A very thoughtful piece, Michael. From where I am substack looks a lot like the way you described. I am disheartened by some of the clear ways it’s pushing some writers and not doing a damn thing for most of us, but like you said money makes the world go round — sadly.
But I’m also heartened by the community of like-minded folks I’ve met here, like yourself, and I like to think that the bond ms some of us have formed would easily carry over to whatever other platform or mode of communication and expression came next if Substack fucked itself.
Yeah, I feel the same way. I hope the community we've got here is stronger than just a virtual bubble. Thank you so much. You're one of those friends I really don't want to lose.
I definitely enjoy being on here to share and read others' work. It's my favorite platform by far. I do get a little annoyed by tech, though. It always changes and is rather rude about it. But I suppose that's part of innovation, although I do question why something is changed when it worked so well. Who complained enough to get it changed? I always picture some evil little jester in the corner laughing who only wanted to cause misery. Hehe. Nice post, Michael.
Yeah, some of these changes are probably more about the data/business side than actual user needs. I think they have a plan, or are trying to. Really appreciate your feedback, thanks!
I think I'm one of those people who takes several years at least to sort of catch up with the times. Part of me is still living in the 20th century (certainly my musical part is - mind you music was better back then - like vinyl). It's partly nostalgia of course, but it's partly because I remember everything being so much more real back then. Analog being the word.
I'm not sure I have noticed that much recent changes on Substack but that's because I hardly make use of most of its features (and I shan't be doing video or audio or anything like that). I just sort of write something, post it, sometimes I'll have a look at notes especially when I get tagged, although I am quite a chatty person in comments sections so I probably spend most of my time in notifications.
But yes, if stuff went paid-only then I'd be screwed quite frankly. I personally am living below the poverty line effectively so I simply couldn't afford to stay. I also noticed the British Online Safety Act has been having quite a serious effect here on Substack so I think that is also a sign of things to come.
What I have come to appreciate the most though is this little community of writers who are just so good at what they do, and so supportive of each other and it has done wonders for my little heart. That is what I would miss the most, although I would hope that if it happens then I'd be able to find some free newsletter site (I don't know, the free version of wordpress or something) and hopefully be able to invite all my current friends and subscribers to join me there.
But I certainly shan't be playing algorithm games with any platform. My time is far too precious for that sort of compromise and capitulation. I'm useless at self-marketing and all that anyway. Maybe I'll get lucky with my submissions to publishers and agents in which case they can do all the work for me. If not, well, at least I remained true to myself, and that, in the end, is all we can and should ever do.
Then, of course, I shall be reincarnated in the centuries to come and that will definitely be interesting, especially with all these memory triggers I am laying down for my future self...
well said.... At the end of the day.... The platform is about the platform. I learned this in the music game. the platform feeds the platform. You are just there to feed it. It is game that is a losing hand for most of us but we continue if you are sincere. This is digital not analog. As long as digital is the way this will continue to squeeze the human being for its data.
I have felt the shift. It’s probably about the money. As a lifelong pessimist, I predict it’ll only get harder/worse for Substack, especially fiction writers. Especially those who share mostly free stories (like I do). The solution? I don’t know. But there’s always something new popping up when something ends. God works wonders when we need them.
I've been following you for a long time, Kat, and I know you've been talking about these things in your own way. I try to follow St. Ignatius of Loyola's advice: Do everything knowing it depends on God, but fight as if it depends only on you. I'll never give up on the idea that creativity should always serve something or someone. You're right, if it's not Substack, we'll find something else.
I'm not here to make money. I first tried out Substack when my world was falling apart and I needed a place to hide out and read, somewhere to say the things I couldn't tell anyone I knew in real life. I like it here. I'm trying to wean myself off of Notes, though - everytime I start looking at them, it's like a trainwreck, I just keep scrolling away. I can see how they could potentially be useful, but for me they're an addictive waste of time and energy. Notes are a huge liability for my ADHD brain! I've started writing more, but I don't know what I'll be doing in the future. If I'm ever forced to switch to paid subscriptions, I'll probably move my writing off-line. Because, thanks to all the wonderful people here, I've learned that I not only enjoy writing, but I'm become more confident with my work. Despite its faults, Substack can be a fantastic crash course in how to write.
"I'm not here to make money. I first tried out Substack when my world was falling apart and I needed a place to hide out and read, somewhere to say the things I couldn't tell anyone I knew in real life."
This is really beautiful, painful, and true. I agree with everything you wrote. I get what it's like when your world feels like it's falling apart and you need a corner of peace. I think Substack can be that. At least, I hope it can.
It’s unfortunate that writing appears to be taking a backseat on Substack, especially with the recent push for videos. You can see this shift in Substack’s Google description: “Substack is a media platform for video, writing, podcasts, and creator-centered communities, all powered by subscriptions.”
Substack is fighting for relevance in this land of tribalism.... It is inevitable. Again this isn't analog it is digital. Digital is built to dehumanize. I get that but I understand that. Most of us do not. We still grasp things analog not digital. Once something digitize it is devalued. That is the trade off. It is a hunger game. I understand this most don't. Hence the slop
Think about how many things are digital today: books, texts of all kinds, photos. Imagine if we didn't have access to any of this. Think about how much of our "civilization" would be lost.
I'd say shutting down the digital world all of a sudden (then making out like it's an alien invasion - or the Russkies) is part of the bad guys' plan. You're quite right about the loss of civilisation, absolutely. It's very sad.
I also. But the visual is where the masses are. We are in a distinct minority in my observation. However, let's see what happens. Things always change....
A very thoughtful piece, Michael. From where I am substack looks a lot like the way you described. I am disheartened by some of the clear ways it’s pushing some writers and not doing a damn thing for most of us, but like you said money makes the world go round — sadly.
But I’m also heartened by the community of like-minded folks I’ve met here, like yourself, and I like to think that the bond ms some of us have formed would easily carry over to whatever other platform or mode of communication and expression came next if Substack fucked itself.
No matter what, I’ve got your email buddy :)
Yeah, I feel the same way. I hope the community we've got here is stronger than just a virtual bubble. Thank you so much. You're one of those friends I really don't want to lose.
I hope so to bro!
And just know that whatever the fuck happens to Substack you can always email me, and vice versa. We’ll find a way to stay connected :)
I definitely enjoy being on here to share and read others' work. It's my favorite platform by far. I do get a little annoyed by tech, though. It always changes and is rather rude about it. But I suppose that's part of innovation, although I do question why something is changed when it worked so well. Who complained enough to get it changed? I always picture some evil little jester in the corner laughing who only wanted to cause misery. Hehe. Nice post, Michael.
Yeah, some of these changes are probably more about the data/business side than actual user needs. I think they have a plan, or are trying to. Really appreciate your feedback, thanks!
I think I'm one of those people who takes several years at least to sort of catch up with the times. Part of me is still living in the 20th century (certainly my musical part is - mind you music was better back then - like vinyl). It's partly nostalgia of course, but it's partly because I remember everything being so much more real back then. Analog being the word.
I'm not sure I have noticed that much recent changes on Substack but that's because I hardly make use of most of its features (and I shan't be doing video or audio or anything like that). I just sort of write something, post it, sometimes I'll have a look at notes especially when I get tagged, although I am quite a chatty person in comments sections so I probably spend most of my time in notifications.
But yes, if stuff went paid-only then I'd be screwed quite frankly. I personally am living below the poverty line effectively so I simply couldn't afford to stay. I also noticed the British Online Safety Act has been having quite a serious effect here on Substack so I think that is also a sign of things to come.
What I have come to appreciate the most though is this little community of writers who are just so good at what they do, and so supportive of each other and it has done wonders for my little heart. That is what I would miss the most, although I would hope that if it happens then I'd be able to find some free newsletter site (I don't know, the free version of wordpress or something) and hopefully be able to invite all my current friends and subscribers to join me there.
But I certainly shan't be playing algorithm games with any platform. My time is far too precious for that sort of compromise and capitulation. I'm useless at self-marketing and all that anyway. Maybe I'll get lucky with my submissions to publishers and agents in which case they can do all the work for me. If not, well, at least I remained true to myself, and that, in the end, is all we can and should ever do.
Then, of course, I shall be reincarnated in the centuries to come and that will definitely be interesting, especially with all these memory triggers I am laying down for my future self...
Exactly what you said: we don't have to play the game of algorithms. If our choices can really shift it, we've got to choose wisely.
Damned, Michael - this is a great work. I think I am going to use a small part of it in a future drop, with attribution of course ;-)
Thanks for sharing it!
No problem, Bryson. Thanks for taking the time to read it.
Absolutely, is a great work.
And feel free to call me Stone :-)
Alright, Stone! :-)
well said.... At the end of the day.... The platform is about the platform. I learned this in the music game. the platform feeds the platform. You are just there to feed it. It is game that is a losing hand for most of us but we continue if you are sincere. This is digital not analog. As long as digital is the way this will continue to squeeze the human being for its data.
You nailed it. William Gibson said it: "Data will be the new oil." And that's what data is.
I have felt the shift. It’s probably about the money. As a lifelong pessimist, I predict it’ll only get harder/worse for Substack, especially fiction writers. Especially those who share mostly free stories (like I do). The solution? I don’t know. But there’s always something new popping up when something ends. God works wonders when we need them.
I've been following you for a long time, Kat, and I know you've been talking about these things in your own way. I try to follow St. Ignatius of Loyola's advice: Do everything knowing it depends on God, but fight as if it depends only on you. I'll never give up on the idea that creativity should always serve something or someone. You're right, if it's not Substack, we'll find something else.
I'm not here to make money. I first tried out Substack when my world was falling apart and I needed a place to hide out and read, somewhere to say the things I couldn't tell anyone I knew in real life. I like it here. I'm trying to wean myself off of Notes, though - everytime I start looking at them, it's like a trainwreck, I just keep scrolling away. I can see how they could potentially be useful, but for me they're an addictive waste of time and energy. Notes are a huge liability for my ADHD brain! I've started writing more, but I don't know what I'll be doing in the future. If I'm ever forced to switch to paid subscriptions, I'll probably move my writing off-line. Because, thanks to all the wonderful people here, I've learned that I not only enjoy writing, but I'm become more confident with my work. Despite its faults, Substack can be a fantastic crash course in how to write.
"I'm not here to make money. I first tried out Substack when my world was falling apart and I needed a place to hide out and read, somewhere to say the things I couldn't tell anyone I knew in real life."
This is really beautiful, painful, and true. I agree with everything you wrote. I get what it's like when your world feels like it's falling apart and you need a corner of peace. I think Substack can be that. At least, I hope it can.
Parts of it, at least... Or more accurately, some of the people here. ☺️
It’s unfortunate that writing appears to be taking a backseat on Substack, especially with the recent push for videos. You can see this shift in Substack’s Google description: “Substack is a media platform for video, writing, podcasts, and creator-centered communities, all powered by subscriptions.”
Substack is fighting for relevance in this land of tribalism.... It is inevitable. Again this isn't analog it is digital. Digital is built to dehumanize. I get that but I understand that. Most of us do not. We still grasp things analog not digital. Once something digitize it is devalued. That is the trade off. It is a hunger game. I understand this most don't. Hence the slop
Think about how many things are digital today: books, texts of all kinds, photos. Imagine if we didn't have access to any of this. Think about how much of our "civilization" would be lost.
I'd say shutting down the digital world all of a sudden (then making out like it's an alien invasion - or the Russkies) is part of the bad guys' plan. You're quite right about the loss of civilisation, absolutely. It's very sad.
yes indeed. This has been a eye opening experience for humanity because of it is all unprecedented. We are in the random unknown. Exciting
Yeah, I noticed. I hope this trend doesn't really take off. I'd much rather read than watch videos.
I also. But the visual is where the masses are. We are in a distinct minority in my observation. However, let's see what happens. Things always change....