I think this was something I intuitively realized when I first found out about substack. I heard about it when it was just email, and when I came notes was relatively new. I really appreciate this perspective and the way you laid it out so succinctly is super helpful. I'm really interested to see what comes next in this series. Because I think I've forgotten that it is a very unique system
Really good - I particularly like "......you need to think about Substack not as one platform, but as two distinct systems that operate on completely different logic:
The tech stack - your newsletters, subscriber relationships, and long-form content. This operates on what I call "invitation energy." People choose to be there. They want depth, consistency, and authentic voice.
The discovery platform - Notes, community engagement, and finding new audiences. This operates on "browsing energy." People are sampling, deciding, moving quickly through options."
You wrote about what I have been feeling. The honeymoon phase for me and SS is over. But I want to get back to the honeymoon where all was pure and innocent and I was naive about all this hustle culture that I naively thought SS was immune to. 🤷🏽♀️
Well, we can reject the hustle culture. I don't burn out on Substack because I have set firm boundaries. 🩵 I enjoy it still! More than any other platform! We can do it together!
I guess its like a marriage. I love it but I definitely have my moments where I just need a break. I think it has a lot to do with a personal mindset and approach. Remembering why I loved it here in the first place. I have definitely been in a struggle lately…so grateful for your post and looking forward to the next one. 🙏🏾
I'm a slow learner (apparently) and I'm plodding along with slow growth, and I'm okay with that.
I've seen an uptick in (free) subscribers and followers, especially since my one year anniversary date. Again, that's all good, as far as I'm concerned.
My notes get pretty much zero - 3 responses.
My comments get more, but nothing has gone viral...and I'm really grateful for that, as I would find that overwhelming.
It's still good to read something about how Substack works.
Thank you, Nancy, for sharing! I resonate with this journey. I think slow and steady does win the race. I hope the next couple of articles will help add some additional insight :)
Thanks Alexander. That's very helpful particularly to a non-tech savvy writer who just wants to write and connect. I remember Substack before the hustle, and likewise I want to be strategic. Thanks again. 😊
Thanks, Melanie! I look forward to your feedback throughout the series. My mindset is that of a researcher—I'm constantly observing others, experimenting with my own publication, and seeing what others are doing. I also notice many authors stop publishing after a certain point. I take all of this in, and this series reflects my perspective after watching, experimenting, listening, talking, collaborating, and more. So, please comment often! I'd love to learn from you as well.
Alex, I subscribed to your other substack, not realizing you have more than one. Or are you a guest on The Creator Project? I'd like to be sure and get the other parts to this helpful series. Do I need to subscribe here? I'm still new to SS, finding my way along. thanks.
This is really interesting. I’d never thought of it like this but can see it’s spot on now you’ve shown me! Looking forward to finding out more. While I obviously want readers for my posts, what I really want to do is make meaningful connections with others who want to use their writing as a way to bring more peace, love and unity to the world. And I’m not really sure how to do that!
Alex!!! Thank you so so so much for this! We all came here because we were exhausted with the other platforms...and when I did, I did see the "big creators" rushing in and spilling the same bullshit. For the first two months, I consciously curated my feed by hiding and blocking people who didn't resonate with my energy. And now it feels like I'm in a beautiful bubble. Where the energy is protected so much!
I also feel like we discover who we are...who we want to be...and who we're not in this process right? Like I discovered that I work in waves...I can't post every single day for life. Probably go for 3 weeks and take a week's break. Nothing on weekends.
And completely embraced long form...even in notes (especially in newsletters). I just can't trim my words lol...and for the first time I'm finally okay with it!!
I can't wait to read your deep dive on newsletters and notes+community part of the platform. To learn and dive deeper!
I think this was something I intuitively realized when I first found out about substack. I heard about it when it was just email, and when I came notes was relatively new. I really appreciate this perspective and the way you laid it out so succinctly is super helpful. I'm really interested to see what comes next in this series. Because I think I've forgotten that it is a very unique system
I love how clearly Alex explains it.
Really good - I particularly like "......you need to think about Substack not as one platform, but as two distinct systems that operate on completely different logic:
The tech stack - your newsletters, subscriber relationships, and long-form content. This operates on what I call "invitation energy." People choose to be there. They want depth, consistency, and authentic voice.
The discovery platform - Notes, community engagement, and finding new audiences. This operates on "browsing energy." People are sampling, deciding, moving quickly through options."
Thanks, Susan! I'm glad you appreciate that distinction! Next week, I'll dig into the tech stack and "invitation energy" more. See you there!
You wrote about what I have been feeling. The honeymoon phase for me and SS is over. But I want to get back to the honeymoon where all was pure and innocent and I was naive about all this hustle culture that I naively thought SS was immune to. 🤷🏽♀️
Well, we can reject the hustle culture. I don't burn out on Substack because I have set firm boundaries. 🩵 I enjoy it still! More than any other platform! We can do it together!
I guess its like a marriage. I love it but I definitely have my moments where I just need a break. I think it has a lot to do with a personal mindset and approach. Remembering why I loved it here in the first place. I have definitely been in a struggle lately…so grateful for your post and looking forward to the next one. 🙏🏾
This is very informative.
When I came to Substack, I knew nothing about it.
I'm a slow learner (apparently) and I'm plodding along with slow growth, and I'm okay with that.
I've seen an uptick in (free) subscribers and followers, especially since my one year anniversary date. Again, that's all good, as far as I'm concerned.
My notes get pretty much zero - 3 responses.
My comments get more, but nothing has gone viral...and I'm really grateful for that, as I would find that overwhelming.
It's still good to read something about how Substack works.
Thank you, Nancy, for sharing! I resonate with this journey. I think slow and steady does win the race. I hope the next couple of articles will help add some additional insight :)
Thank you for this Alexander. Feels sound and transparent advice. I look forward to your further insights.
Thank you, Ian! I'm glad it feels sound. It's as transparent as I can be! See you next week :)
Thanks Alexander. That's very helpful particularly to a non-tech savvy writer who just wants to write and connect. I remember Substack before the hustle, and likewise I want to be strategic. Thanks again. 😊
Thanks, Melanie! I look forward to your feedback throughout the series. My mindset is that of a researcher—I'm constantly observing others, experimenting with my own publication, and seeing what others are doing. I also notice many authors stop publishing after a certain point. I take all of this in, and this series reflects my perspective after watching, experimenting, listening, talking, collaborating, and more. So, please comment often! I'd love to learn from you as well.
Alex, I subscribed to your other substack, not realizing you have more than one. Or are you a guest on The Creator Project? I'd like to be sure and get the other parts to this helpful series. Do I need to subscribe here? I'm still new to SS, finding my way along. thanks.
This is really interesting. I’d never thought of it like this but can see it’s spot on now you’ve shown me! Looking forward to finding out more. While I obviously want readers for my posts, what I really want to do is make meaningful connections with others who want to use their writing as a way to bring more peace, love and unity to the world. And I’m not really sure how to do that!
Alex!!! Thank you so so so much for this! We all came here because we were exhausted with the other platforms...and when I did, I did see the "big creators" rushing in and spilling the same bullshit. For the first two months, I consciously curated my feed by hiding and blocking people who didn't resonate with my energy. And now it feels like I'm in a beautiful bubble. Where the energy is protected so much!
I also feel like we discover who we are...who we want to be...and who we're not in this process right? Like I discovered that I work in waves...I can't post every single day for life. Probably go for 3 weeks and take a week's break. Nothing on weekends.
And completely embraced long form...even in notes (especially in newsletters). I just can't trim my words lol...and for the first time I'm finally okay with it!!
I can't wait to read your deep dive on newsletters and notes+community part of the platform. To learn and dive deeper!