Thank you, Yvonne — I’ve been on Substack for a few months. What an eye opener! I considered publishing on Substack. But your article is helping me reconsider that decision. I have thought about some of the downsides which you point out for quite some time.
Time — As I am getting older, I’m much more selective in how I choose to spend my time. I don’t have infinite amount of time on the planet. Am I going to be on death bed regretting the fact I didn’t spend more time on Substack or Twitter or any other social media platform?
Mental Health — I want to limits my time on social media. Every minute on social media including Substack is a minute I could spend engaged in healthier activity. I don’t think it’s healthy to be chasing after subscriber numbers or likes or follows. That’s pointed out in The Social Network.
Productivity/Time Management — Writing, publishing and promoting on Substack is not the most productive use of one’s time. I can join a local writing group instead if I want an audience for my writing. I can also create a blog and publish at my leisure. I can hire and contract out the promotion, branding and optimization features. I don’t need Substack to feel fulfilled or successful.
Costs — I believe to acquire a decent following or subscription rate, you probably need to become a Subscribe to a number of accounts. That’s how you network. That’s how you build your credibility and your brand. I don’t invest a lot of money. I don’t want to play a game.
Self Esteem - I don’t need to win approval of an audience to know my worth. It’s also not worth it — taking hits to my self esteem when people don’t like a comment or respond to my writing. In reality, get one or two likes isn’t enough of a reward for all the effort I’m making.
Priorities/Values — I lead with authenticity. I believe in showing up for others. But, I’m not here to be seen or to show off. I’m interested in writing, sharing ideas, learning, growing and building community.
Self Expression — I also don’t to have to censor myself to create an audience. If I want to write about a given topic, I don’t want to have to consider whether it’s on brand or not. Who cares? It’s about me.
Final conclusion: It serves Substack more than it serves me. If I could find a way to make it work, I might consider. But, right now, I’m not seeing it.
Thank you, Yvonne — I’ve been on Substack for a few months. What an eye opener! I considered publishing on Substack. But your article is helping me reconsider that decision. I have thought about some of the downsides which you point out for quite some time.
Time — As I am getting older, I’m much more selective in how I choose to spend my time. I don’t have infinite amount of time on the planet. Am I going to be on death bed regretting the fact I didn’t spend more time on Substack or Twitter or any other social media platform?
Mental Health — I want to limits my time on social media. Every minute on social media including Substack is a minute I could spend engaged in healthier activity. I don’t think it’s healthy to be chasing after subscriber numbers or likes or follows. That’s pointed out in The Social Network.
Productivity/Time Management — Writing, publishing and promoting on Substack is not the most productive use of one’s time. I can join a local writing group instead if I want an audience for my writing. I can also create a blog and publish at my leisure. I can hire and contract out the promotion, branding and optimization features. I don’t need Substack to feel fulfilled or successful.
Costs — I believe to acquire a decent following or subscription rate, you probably need to become a Subscribe to a number of accounts. That’s how you network. That’s how you build your credibility and your brand. I don’t invest a lot of money. I don’t want to play a game.
Self Esteem - I don’t need to win approval of an audience to know my worth. It’s also not worth it — taking hits to my self esteem when people don’t like a comment or respond to my writing. In reality, get one or two likes isn’t enough of a reward for all the effort I’m making.
Priorities/Values — I lead with authenticity. I believe in showing up for others. But, I’m not here to be seen or to show off. I’m interested in writing, sharing ideas, learning, growing and building community.
Self Expression — I also don’t to have to censor myself to create an audience. If I want to write about a given topic, I don’t want to have to consider whether it’s on brand or not. Who cares? It’s about me.
Final conclusion: It serves Substack more than it serves me. If I could find a way to make it work, I might consider. But, right now, I’m not seeing it.
I wish you success in your endeavors.