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Kisane Slaney PhD's avatar

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.

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Debra Douglas's avatar

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.

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Sarah Fay's avatar

I'm so glad, Debra!

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authentically amanda's avatar

Thanks!!! However please help me understand. Substack has newsletters? Or are you referring to the publications as newsletters?

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Sarah Fay's avatar

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.

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Fran Gardner's avatar

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)

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Sarah Fay's avatar

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.

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Fran Gardner's avatar

Mason’s group helps me grow. Your insights helped me grow. Substack has truly changed my life.

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Kelly Thompson TNWWY's avatar

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.

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Sarah Fay's avatar

It's so cool what you're doing. You got here at just the right time.

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Sophie S.'s avatar

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.

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Sarah Fay's avatar

Amen.

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Nan Tepper's avatar

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

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Sarah Fay's avatar

Yay, Nan! Just yay, Nan!

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Jane Trombley's avatar

Just today, the venerable Washington Post announced it was sticking a toe into the Substack water. Phase 5 has begun.

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Sarah Fay's avatar

It's so wild.

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Rebecca Landman's avatar

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!

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Sarah Fay's avatar

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.

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Mason Currey's avatar

Thank you for the exceedingly kind words, Sarah, I am touched! And I’m so excited to talk with you on Friday.

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Sarah Fay's avatar

So looking forward to it. Every word true.

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