I think it’s important to get clear on what one wants out of Substack (more writing, more subscribers, both, etc.) and focus on that. And remind yourself that writing on the internet is a long game until it isn’t.
Thanks for being here, Priya! I have bookmarked your new post to read it:) For me, Substack was a solution after much thought, for finding a creative platform through which to express myself. I got tired of writing long Facebook posts. I still do, but Substack is a legit platform for your voice in long-form writing. I personally think the chase for subscribers is attaching a goal to a creative endeavor that does make the endeavor itself in any way richer or meaningful. How do you write to gain subscribers? Really, how do you? I’d still write what I write, how can we do otherwise? So in some ways, I don’t understand this gaining subscribers intent. That said, I can see myself trying to find like minded writers so there’s meaningful dialogue and support. But I do understand this is not the case for all, and that’s OK:) And, it always feels good to see likes and subscribes no doubt!! I just don’t want to write to chase them.
I feel for you Anu but suspect that your words will chime with most writers and aspiring writers. I am very early on the Substack journey. Not even sure of what direction I want to or can go in, but I like writing and sometimes even like what I have written (especially if I come back to it months or years later). Yet it is still good to get the occasional like or (even better) favourable comment. It would be good to be paid for my musings but at the moment I would not dare to suggest it. At least that way I don’t yet get that pressure to fire off post after post. I don’t want to upset people by boasting, but I have had 3 new subscribers in a week - almost a record!🤣
Thanks, Richard! Let your writing be your GPS. After spending a year on Substack, that’d be my advice. Say what you want to and have to in the best possible way and see what happens. Congratulations on the 3 new subscribers! !yes, it always feels good to see new subscribes, doesn’t it? I won’t deny that. All the best with your journey and thanks for being here and engaging:)
I've saved this post so I can savour the quotes. My way of dealing with the people who bombard us with advice on getting thousands of subscribers: Unsubscribe, apart from @karen cherry, who actually offers useful and doable ideas. People on Notes who crow about getting 400 subscribers in a week: mute them. People who brag about how they've now got X subscribers: Unsubscribe, unless most of their content is utterly compelling
There was so much that I enjoyed in this post. So much! I am so happy for you and your "Self." You have a great voice. I especially enjoyed this part "Our Self is perfect. So, our output is perfect for where we are today. The rest is chatter." Thank you for your words and in life I aim to pass by the chatter but I'm going to have to do the same with certain moments with writing. Thanks for sharing and congrats on getting some writing time in. It was well worth it.
Thank you, Angela, my writing-sister! We are perfect, says the Vedanta. It's a matter of tuning off the Mind and discovering the perfection in our Self. A worthwhile journey and I work toward it every day:) Lots of good wishes to you on your journey ahead.
I think it’s important to get clear on what one wants out of Substack (more writing, more subscribers, both, etc.) and focus on that. And remind yourself that writing on the internet is a long game until it isn’t.
Thanks for being here, Priya! I have bookmarked your new post to read it:) For me, Substack was a solution after much thought, for finding a creative platform through which to express myself. I got tired of writing long Facebook posts. I still do, but Substack is a legit platform for your voice in long-form writing. I personally think the chase for subscribers is attaching a goal to a creative endeavor that does make the endeavor itself in any way richer or meaningful. How do you write to gain subscribers? Really, how do you? I’d still write what I write, how can we do otherwise? So in some ways, I don’t understand this gaining subscribers intent. That said, I can see myself trying to find like minded writers so there’s meaningful dialogue and support. But I do understand this is not the case for all, and that’s OK:) And, it always feels good to see likes and subscribes no doubt!! I just don’t want to write to chase them.
I feel for you Anu but suspect that your words will chime with most writers and aspiring writers. I am very early on the Substack journey. Not even sure of what direction I want to or can go in, but I like writing and sometimes even like what I have written (especially if I come back to it months or years later). Yet it is still good to get the occasional like or (even better) favourable comment. It would be good to be paid for my musings but at the moment I would not dare to suggest it. At least that way I don’t yet get that pressure to fire off post after post. I don’t want to upset people by boasting, but I have had 3 new subscribers in a week - almost a record!🤣
Thanks, Richard! Let your writing be your GPS. After spending a year on Substack, that’d be my advice. Say what you want to and have to in the best possible way and see what happens. Congratulations on the 3 new subscribers! !yes, it always feels good to see new subscribes, doesn’t it? I won’t deny that. All the best with your journey and thanks for being here and engaging:)
I've saved this post so I can savour the quotes. My way of dealing with the people who bombard us with advice on getting thousands of subscribers: Unsubscribe, apart from @karen cherry, who actually offers useful and doable ideas. People on Notes who crow about getting 400 subscribers in a week: mute them. People who brag about how they've now got X subscribers: Unsubscribe, unless most of their content is utterly compelling
Thanks, to-be-mayor, Terry! I’ll check out @Karen Cherry.
😀
There was so much that I enjoyed in this post. So much! I am so happy for you and your "Self." You have a great voice. I especially enjoyed this part "Our Self is perfect. So, our output is perfect for where we are today. The rest is chatter." Thank you for your words and in life I aim to pass by the chatter but I'm going to have to do the same with certain moments with writing. Thanks for sharing and congrats on getting some writing time in. It was well worth it.
Thank you, Angela, my writing-sister! We are perfect, says the Vedanta. It's a matter of tuning off the Mind and discovering the perfection in our Self. A worthwhile journey and I work toward it every day:) Lots of good wishes to you on your journey ahead.
Anu — just what I needed today, after weeks of not publishing! Also, the verse of the Geeta that I most often quote to myself.
Thank you, C.L.! Glad we have a shared experience, as always. And yes, the Karmanye verse resonates in so many situations!
Write what u want then set it free. If no one cares it was not to be : )
Yes, except for your-Self:)
Correct Anu!
Interesting🤣🤣🤣