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Dec 25, 2024
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Dr. Bronce Rice's avatar

Great question! Please keep asking! I want to know this answer as well.

Jessica Miller's avatar

Once I stopped comparing myself to other writers, I was able to get the clarity I needed. (This also works well in life, not just Substack!)

Sally Doran's avatar

I started my Substack relationship this year and it’s been amazing and rewarding! I can’t agree more with Sarah’s point and comments here that “comparison-itis” between your Substack and those boasting about subscriber count is not helpful.

Happy Holidays to all!

Jessica Miller's avatar

I was comparing myself to writers who had written four books and came to Substack with large followings. As if following their lead would benefit me. Silly me.

Happy holidays to you!

Sally Doran's avatar

And some Substack topics are magnets for readership, like how to make money writing online 🤣! Can’t compare what I’m writing about to that topic.

Jessica Miller's avatar

The only thing I’ve learned from those Substacks is how providing some value or benefit to a reader and staying focused topically works. 😊

Sarah Fay, PhD's avatar

I just love this so much.

Melissa Scala's avatar

I love this Jessica! I found that instead of comparing (guilty) I try to put on my learning hat to learn from someone, instead of comparing myself to them.

Jessica Miller's avatar

It will revolutionize your thinking and your output!!

Priyanka Podder's avatar

Actually it does matter a lot as we all have different journey and have started the journey not at the same time so someone's page number 10 is probably our page number 1 . So just believe things will just happen at its own perfect time

Marisa Elise's avatar

As always, thanks for the great insight! I’m pretty new to this platform (though brought an email list over from a prior website) so I’ve loved learning about substack strategies through your work!

Sarah Fay, PhD's avatar

I'm so glad you're here.

Linda Hoenigsberg's avatar

I started to write, "As always..." then glanced down and saw that Marisa had already said that. But...thanks for this Sarah! I'm excited to keep learning.

Sarah Fay, PhD's avatar

So great to have you, Linda.

Marla Grant's avatar

I decided when I stepped out on my own not to track what anyone else was doing. It's helped me keep my sanity and focus forward and not around me. Thanks for your wisdom, Sarah.

Adam Ming's avatar

Number 2 is the game changer, and the hardest one!

Tara Penry's avatar

Agreed! If No. 2 takes years, we can appreciate that the spiritual work of it takes precedence over metrics.

Sarah Fay, PhD's avatar

I love that it's spiritual work.

Jana's avatar

I'm so excited about what’s coming up; thank you, Sarah! Merry Christmas 🎄

Julie Gabrielli's avatar

Fabulous! Looking forward to diving into all this with you. Happy holidays, Sarah. 💚

Katie Harbath's avatar

Oh I’m excited about these as I start planning for 2025! Happy holidays.

Jill's avatar

I am not a "writer", but a "reader" and am loving substack. I blown away (impressed) by the depth of content. I'm still learning what this all is, but I'm reassured by what I finding, and look forward to reading more ❤️.

Sarah Fay, PhD's avatar

So great to have you!

Jeannie Ewing's avatar

Thank you, Sarah. I am happy to support you and your work here on Substack.

Megan Walrod's avatar

I read the list of all that’s coming our way as paid subscribers and that just got me so excited! Thank you for your generosity and all around awesomeness!

Riccardo Vocca's avatar

Thank you for the sincere and important reflection. I think these four elements are crucial and are often underestimated. In particular, I think the theme of finding one's own voice, perhaps also thanks to a format that we like a lot, a particular style, is a first step also in the service of the consistency of writing. For example, in talking about research papers, I have often experimented with different ideas of style, format and insights. It is a journey of experimentation in continuous evolution, which is part of the great experience on this platform. Along with this, I am firmly convinced - thank you so much for reiterating it! - of the enormous value of the community. Interacting sincerely, actively and openly with writers on Substack is not only a great opportunity for comparison and constructive criticism, but also a way to meet great authors and people.

Dr SD Shanti's avatar

Thanks Sarah for this. Your guidance is always appreciated.

Yasmin Chopin's avatar

I’m excited for 2025! I’m talking about Substack to everyone I meet. I think I must be responsible for some of this tremendous growth 😂😅📈 Happy holidays to all and Thankyou Sarah!

David Arthur Walters's avatar

There's more than four ways to turn tricks when you're on the street.