Absolutely needed to read this. I’m new to Substack and joined to slowly build an authentic online home for my writing after much time away from social media. Just four-ish weeks in, I already don’t like the social media-y vibes here, but I really enjoy everything else about it. This post reminded me to focus on what I’m enjoying, and let the rest be. Thank you so much for this wisdom!
I'm so glad, Rebecca. That's what I hoped. Yes, just ignore the social media-y stuff, dip into Notes when you feel like it and you feel good and do your thing.
You called it a blog! It IS a blog, but a blog on steroids. I'm having the BEST time in this community. I keep growing as a writer, as a human, as an entrepeneur, and as a...wait for it...performer! I'm doing things I never thought I could do in my life. I can't imagine a better home for my emerging creativity. And I LOVE the 18th century Substack post. LOVE. xo
Any kind of social media is what you make of it. If you engage with trolls and negative content the algorithm will learn that that's what you engage with. Surround yourself with positivity and only engage with people and writers you really want to engage with. Share the stuff you want to share and the stuff you're proud of. And if it's too much, take a break. It's that simple.
It’s been a wild ride. I was almost late to the party but glad I jumped while it was still raging before it went rogue or conventional or whacko end of May. But I’m good. Glad to be here. And working on balance. It’s tough and it’s also hard work. Unpaid for the most part. I’m almost to 83 paid - once I hit 100 I can pay writers for my lit mag section (formerly Voices on Addiction at The Rumpus est.2016) now The W(hole)🕳️ Recovery (from anything) Fingers crossed.
Thanks for the pep talk. Or maybe it’s more of a Pepto-Bismol talk. Substack may not be social media, but there are algorithms . . .
I knew the moment I found Substack that this was the place I wanted to write. I love the interface. My readership is growing, but more importantly, so am I. I am taking longer and longer strides, trying new things, and exploring an ever-expanding cosmos.
Thanks, too, for the shout-out to Mason Currey. I am privileged to be a participant in his morning soon group)
Oh, Fran, I'm so, so glad. I love this: "I am taking longer and longer strides, trying new things, and exploring an ever-expanding cosmos." That's Substack!
I echo you, Fran! I've grown so much on Substack as a writer as I've given myself permission to try a bunch of things, met a bunch of other writers, engaged with readers—my own and those of others—etc. When I remember I'm here to write MY STUFF and hone a craft as part of everything else I'm doing in my life and work, I'm perpetually happier here.
It's so confusing. Yes, we say Substack, newsletter, and publication interchangeably. I've never liked newsletter. If you think of a way to describe what we're doing, let me know! I'm really trying to define it.
Agreed on blog! But another idea is using the term journal or collection for our publications vs. feed/stream for our notes makes sense. They are two important and distinct entities.
I like journal. That’s nice. On my new site here I’m teaching people how to paint and referring to it as a course. I’m not sure if that’s a good idea or not.
Course is definitely a trending buzzword; everyone expects an expert to sell a "course" these days! So I think it's right on point! I'll have to check these out; I love painting!!
You’ve just answered everything I was questioning about Substack. I joined in January this year and come May—you could feel the shift. So thank you for the priceless advice.
I have a tiny space on Substack where the people I meet are amazing, talented, generous in their support and just plain nice! I'm also so impressed with the tools that Substack has on offer. I'm pushing myself to step out of my comfort zone and start creating videos, possibly a podcast, and even Lives! Not bad for someone nearly 84! Substack is a wonderfully creative place to be.
I've stopped paying attention on all the changes. Like you say, it's important not to write for the algorithms, or you're lose your vibe and creativity. Sadly, Substack doesn't make it easier for us who've been here long. Let's hope it stays clear of adverts!
Is it now really accepted that people are starting to call it it "my Substack" instead of "my newsletter/blog/presence/writing space on Substack"? Like "my Facebook" or "my coffee"?
I think that's an awfully presumptious possessive. You may indeed own your own words, but you certainly don't own the platform.
Thank you, Sarah, for the perspective bump: Substack is just a part of what we create and what we will ultimately do. We make a home here, but it isn’t the whole universe. It’s still a nice place to call home, though.
I'm trying to untrain myself from saying, "my Substack", and revert to "my newsletter" or "my website". And to remember that what I'm building is much larger than "my Substack". It's just a part of the picture, and something I must be able to take with me. In the meantime, I'm thankful for all I'm learning here and the writers I'm getting to know.
Sarah! Thank you. As a newbie who has been floundering and drowning and doggy paddling through my days on social media, I am so relieved to find myself here with you and with the most amazing people I have begun to be in conversation with. So I listened closely to this and took notes in my Substack notebook, nodding all the while, saying to myself, “Yes, this is what I want. It’s scary, in the best possible way.. ❤️
Thank you for the exceedingly kind words, Sarah, I am touched! And I’m so excited to talk with you on Friday.
So looking forward to it. Every word true.
Absolutely needed to read this. I’m new to Substack and joined to slowly build an authentic online home for my writing after much time away from social media. Just four-ish weeks in, I already don’t like the social media-y vibes here, but I really enjoy everything else about it. This post reminded me to focus on what I’m enjoying, and let the rest be. Thank you so much for this wisdom!
I'm so glad, Rebecca. That's what I hoped. Yes, just ignore the social media-y stuff, dip into Notes when you feel like it and you feel good and do your thing.
I feel the same way! Thank you for articulating this 🌸
Just today, the venerable Washington Post announced it was sticking a toe into the Substack water. Phase 5 has begun.
It's so wild.
You called it a blog! It IS a blog, but a blog on steroids. I'm having the BEST time in this community. I keep growing as a writer, as a human, as an entrepeneur, and as a...wait for it...performer! I'm doing things I never thought I could do in my life. I can't imagine a better home for my emerging creativity. And I LOVE the 18th century Substack post. LOVE. xo
Yay, Nan! Just yay, Nan!
Any kind of social media is what you make of it. If you engage with trolls and negative content the algorithm will learn that that's what you engage with. Surround yourself with positivity and only engage with people and writers you really want to engage with. Share the stuff you want to share and the stuff you're proud of. And if it's too much, take a break. It's that simple.
Amen.
It’s been a wild ride. I was almost late to the party but glad I jumped while it was still raging before it went rogue or conventional or whacko end of May. But I’m good. Glad to be here. And working on balance. It’s tough and it’s also hard work. Unpaid for the most part. I’m almost to 83 paid - once I hit 100 I can pay writers for my lit mag section (formerly Voices on Addiction at The Rumpus est.2016) now The W(hole)🕳️ Recovery (from anything) Fingers crossed.
It's so cool what you're doing. You got here at just the right time.
Kelly, there is no “late.” No FOMO. You are here. Just like you were born at exactly the right time.
Thanks for the pep talk. Or maybe it’s more of a Pepto-Bismol talk. Substack may not be social media, but there are algorithms . . .
I knew the moment I found Substack that this was the place I wanted to write. I love the interface. My readership is growing, but more importantly, so am I. I am taking longer and longer strides, trying new things, and exploring an ever-expanding cosmos.
Thanks, too, for the shout-out to Mason Currey. I am privileged to be a participant in his morning soon group)
Oh, Fran, I'm so, so glad. I love this: "I am taking longer and longer strides, trying new things, and exploring an ever-expanding cosmos." That's Substack!
And how cool that you're in his morning group.
Mason’s group helps me grow. Your insights helped me grow. Substack has truly changed my life.
Mine too.
I echo you, Fran! I've grown so much on Substack as a writer as I've given myself permission to try a bunch of things, met a bunch of other writers, engaged with readers—my own and those of others—etc. When I remember I'm here to write MY STUFF and hone a craft as part of everything else I'm doing in my life and work, I'm perpetually happier here.
Thanks!!! However please help me understand. Substack has newsletters? Or are you referring to the publications as newsletters?
It's so confusing. Yes, we say Substack, newsletter, and publication interchangeably. I've never liked newsletter. If you think of a way to describe what we're doing, let me know! I'm really trying to define it.
I really struggle with this, too, as Substack really feels more like blogging to me (both from a writer and reader pov).
Agreed on blog! But another idea is using the term journal or collection for our publications vs. feed/stream for our notes makes sense. They are two important and distinct entities.
I like journal. That’s nice. On my new site here I’m teaching people how to paint and referring to it as a course. I’m not sure if that’s a good idea or not.
Course is definitely a trending buzzword; everyone expects an expert to sell a "course" these days! So I think it's right on point! I'll have to check these out; I love painting!!
I like feed for Notes and collection for posts. Publication too.
I’ve never like the word blog. I usually say post or posting. Dump may sound too negative. How about letter without the news?
I like letter without the news!
You’ve just answered everything I was questioning about Substack. I joined in January this year and come May—you could feel the shift. So thank you for the priceless advice.
I'm so glad, Debra!
I have a tiny space on Substack where the people I meet are amazing, talented, generous in their support and just plain nice! I'm also so impressed with the tools that Substack has on offer. I'm pushing myself to step out of my comfort zone and start creating videos, possibly a podcast, and even Lives! Not bad for someone nearly 84! Substack is a wonderfully creative place to be.
So cool, Kisane. It's wonderful to have you. I would never have guessed 84.
☺️
“A sense that you’re doing the work you always wanted to do and are nicer to people as a result.” - this is what it’s all about! 🤍
I feel it too!
I've stopped paying attention on all the changes. Like you say, it's important not to write for the algorithms, or you're lose your vibe and creativity. Sadly, Substack doesn't make it easier for us who've been here long. Let's hope it stays clear of adverts!
It's really best not to pay attention to the changes.
Is it now really accepted that people are starting to call it it "my Substack" instead of "my newsletter/blog/presence/writing space on Substack"? Like "my Facebook" or "my coffee"?
I think that's an awfully presumptious possessive. You may indeed own your own words, but you certainly don't own the platform.
Thank you, Sarah, for the perspective bump: Substack is just a part of what we create and what we will ultimately do. We make a home here, but it isn’t the whole universe. It’s still a nice place to call home, though.
And it's so great to have you here. You're one of those people who started building something the moment you arrived.
Aw, thank you, Sarah! 🧡
I'm trying to untrain myself from saying, "my Substack", and revert to "my newsletter" or "my website". And to remember that what I'm building is much larger than "my Substack". It's just a part of the picture, and something I must be able to take with me. In the meantime, I'm thankful for all I'm learning here and the writers I'm getting to know.
Lausanne! I feel like I haven't seen you in so long. What you're doing is so much bigger than any platform.
I'm mostly lurking. Trying to finish then publish my first novel. My Main Thing :😅
Sarah! Thank you. As a newbie who has been floundering and drowning and doggy paddling through my days on social media, I am so relieved to find myself here with you and with the most amazing people I have begun to be in conversation with. So I listened closely to this and took notes in my Substack notebook, nodding all the while, saying to myself, “Yes, this is what I want. It’s scary, in the best possible way.. ❤️
Love, love, love having you, AnnMerle. Absolutely.