12 Comments

Reading this, my mind went to a place outside Moab my family and I came across years ago. It was visually stunning, isolated, pristine and so tranquil, we had a hard time leaving. I remember thinking we just may have been the only people who'd ever seen this exact scene, and wanting to protect it.

A few years later, a popular social media account shared a photo of the place, and today, it is overcrowded, filthy and unrecognizable.

I've only been here on Substack since June 25, but I have that same desire to protect this space. I hope the founders feel the same way. Thanks for helping me articulate that.

Expand full comment
author

Hi Lori! Yes I think a lot of people want to protect the community here on Substack now. I do think most everyone here has a shared interest in doing so, and I think that’s why you see less trolling or argumentative behavior. I think most people here, especially those who are also writing here, understand that its in their best interests to act in a certain way. Hopefully that continues for a long time.

Expand full comment

As a newbie, found this really interesting. I only published my first post and note a few days ago. I'm starting to sense that the warm, supportive and friendly vibe here is similar to one I have found on Threads. I'm looking forward to Substack-world.

Expand full comment
author

Welcome to Substack, Jason! There’s a great community here, I’m sure you will enjoy it!

Expand full comment

This was a great read. Very interesting topic. I’ve been on here for 8 months now (with another newsletter) and I have to say I sometimes feel a bit overwhelmed with the amount of features substack is bringing out.

I’m like - I just want to write and read…but this platform has already departed from that.

To me it feels like they are doing everything to push rapid growth.

They seem to be trying to make it a place for everyone what with chat, podcast, video, notes (and now algorithms). they are looking for “video stars” to promote this product and push it out to a mass audience.

I think that substack will look very different in 1-2 years time. If that’s better or worse? It’s hard to say.

Expand full comment
Jul 22Liked by Mack Collier

I usually say something like, "Ah, you won't like it here. There are only a bunch of writers, and it's not that exciting."

We call it white lies, Mack, and I would gladly tell it again lmao.

Expand full comment
author

It's funny, Neela, I do think that's one reason why growth seems to be slower here, because the 'grow quick' crowd on other sites can see they would have to put in more work writing here to get grow. And I suspect they aren't willing to do it.

But I like your approach too lol

Expand full comment

Thank you so much, Mack! You really deserve to be supported! Your work and your personality are extraordinary! I wish you all the best!

Expand full comment
author

Thank you, my friend. That means more than you know.

Expand full comment

Really enjoyed this Mack. I too have kept quiet about Substack and after reading this will continue to do so (not that I have a 37k following anywhere)

Expand full comment
author

Thank you Hege. I feel like Substack is our little secret spot in the woods that we don’t tell anyone else about, but we run away to every chance we get :)

Expand full comment

Haha so true! I love it here ✨

Expand full comment