrible disappointment that often comes with chasing numbers. Right before I click POST on anything, I tell myself, "The people who need it will see it." And I truly believe that. I believe that the right content reaches the right people at the right time, even if that's only a handful of folks.

Do I still find myself worrying when a post only gets three likes? Sure, I'm human! But I quickly remember that the right people saw it, and I move on to the next post. The pressure is off. As long as I inspired someone, anyone, then it was worth it. It may not work for everyone, but this philosophy works for me!

How do YOU avoid the numbers game? Let's share and encourage one another!

Most importantly: keep going, keep writing, and DON'T GIVE UP! 🌿

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Jenny Chen's avatar

Needed to read this! I've been sitting on my newsletter idea FOREVER! I'm terrified to be too preoccupied and self-conscious that will rob me of the joy of writing.

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Journalisa's avatar

I've been on for a while... Find office hours difficult because if I show up early, everything is moving quickly because so many are posting. If I read afterward, I feel I missed out. I find a voice or comment here or there and get lost then looking at that person's page... but it's all good. I've come to the conclusion that Office Hours is like life. You find who you are supposed to find and have the experience you are ready to have. You will find your comfort zone and also, more importantly, that which inspires you to be you. Enjoy the joy of your writing and it will become contagious for others!

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Sue Ferrera's avatar

This is exactly how I use office hours. It's always hit and miss. But I also always come away with something valuable. 💜

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Vicki with an i's avatar

That is a great way to set your expectations. Use what appeals and let the other stuff be there for someone who may need that message.

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Journalisa's avatar

Yes, you are one of my finds from Office Hours!

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Mark Harbinger's avatar

Right. This is my second Office Hours...each time I was just a couple minutes late (three cheers for multitasking) and there were already over 500 posts and replies to read. I'm about a third of the way through them...

Some of these posts say they were from 2 hours ago. Are the invites staggered? Are people waiting overnight in a line around the block to post, like a Stones Concert? :-)

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S.E. Reid's avatar

Hi Mark! Substack staff open the thread around 8:30am Pacific time (usually), but the staff don't enter to answer questions until 10am (which is when the official invite goes out, I suppose). So a lot of us linger around early to say hello and post questions. :)

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Aileen Mitchell Stewart's avatar

That’s very helpful info, thank you. It’s my first time here so it’s especially welcome to have such tips. Thank you again.

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S.E. Reid's avatar

No problem at all, Aileen, and welcome! I know it can be a bit chaotic at first, but glad you made it. 🌿

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Vicki with an i's avatar

Thanks for answering that question I have had since Office Hours began. Maybe having more sessions available would cut down on the number of participants at a time. I usually pop in to see if there is anything of interest to me. I don't read every comment. It doesn't help to get behind. I daresay the community is growing too big too fast.

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Mark Harbinger's avatar

Ah, I like that answer better than mine (signs of early dementia).

Thanks so much!

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Ted Levi Toldman's avatar

I completely agree with you.

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Nathan Slake's avatar

Yeah I totally missed the live boat this morning due to travel and am just skimming a few comments that I can get to. I do really enjoy these threads, but experience has shown you have to sort of throw yourself into it early to enjoy the live back-and-forth that goes on.

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Journalisa's avatar

Or... you can go into so many more of the threads that you couldn't have done in the minute between one hour and the next. You didn't miss anything. You find what you need!

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Nathan Slake's avatar

True. At least this all stays up doesn't disappear once it closes.

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Kate Jones's avatar

Go for it, Jenny! I was the same but I've found such a supportive community and readership here : )

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Jenny Chen's avatar

I hear that over and over again! It’s hard to believe in this media climate but it must be true!!!

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Sam W's avatar

I can confirm it! My small base of subscribers are lovely, and the people I've interacted with are engaging, polite and show real interest in my writing.

So far, it's a great community.

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Nadia Ryan's avatar

I hear you!

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Matt Shaw's avatar

I'm looking forward to the first post!

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Marilyn Glick's avatar

I get that! I always wonder who would be interested in what I have to say. But.. I just try to think about what I want to tell people & hope they find it interesting! Enjoy the process i really like it I have a website on word press that I was worried about not emailing from but I am going to give Substack a good try!

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Ted Levi Toldman's avatar

Try to relax a little bit, Jenny. The Substack community is friendly, you don't have to worry too much.

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Jenny Chen's avatar

um, have you seen the title of my newsletter?? I don't know what relaxation means. ;)

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Victor D. Sandiego's avatar

Hello S.E. - One way I stay away from the numbers game is to always remind myself that I can control what I write, what I publish. But I cannot control the reaction or lack of reaction from others. Another way I stay away from the numbers game is to delete the next day stats email without opening it.

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Zina Gomez-Liss's avatar

Yeah, I think that I will have to delete that stats email. It does me no good. It's like weighing one's self every day and seeing little fluctuations that really don't mean anything. Checking once in a while is good, but the important thing is to keep writing.

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Victor D. Sandiego's avatar

Yes. I've asked myself: What would I do with those stats? The answer is nothing. They don't help with creativity. You're so right: important thing is to keep writing.

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Suzan Colón's avatar

“It’s like weighing one’s self every day”--SO true. I’m going to throw out my scale and stop looking at the stats! Thank you, Zina.

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Renée Eli, Ph.D.'s avatar

Great analogy, Zina!!

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Claire Venus ✨'s avatar

I don’t subscribe to stats emails

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Victor D. Sandiego's avatar

Thank you. I didn't know that was an option. Great tip!

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Ted Levi Toldman's avatar

You are right, this statistic may evoke negative emotions more often than positive ones. I will take your advice and remove it!

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Kerri Aab's avatar

I love this, thank you! I burned out on the numbers thing late last year and took a break to clear my head. I'm back to posting again and this time around I am not looking at numbers, and similar to you, before I hit publish I think that if even one person gets something from my post, it will have been worth it. And I truly believe that. This change in perspective has brought joy back to my writing. :)

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Robert Urbaschek's avatar

That's a good mindset to have. I have seen periods where all of a sudden all these people subscribe to my newsletter, and then periods of stagnation. So you need something else to keep you motivated, and remind yourself that less views on a post does not mean it was worse than the one that got all those views. I hope to keep my readers interested with the many topics I am interested in, and through that enthusiasm get them interested as well. That's what keeps you going, I think.

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Suzan Colón's avatar

So good to know there are periods of stagnation, Robert! I started out well and now things are...quieter. I thought, “Oh no, they hate my comics/my writing/both!” I guess this is just what’s happening now. Taking in all this good advice about not measuring worth by numbers.

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Robert Urbaschek's avatar

Hang in there. It's already worth so much because you care about it!

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Suzan Colón's avatar

Thank you, Robert! It's so true; even the evilest part of my number-and-stat-obsessed mind can't stop me now.

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Terry Freedman's avatar

defo!

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Michael Mohr's avatar

Yep. Exactly. Up n down. Nature of the beast.

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Terry Freedman's avatar

Ha! All I got was a note to say that now I've subscribed you're pausing the newsletter. Typical. More seriously though, Kerri, I really like your newsletter and I'm sorry not to have commented recently but I'm behind in all my reading!

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Kerri Aab's avatar

LOL! Only a PART of it is on pause, Terry! 🤣 No worries about commenting! It'll be there at the exact right time for you to read it. :)

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Terry Freedman's avatar

OK! By the way, I wrote my reply to Becks this afternoon. Do read it and comment, if you have time!

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Kerri Aab's avatar

I just saw that come in and I said an internal "yippee!" I'm saving the letter until this evening when I have the time and space to enjoy it. xo

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Terry Freedman's avatar

Yay! (Whatever that means: I'm British. We say things like, "Not bad" to express wholehearted exuberance)

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De's avatar

Yes Terry, there are a lot of great writers, but finding the time is tough and tech gliches sure don't help

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Terry Freedman's avatar

agreed!

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Claire Venus ✨'s avatar

That’s a great mindset! I’m so happy about numbers because I’ve never seen consistent growth like this on other platforms...

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Michael Mohr's avatar

Good idea 👍

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Mark McNease's avatar

For me statistics are creative poison. Whether it’s how many people opened a newsletter, or how many books I sold. I have to do things for the love of it first and let the statistics end of it go.

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Terry Freedman's avatar

Yes. I disabled the notification about people unsubscribing. For all I know, NOBODY reads my newsletter now -- but I'm happy! Best thing I ever did, frankly, because I'm one of those people who can receive 99 new subscribes and then fret about the one uhnsubscribe.

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Kevin Alexander's avatar

100% yes to that!! Turning those off was one of the best moves I’ve made.

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Kerri Aab's avatar

Same, same, same!! (This seems to be my favorite word right now.)

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Glenn Cook's avatar

Same!

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Michael Mohr's avatar

Holy crap. Great idea!!!

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Suzan Colón's avatar

I did not know I could disable the stats email! Thank you for that; doing it right now. It’s making me a little cray and discouraging me. I just want to keep writing and doing my comics on my Substack, and whoever finds me finds me!

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Robert Urbaschek's avatar

One of those people who frets about the one negative in a sea of positives? A human being you mean.. ;)

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Terry Freedman's avatar

something like that! 🤣

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Nathan Slake's avatar

You can be notified if someone unsubscribes? ... :-o

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Terry Freedman's avatar

Yessir, it's on by default. Who needs that kind of a downer?

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Kate Jones's avatar

I agree; I'm sure when you do things for the love of it first, it shows up in your work, making it more likely to reach more people anyway.

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Terry Freedman's avatar

100%, Kate

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Ted Levi Toldman's avatar

I agree with you, statistics cause unnecessary/unnecessary thoughts that only get in the way of writing.

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Kerri Aab's avatar

Same!

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Renée Eli, Ph.D.'s avatar

I’m with you, Mark.

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Rohit Menon's avatar

These office hours are great and provides a wealth of information to folks like me who have joined this community recently. Thank you! I started my substack newsletter focused on leadership for managers and aspiring managers - The Manager’s Prism (www.themanagersprism.com) in January. The tools have provided by this platform is just perfect and all one needs to do is focus on writing.

To avoid chasing numbers, all I did was to come up with a few personal rules:

1. Write everyday but start by publishing once a week. Seeing a pipeline of posts ready to be published is extremely motivating.

2. Schedule your posts for a certain day and time of the week.

3. Optimize for the reader. If you have generated an insight for one person, you have won. Focus on writing more.

I remember MrBeast (YouTuber) mentioning this in one of his interviews - (paraphrasing) “Your first 100 videos are going to suck and will not generate the views, likes and subscriptions you are expecting. We can talk when you reach 101”.

All you need to focus on, is, to show up. Share what you like sharing. Pursue being better than what you were yesterday and if you do, I am sure the likes, shares and comments will come. It is important to acknowledge what is in our hands and that is, write. So let’s write, the rest will follow.

Hope this helps.

PS. I love Substack!

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Elise Downing's avatar

Absolutely love this Rohit and it's something I'm trying really hard to do at the moment - the just keep showing up and not worry about the rest.

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Laura Patranella's avatar

I was blown away by listening to an interview with Mr. Beast! Such a cool guy and his story is such a great example of what it takes to become successful. Now if only all my students would listen to him speak and understand that “influencer” isn’t a get rich quick kind of thing!!

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Brad Green's avatar

Good tips. Just subscribed. Looking forward to reading more!

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Ted Levi Toldman's avatar

Your motivational speech is very powerful, and believe me, it helped.

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Elise Downing's avatar

"The people who need it will see it" - I think I need this on a poster in front of my desk haha

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Holly Rabalais's avatar

How do *I* avoid the numbers game? I show up to writers office hours so you can give me these reminders! Thanks, S.E.!

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Jas Shah's avatar

I try to avoid the numbers game but inevitably fall into looking just before I publish. I’d love a ‘percentage increase view’ instead of the absolute numbers view. And maybe a comparison of ‘what good looks like’ compared to equivalent industry newsletters :-)

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Ted Levi Toldman's avatar

I also unwittingly look at statistics, I need to get rid of this habit! 😂

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Donald E. L. Johnson's avatar

I have a couple of subscribers who like most of what I write. And I've had a couple comment and send me emails thanking me for my hard work.

What keeps me going is that I get a lot of views when I publish a new newsletter.

Most important, my writing helps my decision making because I often consider and write about several ways to do a trade. And I often do trades before or after I write about them.

When I wrote articles and newsletters for clients, I drew on my experiences as a business owner, manager, client, customer, shopper, investor, hospital board member, employee, student and patient.

Writing is a learning experience. Enjoy.

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Laura Patranella's avatar

Totally agree that part of the reward is the thinking process. I started my Substack to write about literacy (I’m a reading teacher) and now I’ve started a non-profit to promote early childhood language and literacy in my community. None of that would have happened had I not sat down to analyze the situation.

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Elizabeth's avatar

that's awesome! congrats!

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Ted Levi Toldman's avatar

It's an interesting idea to make decisions with articles. So when you write an article about a deal before it happens, do you read what your readers think about it, and does that directly influence your decision, or does it not?

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Rachel Lauto's avatar

I feel the exact same way! I know that I have to treat my three with the same value as I would treat three thousand, because their time and attention is a gift to me! 👍🏼

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Dahlia Rimmon's avatar

Totally a gift! Thanks for sharing this Rachel!

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Ali Isaac's avatar

Yes, and you have the time to get to know them, which you wouldn't with your 3000, and they will become your biggest supporters and advocates in the long run.

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Melanie Newfield's avatar

I struggle a bit with this. One thing that's helped lately is my own enjoyment of the writing process. It's often difficult and sometimes frustrating, but I learn so much during the research process for the articles I write and I'm genuinely proud of that work.

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Valorie Castellanos Clark's avatar

This has been helping me too! I've been writing about more things that make me happy lately, and that's helping me worry less about numbers or reach or money.

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Elise Downing's avatar

Another vote for this!

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S.E. Reid's avatar

Finding the joy in it works wonders, doesn't it? Makes a huge difference! 🌿

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Glenn Cook's avatar

Absolutely. I've come to the point where I recognize some things I write won't reach the audience I hope for, and some things will surprise me. And still I write... it remains my lifeline.

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Kevin Alexander's avatar

These sessions are brighter with you here. Not trying to be funny at all. Thanks for supporting so many in the community.

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Tonya Morton's avatar

Oh man, overcoming that "numbers" obsession is a daily struggle. I try to keep that same mindset you're talking about, telling myself the "right" people saw it. Or I remind myself how ecstatic I would have been for my current numbers only a few months ago. But there's that voice in the brain that goes straight from "One day I'll have one of those checkmarks after my name" to "everything I do is worthless" in like five seconds. Or I'll get a bunch of new subscribers (yay!) and then lose three... None of this is new or exciting, psychologically. Humans are gonna human. But it helps to be a part of a community and know I'm not the only one.

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Laura Moreno's avatar

That's the built in madness of numbers, why isn't 153 154? why isn't 154 155? Just enjoy what you're doing and rejoice at the general direction the numbers are heading in.

By the way, I didn't know Michael Curtis had died -- thanks for the post! Just subscribed.

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Tonya Morton's avatar

Thanks so much, Laura!

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Janice Walton's avatar

I like that "the people who need it will see it" and I truly believe it. I also send a thought of love - a white light - with each article I post.

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Bryce Payne's avatar

Love this! Such a great mindset to have and so true. Thank you for sharing!

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Nathan Slake's avatar

Always love your advice and encouragement each week 😁

I'm happy with just a few likes per article if I get them, but yeah I absolutely do find myself waking up in the morning wondering if there have been any likes or comments.

I think the best thing I've come to realise though is that every time I hit post is acknowledging that I've actually written something and am happy enough with it to share it. Doing that on a weekly wchedule is a wonderful thing.

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Ali Isaac's avatar

So true, Nathan. These are weird times to be living through, but we are so lucky we can connect digitally with like-minded people all around the world.💕

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Rachel Katz's avatar

I was thinking about the thread the week before last week from Tami Carey (https://outsourcedoptimism.substack.com/) about how writers can support writers, and I wanted to share:

I came to Substack DEEPLY skeptical of internet communities. I am a sensitive person, and the experience of being on Twitter, or IG, or reddit, or really basically anywhere on the internet is...mostly awful for me. On top of that, I didn't really believe in genuine connection over the internet.

Substack is starting to thaw my icy position on the internet (I said *starting to*...let's not go overboard 😉). But seriously, even as I come to the platform with a bias that all comments are transactional and everyone is just trying to promote themselves, I am finding myself disproven over and over again here. Thanks to everyone here who is showing up to be supportive, showing up with real and genuine questions, reading each other's work and offering encouraging words, and all the other little acts. I'm still far from being an "internet person," but I have one warm spot in my heart for this little corner of the World Wide Web.

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Sarah Styf's avatar

All of this. And I am really appreciating the connections that I'm making here because it feels like a real writing community instead of "you scratch my back, I'll scratch yours."

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Sam W's avatar

Absolutely. I love the Office Hours for that- y'all have such great ideas, and you love to share them with newbies like me. It's a super welcoming atmosphere!

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Sarah Styf's avatar

I just wish I could spend a lot more time here responding!

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Ali Isaac's avatar

The thread moves so quickly its hard to keep up! 🤣

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Glenn Cook's avatar

I'm not on Office Hours as much as I'd like, and yet there are some familiar faces whose comments I read every word. Yours is one of them, along with S.E., Kevin and Brad, because you're all optimistic about the platform and the potential it holds for writers.

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S.E. Reid's avatar

Always appreciate your insights and presence here, Glenn! 👏

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Brad Kyle's avatar

Thanks, Glenn! I appreciate being recognized (well, anywhere, really....who we kidding?) with large 'Stack presences like S.E. and Kevin! Without a last name to go by, I can only hope and assume you meant me, BTW!!!😳

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S.E. Reid's avatar

I'm honored to even be considered a "large 'Stack presence"! 😭♥️

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Brad Kyle's avatar

Oh, please.....someone called me that once in 5th grade.....gotta be honest, it cut really deep then! Now? Kinda bitchin'!!😁👍

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S.E. Reid's avatar

😆😆😆

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Jenny Chen's avatar

I'm still having trouble wrapping my head around this - maybe I just need to jump in and try! Can you give me an example of the types of connections you're making?

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Lisa Bolin's avatar

I’m jumping in here to say that I now have regular contact with several people who subscribe to my newsletter (and for a few of them, I read theirs too) via comments and chat. All of them live on different continents to me! It’s lovely ☺️

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Jenny Chen's avatar

ah that's awesome, thanks for sharing!

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Sarah Styf's avatar

Honestly, spend some time here, respond to people, find people to follow, and start spending more time interacting with Substacks that appeal to your interests and that work with your own Substack. It's a slow process, but so much more satisfying than standard social media at this point.

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Jenny Chen's avatar

ok, interesting. I love all sorts of random topics - weird conspiracies, alternative medicine, science, fashion, lol. could I put that all in one newsletter??? and/or find newsletters like this?

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Sarah Styf's avatar

Yes and yes :-) Check mine out!

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Rachel Katz's avatar

Totally, it took me some time too. So basically I made a rule for myself: only read and comment on things that actually spark something in me, that actually prompt me to say, "that person seems awesome, I would love to know them better!" Then I actually spend some time on my comments - I have tried to frame it as part of my writing practice. It is writing, after all!

I had a big break when my Substack was featured and I started getting an audience who actually comments on my posts. That was a huge shift for me - I chat with the same people over and over and really start to connect. I literally did not know this was possible online 😂

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Jenny Chen's avatar

awww that's amazing to hear that you've found a community here. I really hope I can find one too!

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Renée Eli, Ph.D.'s avatar

Just subscribed, Jenny. You’re on to something.

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Jenny Chen's avatar

aw thanks Renee!

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Renée Eli, Ph.D.'s avatar

Thanks for sharing, Rae. As a newbie, your words are encouraging.

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Renée Eli, Ph.D.'s avatar

Just subscribed to your newsletter, Rae. I work with people who struggle with I explained health issues and know that there are many who need to hear what you have to say. Thank you for saying.

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Kevin Alexander's avatar

That is/was a huge reason why I rarely write on Medium anymore.

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Rachel Katz's avatar

Totally - it feels so different, and it's hard to really put a finger on why.

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Melanie Newfield's avatar

I agree. I've got so much from connecting with other Substack writers and have also appreciated the engagement I've had from readers.

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Rachel Katz's avatar

It's really special. I've been blown away.

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Michael Mohr's avatar

Definitely 👍

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Valorie Castellanos Clark's avatar

That's how I feel about Substack compared to other platforms too, Rae! It reminds me of the early days of the internet when things were more hopeful. So glad you've had a good experience here. :)

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Sharon Cortelyou's avatar

I have made more connections on Substack than any other place in the virtual world. I think is in part because we are all writers and in part because it matters more to me.

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Valorie Castellanos Clark's avatar

I think so--unified by a common goal certainly helps!

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Michael Mohr's avatar

Yes exactly ❤️

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Bryce Payne's avatar

I echoed this same sentiment in one of my earliest Substack posts.

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Michael Mohr's avatar

Valorie: I’m not paying for your stack (yet...) but you might find this post interesting: https://michaelmohr.substack.com/p/literary-agent-rejections

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Laura Patranella's avatar

I think the format self selects for more thoughtful people. It’s a totally different feel from other apps. Love your Substack!

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Timothy Nisly's avatar

Agreed. Without a particularly easy way to hack growth (gaming an algorithm, etc), you really only come here because you want to be. There aren't the same incentives for spammers, bots etc.

I love the growth features Substack is developing, but I hope we never lose that "real" quality. I'm fine with growing a little slower on a high quality platform.

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Jenny Chen's avatar

I’ve heard it referred to as a social media platform several times and I’m really surprised - I guess I’ve always thought of it as a blogging type platform. But is it really more of a community?

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Kevin Alexander's avatar

IMO, yes. Sure people want to succeed, but most here recognize that there’s room for everyone. Very little “transactional” stuff that is so common on other platforms.

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Laura Patranella's avatar

Some Substacks are more of a community than others, but I think most people start it with that intention.

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Jenny Chen's avatar

Is it like one of those PowerPoint parties that the kids are doing these days? 😂

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Greg Leveille's avatar

That's a great question Jenny. When I look at the future of Substack, I see a HUGE potential for Substack to become a WWW Hub of High-Quality Communities. Communities of inspired people that (1) love exploring the depths and the nuances in their chosen Substack, and (2) know that they can find what they're looking for in archeived posts and podcasts.

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Michael Mohr's avatar

Agree: not social media at all

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Michael Mohr's avatar

Yes!

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Jenny Chen's avatar

Subscribed! You’re doing great work!

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Sarah Styf's avatar

Thank you! I'm proud of it so far.

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Kate Jones's avatar

Totally agree! I stay away from other sites as a rule, but Substack just isn't anything like that. The community and standard of writing are inspiring rather than exhausting!

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Charlene Storey's avatar

I totally agree, Rae! It's been such a welcoming and encouraging start to sharing writing on Substack (only 2 weeks in but love it here). It's what I always hope other social media will be like but it's not *waves at the bots and trolls* I wonder if it part of that positive atmosphere is that the writers here are also readers, and are actively looking for and reading other Substacks (instead of all of us just screaming into a void hoping to be heard!). The majority of comments I've seen are genuine and interesting which is so lovely, like you say. Nice to have a safe Internet corner, isn't it? ❤️

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Rachel Katz's avatar

Sooo nice

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Tonya Morton's avatar

Yes! I'm always a little embarrassed to admit it, but I basically started my Substack in order to make friends and feel connected to people again after my divorce. I was lonely and out of sorts, I am awkward AF on social media, and the one thing I know how to do is publish stuff. So, on Substack, I get to do what I like to do (publish interesting work) and be part of a ready-made community at the same time. It's like joining a church, maybe? But this church just wants you to write your sweet little heart out.

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Rachel Katz's avatar

Here here to "awkward AF on social media."

The Church of Substack....verrryyy interesting. I do crave an in-person component though.

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Tonya Morton's avatar

I feel like I just betrayed my total ignorance of what joining a church is like. Where do humans meet now? No one's joining the Rotary Club anymore... Basically, as long as we don't have to wear anything weird, stop cutting our hair, or shun the outsiders, I'm game for whatever on Substack. I like it here.

And YES on more in-person stuff. We need more meet-ups. I missed the one last September, and I've been beating myself up about it ever since.

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Lynn Cady's avatar

Thanks for this comment. It really sums up how I feel as well.

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Kerri Aab's avatar

I feel you on this, 100%! :)

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Rachel Katz's avatar

Yay! Another wary internet user :)

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Rosalynn Tyo's avatar

Wary internet users, unite! I used to think I was the only one, lol

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Rachel Katz's avatar

I guess it's hard for us to find each other lol

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Kerri Aab's avatar

Still soooo wary, but, like you, am beginning to thaw!

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Alex Dobrenko`'s avatar

I can confirm all of this true. A thawing of immense, very good proportions

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Michael Mohr's avatar

Everyone should read your stack. You are a damn good writer, Rae

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Rachel Katz's avatar

Well, you just made my damn day Michael ❤️

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Renée Eli, Ph.D.'s avatar

Couldn’t agree more Tami and Rae. Thank you for reposting this, Rae.

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Sarah Styf's avatar

And I just delete those occasional comments immediately because I just don't want to deal with it. I want genuine engagement, and I get that from most people here :-)

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Laura Patranella's avatar

Some guy selling watches liked everything I wrote in last week’s office hours! 🙄🙄🙄

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Sarah Styf's avatar

Yep. It's everywhere, but I just move right along and keep developing actual writing relationships.

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Mike Sowden's avatar

I honestly think this is the best policy. Ditto with aggressively self-promotional folk who try to seed their links in your Substack comment section (usually by emptying a word salad into a comment that has nothing to do with the newsletter's topic, and then adding loads of links to their stuff). If someone thinks that's a cool thing to do, it's pointless arguing with them. Just block and delete. Any oxygen you give them is encouraging them to do the same thing elsewhere.

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Laura Patranella's avatar

I don’t feel comfortable linking to my substack in comments, even if I’m in a Substack similar to mine…not sure if I should get over it or if it is rude. I will reply with a link on Twitter though, and that has been effective.

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Sue Ferrera's avatar

haha, like the visual of a word salad

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Ehud Neor's avatar

You realize Mike, that there a a few thousand writers here who are saying right now:"I wouldn't mind someone dumping a word salad on me!" I know, it must get old very fast, but what the hell, it's got to be new before that.

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Sarah Styf's avatar

Yep.

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Rachel Katz's avatar

LOL. Womp. But they are few and far between....

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Sharon Cortelyou's avatar

I had a couple of those and just reported and deleted the comment.

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Sam W's avatar

Oh man, I hate when that happens...there are a ton of bots going around on Medium and I've gotten nabbed once or twice before I realized I was engaging with a cardboard cutout that never answered back!

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Rachel Katz's avatar

Yeah, I have no idea how it has stayed so pure. Do you know? I can't help but worry a little about the future...

But for now I'll just enjoy it!

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Kelley Orcutt's avatar

Congrats on the 70th Office Hours! I mentioned this a couple of Office Hours ago, but for those who are trying to grow their Substacks without much of a social media following or established brand, it would be amazing to have a directory of writers who are seeking submissions for guest posts or who are open to cross posting! For example, I know Emma Gannon accepts essay submissions at The Hyphen and Georgia Clark and Hannah Orenstein accept short story submissions at Heartbeat - but I only know that because I follow them on socials.

Thanks for keeping these forums open to take feedback - it's been a great place to learn from other writers.

PS. My newsletter is called Cheers! (https://cheerskelley.substack.com/)

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Bailey @ Substack's avatar

This is a great idea! Maybe we could ask at a future office hours for the hivemind to help us create this list of writers.

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Scoot's avatar

A classifieds office hours! Have people respond with what they're about and what kind of collab they are after!

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De's avatar

Yes Scoot, would love to see more collaborations. Film, music posts with photo captions and audio embeds. I would like to collaborate with someone

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Kelley Orcutt's avatar

Yes definitely you could crowdsource it so easily! Or you could make a discover page / a tag for writers to opt in to saying they accept submissions

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Terry Freedman's avatar

This probably would need thinking about, but in other contexts the organiser has set up a google from in which people could indicate their willingness to accept guest posts. The form can be set up to generate a spreadsheet, which can be made View only.

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George G's avatar

Agreed that directory would be awesome! Really, any I’ll take any improvements to find peers in general. I’ve been publishing an off- beat tech Substack weekly for 5 months. It’s like finding a needle in a haystack to find peers with that similar combination of tiny, new-ish, ambitious Substacks in either the tech or humor genre. Search tools comes up hundreds of huge, established accounts or dead/inactive accounts.

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De's avatar

Contributors to Substack success should receive some compensation even if it's small cash insentitive. Time, effort and money is needed to produce quality publication s. Substack is not a small enterprise and I think there could be sensitives set to reward writers. No one should be expected to work for free George.

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moviewise 🎟's avatar

"moviewise: Life Lessons From Movies" is open to Guest Posts:

https://moviewise.substack.com/p/be-our-guest

Prompt: If you've ever felt that you learned something about life from a movie, please share 🤗

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Terry Freedman's avatar

I've now watched the film (again) and made notes. Review coming real soon

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moviewise 🎟's avatar

Yay!

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Jenny Johnson's avatar

Thank You!!

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Sara Barkat's avatar

Yes, this would definitely be a cool resource to have!

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Kelley Orcutt's avatar

I'm also keen to understand if you'll be launching any new fellowships!

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Plain Jane's avatar

Yes such a good idea!

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Rachel Lauto's avatar

Oh yes. I really like your idea of a directory!

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Terry Freedman's avatar

I just subscribed, Kelley. Anyone who loves London is a good person in my book!

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Terry Freedman's avatar

That's a great idea, Kelley. I'm always looking for guest writing opportunities. Mary Tabor (Only Connect) takes guest writers. I do too, on the right topic

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Simon K Jones's avatar

Any plan to add mentions to comments? That would definitely be helpful, especially in shout-out threads!

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Katie @ Substack's avatar

I've thought about since day one of shoutout thread. It's on our team's radar!

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Bailey @ Substack's avatar

I'm assuming we haven't done this yet because it could create some spammy behavior that we would need to be prepared to support, but I would love this feature too! Will share the desire with our team.

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Simon K Jones's avatar

Yeah, I did wonder about that as well. I wonder if there's been much annoying @ linking in posts? I did wonder if that might happen with people trying to get the attention of people (ooh, I should @ Margaret Atwood!).

Tricky one!

Maybe you could have a user setting with some preferences for comment mentions:

- Anyone can @ you

- Only people who subscribe to your publication can @ you

- Only people you subscribe to can @ you

- No-one can @ you

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Mike Sowden's avatar

Yes, I can imagine that the incidences of people leaving spammy self-mentions would go through the roof, plus the rest of that kind of behaviour that's not hard to see on social media. But agreeing with Simon - it'd be so helpful!

Maybe you could roll out a trial version where it only works with my name and my Substack? I'd be happy to be your guinea pig! You can trust me, Bailey. I'm not spammy.

*quietly prepares one billion comments and targets half a million Substacks to leave them on*

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Jen Zug's avatar

This makes sense.

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De's avatar

Has there been any consideration given to setting up insentitives or rewards for writers Bailey?

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Simon K Jones's avatar

This comment is the shortest and most popular thing I've ever posted on Substack. There's a lesson there somewhere... :P

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Meg Oolders's avatar

👍👍👍

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Mike Sowden's avatar

Ayup. That would be terrific.

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Nikko Kennedy's avatar

Yeah! I agree.

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Jen Zug's avatar

+1

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Ehud Neor's avatar

+1

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Michael Woudenberg's avatar

Is anyone else noticing a marked decrease in subscriptions over the past months? I'm getting better than ever engagement, number of views, and feedback but subscriptions have struggled. I feel like it aligns with an increased difficulty in actually subscribing through Substack's system. For example:

1. I can click through and read the article but if I'm not a substack member, I get a splash screen that appears to force a subscription

2. If I do enter my e-mail address I'm faced with going to my inbox to validate it.

3. Then I have to pick a plan and the dollar values flashed in my face is intimidating

4. Then I get hit with a screen to subscribe to other substacks

5. Then I get pushed to post it to Twitter

6. Only then do I actually get to the content I wanted to read.

I think this is pushing people away and I'd like to see the numbers of how many people fail to follow-through that entire sequence!

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Valorie Castellanos Clark's avatar

I agree that there are a lot of steps, but I would say that the forced subscription splash screen is optional. If you're seeing that, the writer has enabled it. You can change it in post settings.

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Robert Urbaschek's avatar

Would also like to know this. Although I'm not sure whether it is more beneficial to leave it on or to turn it off

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Michael Woudenberg's avatar

Thanks! I see a lot of information about how to edit my welcome page, and what information I'd like to share on my welcome page, and even how to edit the 'opt out' on my welcome page, but I don't see how to disable my welcome page. Were did you find that?

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Valorie Castellanos Clark's avatar

Oh, we might be talking about different things. Are you talking about when you visit a specific post or the 'stack's main page?

I meant the actual pop up that comes up on some 'stacks when you try to read a specific free post. It requires you to sign up for a free subscription to keep reading. That can be turned off in settings.

But I think you mean the page that comes up when you go to a 'stack, that shows the name of the Substack and suggests subscribing? That page doesn't require anything, you can click on the link that says "No thanks" or "Let me read it first."

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Michael Woudenberg's avatar

Yes, that's the one I'm talking about and I think it's holding people back from reading. I've had some people question it worried about being 'forced to'

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John Bluff's avatar

Send them to [name].substack.com/archive not ideal but it works

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Karen Constable's avatar

Send them to your about page substack.com/about, they won't see the 'enter your email to read' page AND you can control what they see. It's made a huge change for me.

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John Bluff's avatar

I have concerns about that as well. I have been experimenting with my own landing page off Substack for this reason.

***Update*** I have made a new landing page with mailerlite at subscribepage.io/jokes

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Elise's avatar

+1 to nixing the Twitter CTA and saving recommendations until later.

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Michael Woudenberg's avatar

I found I can't reduce the monthly (has to be $5) but I can reduce my yearly (I lowered it to $30). But that screen does make me balk at moving forward so I wonder how others feel. I personally would rather start free and then I can do marketing to move them to paid (to be honest, I think ALL my paid started as free anway)

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Marissa Paape's avatar

The Facebook group, "Substack writers" has been super helpful in discovering new writers. I think the discover feature on Substack could be a little bit better in terms of finding new writers that don't have a huge following.

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Valorie Castellanos Clark's avatar

It would be great to have a feature that enables readers to filter by "new" substacks. "Created in the last 3 months" or something.

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Janice Walton's avatar

I agree with you regarding the Substack Writers Group on FaceBook. They are very supportive and I have learned new information as well.

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De's avatar

Could you tell me more about this Facebook group Janice?

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Janice Walton's avatar

Hi

Substack Writers is a Facebook group for writers who publish newsletters on Substack. The link to the group is https://www.facebook.com/groups/substackwriters.

You have to request to join, but it is free - there are several group options and helpful hints. Casey Botticello is the administrator. He is a consultant who is very involved with Medium and Substack. This link will introduce him: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1964721613653075/user/100000971066431

Hope that helps.

Janice

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Penny Kiley's avatar

That sounds useful. Do you have a link, please?

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Ann Richardson's avatar

Hello. I have asked this before and had no answer, so i will try again. Substack very reasonably tries to aid potential readers by classifying the different newsletters according to a complex typology. But I could not see anywhere in that typology for we generalists to be noted. I am not an expert on anything in particular, but i know how to think and I know how to write. And a growing number of people are choosing to follow The Granny Who Stands on her Head, covering everything from regretted careers to orgasms to thinking about death to the significance of travel time. There must be other people out there who are not easily classified. Surely, you could create one category that is clearly universal for those with a taste for our writings.

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Holly Rabalais's avatar

I fall into the same category, Ann, and I just picked two and went with it. I'd love to see a "slice of life" or "memoirists" category.

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Anu Prabhala's avatar

I like ‘slice of life’.

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Holly Rabalais's avatar

Jen Zug and Rebecca Holden are both other writers who would fall into that category. There's so much value in their writing, but there's no clear way to categorize their publications.

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Michael Mohr's avatar

👍

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Anu Prabhala's avatar

Thanks, Michael! I will definitely check it out.

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Sue Ferrera's avatar

Yes Holly!!

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Amanda B. Hinton's avatar

I feel you on this. For now, choose the "Literature" category, as this is where I've found the bulk of more seasoned "memoir-esque" writers sharing their life musings.

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Ann Richardson's avatar

I don't think 'literature' is where I am at, but I would like to be discoverable. I don't write memoirs as such but more musings about life. Quite a few people seem to have discovered me with no category at all, but this does not mean the situation couldn't be improved. Thanks for the suggestion, nonetheless. Where is a Substack admin person??

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Anu Prabhala's avatar

Thanks for that tip, Amanda! Much appreciate.

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Anu Prabhala's avatar

I have the same question--for the lack of a better category, I stuck myself in travel and international, but the posts there are not exactly reflective of my writing.

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Christine Wolf's avatar

I agree. I write a ton about managing mental health, particularly grief and trauma, and I'm a memoir coach who runs writing retreats — but I only "qualify" for Substack categories like "literature" and "wellness". Would love to see the following options:

--Memoir

--Personal essays

--Writing coaching/writing support

--Retreats

--Trauma

--Grief

Thanks for your consideration.

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June Girvin's avatar

I'd love to see a Memoir category. At the moment I publish memoir stuff as a separate section on my main substack page. Listen to me, MAIN substack page - I have 16 followers and have been writing here for just three weeks....

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Michael Mohr's avatar

❤️🫰

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Emma Goulding's avatar

I was going to suggest 'personal essays' which is where I would put myself. Or 'life lessons'

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Sue Ferrera's avatar

I second this!!!! 💜

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Maura Casey's avatar

I agree. I write essays every week but they range from losing my sweet dog Molly to how I got forewarned that the pandemic was about to hit two weeks early from a top MD at an insurance company. (so i had more time to panic!) Hard to categorize what I do every week.

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Mills Baker's avatar

Hello Ann! This is a great idea. Our typology is not nearly as sophisticated or comprehensive as we'd like; we simply haven't had time to get deep into it, and typologies / topic ontologies are a whole universe of challenges.

All that said: we agree that this is a missing category, a real gap; I happen to also be a "generalist" writer and I think I wound up using the tag "culture," but with some discomfort. In any event: great feedback and we'll try to get this incorporated when we make changes to topics; I don't have a timeline to share, unfortunately, but it's definitely important.

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Ann Richardson's avatar

Thanks. Suck to Suck (meaning? the mind boggles!) does not sound like you are a Substack administrator, but you write as if you are, so I will take you at your word. I have always assumed that I was not unique in not fitting into the given categories and the number of likes and comments suggests that assumption is correct. I'm not sure what the wording should be: even non-classifiable would be better than nothing. There must be a number of memoirists, so that might be a category of its own, but my newsletter is really a lot of musings or ruminations on different aspects of life, not memoirs. I invite you to have a look.

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Ann Richardson's avatar

On thinking about it further, "non-classifiable" is a terrible idea for a generalist category. Someone suggested 'thoughts on life' - and that or something of that ilk would cover me and quite a few others, I suspect.

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