That is a fine piece of advise, Amanda. I am personally a bit taken aback how substack now feels more Instagrammy. But much has to do with a new influx of people who try to do here what they did elsewhere. For the sake of substack I hope it will stay an writing based platform. But there is nothing against it developing also into a new independent journalism machine. I must say I am happy with my slow but steady growth and I have rather a handful of new readers who care than a bunch of “followers”.
Re: “platform privilege”, I don’t see it as privilege at all. A platform is earned through years of work, not something handed out. This term belittles hard work and skill it takes for an audience to follow them.
If someone wants that captured audience, they must work for it
Very much agree with this point. The word privilege in this context didn't set well with me. There are plenty of privileges out there, but they are unearned generally -- being born to a wealthy family, for example, and those who have built large followings, even if it looks instant when they come to substack, are almost always off the back of years, even decades, of work.
Do we need wider representation in publishing? YES, but I feel the criticism needs to be leveled at systemic inequality, not by targeting someone who has worked hard for their following. Also, for the record, Katherine May has had a website for years, as most authors have -- it was not built for the purpose of releasing a new article, which is the impression the wording here gave.
I agree that things are changing a lot on Substack, and that continuing to thrive here will require adjustment. I don't see a better alternative at the moment, but I definitely understand why people are seeking one.
Yes!!! Even the children of famous parents (like Kit Keenan, daughter of Cynthia Rowley) who has amassed a huge following on TikTok, is talented at storytelling and content creation.
You still have to be good to have a following these days.
So there IS a change in how this platform works. That’s a relief to read and actually encourages me to continue writing. I thought maybe my writing just sucks and that’s why people don’t subscribe en masse (I compared my growth to those who started writing in 2024 or even 2023), but now I see the platform is just in a very transformative moment.
Beautiful. Depth, humanity, relationships. Trust. Thank you, Amanda. And for what it's worth, I am an O.G. astrologer of many decades. i see lots of folks talk the talk but it can often sound shallow. I try to surprise myself and my readers every week.
Appreciate the measured and thoughtful response to what is going on with Substack rather than the shoot from the hip reactions spiraling through the platform.
We ARE building on rented land, but I agree with you that the best thing to do is go deeper and then continuously export your subscribers in case you need to move.
This post and the second part offer a lot of food for thought. I’m 11 months into my Substack journey and still working out what I’m doing here! You’ve prompted lost of questions for 2026: should I push myself to publish weekly, do I need to narrow my focus in order to go deeper, what might my readers want? Interestingly my posts that have received the most attention have been more journalistic in nature, but I came here to try a different (“more creative”) style of writing that was less like “work”.
Well said. As a Substack amateur/hobbyist, I like the space, writing in it and, especially, reading in it. I come here to find thoughtful writers and writing all in one place. It’s a vibe. So far I haven’t felt a strong desire to move with anyone who’s left, even some I pay for. So far.
This is a great post! Jumping in to share that a writer I follow left Substack to join Ghost. I wound up unfollowing, because it felt like leaving a community to go read in a silo. Different energy. I'd rather hang out in creative community where I can keep discovering new voices.
Thank you for sharing your knowledge. And for that TedTalk video! Excellent!!!
That is a fine piece of advise, Amanda. I am personally a bit taken aback how substack now feels more Instagrammy. But much has to do with a new influx of people who try to do here what they did elsewhere. For the sake of substack I hope it will stay an writing based platform. But there is nothing against it developing also into a new independent journalism machine. I must say I am happy with my slow but steady growth and I have rather a handful of new readers who care than a bunch of “followers”.
Deep and personal seem to count.
Love this Amanda, I'm gonna go deep, not wide! 🧡
Re: “platform privilege”, I don’t see it as privilege at all. A platform is earned through years of work, not something handed out. This term belittles hard work and skill it takes for an audience to follow them.
If someone wants that captured audience, they must work for it
Very much agree with this point. The word privilege in this context didn't set well with me. There are plenty of privileges out there, but they are unearned generally -- being born to a wealthy family, for example, and those who have built large followings, even if it looks instant when they come to substack, are almost always off the back of years, even decades, of work.
Do we need wider representation in publishing? YES, but I feel the criticism needs to be leveled at systemic inequality, not by targeting someone who has worked hard for their following. Also, for the record, Katherine May has had a website for years, as most authors have -- it was not built for the purpose of releasing a new article, which is the impression the wording here gave.
I agree that things are changing a lot on Substack, and that continuing to thrive here will require adjustment. I don't see a better alternative at the moment, but I definitely understand why people are seeking one.
Yes!!! Even the children of famous parents (like Kit Keenan, daughter of Cynthia Rowley) who has amassed a huge following on TikTok, is talented at storytelling and content creation.
You still have to be good to have a following these days.
So there IS a change in how this platform works. That’s a relief to read and actually encourages me to continue writing. I thought maybe my writing just sucks and that’s why people don’t subscribe en masse (I compared my growth to those who started writing in 2024 or even 2023), but now I see the platform is just in a very transformative moment.
I love this post!! So many great questions and perspectives worth thinking through. Thank you!
Beautiful. Depth, humanity, relationships. Trust. Thank you, Amanda. And for what it's worth, I am an O.G. astrologer of many decades. i see lots of folks talk the talk but it can often sound shallow. I try to surprise myself and my readers every week.
Appreciate the measured and thoughtful response to what is going on with Substack rather than the shoot from the hip reactions spiraling through the platform.
We ARE building on rented land, but I agree with you that the best thing to do is go deeper and then continuously export your subscribers in case you need to move.
This post and the second part offer a lot of food for thought. I’m 11 months into my Substack journey and still working out what I’m doing here! You’ve prompted lost of questions for 2026: should I push myself to publish weekly, do I need to narrow my focus in order to go deeper, what might my readers want? Interestingly my posts that have received the most attention have been more journalistic in nature, but I came here to try a different (“more creative”) style of writing that was less like “work”.
Well said. As a Substack amateur/hobbyist, I like the space, writing in it and, especially, reading in it. I come here to find thoughtful writers and writing all in one place. It’s a vibe. So far I haven’t felt a strong desire to move with anyone who’s left, even some I pay for. So far.
This is so smart and practical. Thank you!
This is a great post! Jumping in to share that a writer I follow left Substack to join Ghost. I wound up unfollowing, because it felt like leaving a community to go read in a silo. Different energy. I'd rather hang out in creative community where I can keep discovering new voices.
I feel the same!
Exactly
I so very much needed to read this today. I’m skittish and reactive and sometimes I need someone to whisper “stay”…
Couldn't agree more, it makes you wonder about the very fabric of digital presenve and how deeply platforms influence everything.