Substack will be fine -- lots of writers means more money for them -- but not every writer will thrive here, and readers have to choose where to spend their money. I don't think that's a bad thing.
I actually like that I can't afford to subscribe to everyone because it forces me to slow down and be more intentional in choosing the writers…
Substack will be fine -- lots of writers means more money for them -- but not every writer will thrive here, and readers have to choose where to spend their money. I don't think that's a bad thing.
I actually like that I can't afford to subscribe to everyone because it forces me to slow down and be more intentional in choosing the writers who deliver high enough quality to merit a subscription. I've noticed that as my content consumption increases, I actually learn and apply less, even when it's excellent writing. The brain can only absorb so much.
Like the long tail theory, this paradigm imo rewards first and foremost writers applying themselves to topics widely regarded as “relevant” or who have already well-established brands. I might discover a new writer in a regularly published compendium like the New Yorker, but it seems unlikely I’ll stumble on an author new to me occupying a silo here, unless through word of mouth or the writer’s own promotional efforts (largely on other platforms or in other media)..
You should check out Substack Notes—where you will get lots of discussion of Substack (and other) articles which are much more than just the "writer's own promotional efforts." Notes is a vibrant community of writers and readers that isn't as stratified and narrow as reviews in The New Yorker. I'm learning about independent new voices in journalism every day there.
Will take a look. I’m already trying to handle an overwhelming media diet, while contributing myself and participating in previously established writers communities (Jazz Journalists Assoc and the Off Campus Writers Workshop, foremost of late), besides personal contacts. I admire your explorations, Ted, but paying for three subs is already, what, $150? — and here I am trying to write a Substack, offering free content to build towards what? An audience that will eventually be paying, if I provide frequent new content of a high level, in competition with already established Substack writers. I dunno, Color me skeptical.
Substack will be fine -- lots of writers means more money for them -- but not every writer will thrive here, and readers have to choose where to spend their money. I don't think that's a bad thing.
I actually like that I can't afford to subscribe to everyone because it forces me to slow down and be more intentional in choosing the writers who deliver high enough quality to merit a subscription. I've noticed that as my content consumption increases, I actually learn and apply less, even when it's excellent writing. The brain can only absorb so much.
Like the long tail theory, this paradigm imo rewards first and foremost writers applying themselves to topics widely regarded as “relevant” or who have already well-established brands. I might discover a new writer in a regularly published compendium like the New Yorker, but it seems unlikely I’ll stumble on an author new to me occupying a silo here, unless through word of mouth or the writer’s own promotional efforts (largely on other platforms or in other media)..
You should check out Substack Notes—where you will get lots of discussion of Substack (and other) articles which are much more than just the "writer's own promotional efforts." Notes is a vibrant community of writers and readers that isn't as stratified and narrow as reviews in The New Yorker. I'm learning about independent new voices in journalism every day there.
Will take a look. I’m already trying to handle an overwhelming media diet, while contributing myself and participating in previously established writers communities (Jazz Journalists Assoc and the Off Campus Writers Workshop, foremost of late), besides personal contacts. I admire your explorations, Ted, but paying for three subs is already, what, $150? — and here I am trying to write a Substack, offering free content to build towards what? An audience that will eventually be paying, if I provide frequent new content of a high level, in competition with already established Substack writers. I dunno, Color me skeptical.
That's a good point. My finances, or lack there of, provide the discipline to keep me from subscribing.