I used to have a really hard time switching between things too. That’s a lie, I still do. But I’ve resolved to just dive into things even if I’m not feeling like it. This shift has helped a lot with what I know can be a tormenting process.
Also, I don’t know what that dude is talking about. People should be subscribing because they value the art and no other reason. It’s not generosity if you expect an roi.
I'm so self-conscious. Sometimes when I dive in and say, “Screw it, write whatever,” I end up with some usable prose. I've recently had some success with it. Setting aside the story I had been working on was also a great help. Now I have three new ones started. And I agree: only subscribe because the newsletter is interesting.
I've found that putting less emphasis on my rough draft and more on the editing process helps a lot. That way I get more writing done. It may not be quite as good at first, but at least I am getting the flow going and the ideas formed. Then, It is a lot easier to polish it.
Yep, I hear you. I wrote about this subscribe-swap thing in a Note and it got about 190 likes, which for me is a lot and tells me it’s an issue everyone is wondering about.
I think it is insincere to subscribe to a newsletter that you don’t plan to read. And my gut tells me it’s not going to help anybody in the long run.
Oh, I’ll have to dig through your notes to find that. 190 likes is a lot. I knew the swap thing was an issue but was dumbfounded when I received that feedback.
Re the unsubscribed subscriber: Honestly this is a very immature understanding of what support means! It should be authentic. And frankly it’s as if suddenly everyone just got the memo subscribe to everyone for the sole purpose of gain. Ive noticed this is the last few weeks, my subscriber numbers are going up rapidly but these are people subscribing sometimes to upwards of 400 stacks. I don’t like this trend. It seems very disingenuous. I want subscribers who are genuinely interested. When I see these I don’t check out their work because I assume
It’s a ploy. It makes it hard to actually evaluate one’s reach when people do this. You and I subscribed to each other mutually - the apparent reason being, we like each other’s work. Furthermore we have restacked each other on occasion from this genuine standpoint.
I think that's exactly what is happening. The other reason some people subscribe to hundreds of newsletters is, I think, for the email address. However, the reciprocation issue might be a bigger issue than I realize. It could be another reason for the excessive amount of free subscribers who jump ship every time I post. Have you seen the people who have 999 subscriptions? I don't think you can go any higher. I doubt those people read more than ten of those newsletters.
I agree. When I see that a new subscriber has hundreds of subscriptions I think, Well, thanks for beefing up my numbers but have I gained a reader? Not unless they love me so much they're going to ignore 200 other writers for me!! (I guess I can dream)
One of my subscribers has over 700 subscriptions! That one definitely raised my suspicions. But at the same time, I think maybe people with 200 are just impulsive. They may really like what they're reading in the moment, honestly plan to read more, don't want to lose this wonderful writer they've just discovered, so they subscribe. Then tomorrow they do the same with the next new discovery.
I guess I’m one of the exceptions to prove the rule - I do tend to go read old posts when I find someone whose musings strike a chord with me, as yours do. Your poll needed an E) All of the above option, IMHO cuz I will read whatever you’re inspired to scribble. So, please lean into the process and love yourself a little more! I’m sure I’m not alone 😉
I hear you!! I’ve unsubscribed from those that were recommended when I first joined - I didn’t know what I was doing, and thought I’d get around to reading them. The emails became overwhelming. I work FT as a pharmacist, PT as a medical intuitive, am enrolled in a 9-month kidlit writers’ class and I’m trying to participate in writing challenges here when I’m not spoiling my rescue pups and trying to scribble a bit for my WIP’s. When I have time for substack reading, like today (my day off) it’s easy to get swept away by what everyone else is writing and creating. I don’t want to be disingenuous, so I gracefully step back from the newsletters I just cannot possibly squeeze into my pockets of spare time. Only so many hours in a day, and we all must choose wisely when investing our time and energy. I gladly choose to read yours, no strings attached! You’re making me a better writer! Thank you! 😘
Thank you so much for the compliment. I think those recommendations are not as helpful as they appear. If I were to guess, probably 80% of the free subscribers who unsubscribe every time I post likely found me through a recommendation and had no idea what they were subscribing to. They're probably like “This looks cool. I like the image.”
I agree. Or, perhaps, they just say yes to the rec cuz it came via a friend and they agreed without checking you out first. In short, I would not pay attention to the comings and the gojngs - rather, engage with those who are active and interested and call it a win!! Lol! 🤷🏻♀️
Thank you for stating some pretty obvious stuff. I am also overwhelmed with all of it - writing, reading, subscribing, commenting, etc. It takes time and concentration to do any of it well. I appreciate all the good writing on this platform and enjoy reading whatever I can squeeze into my day.
"I need to be alone and uninterrupted for at least twelve hours to write one usable page of fiction. My mind must be free of reality, empty of my surroundings, devoid of other work, and unfettered by my self-consciousness."
This makes me feel better.! You're in good company.
I can’t understand anyone being upset because a subscription wasn’t reciprocal. I’m under a waterfall of posts and try to at least look at each one to see if it is something that catches my eye - and that’s the best I can promise. I know that a lot of work goes into each post, and I feel assured someone will find it the best thing they read all day. No one reads everything they see. I just came from a bookstore … every author in there would have liked me to have bought their book. Interesting post, though, and I enjoyed reading a little about your process. Keep up the great work!
Yeah, I don't read every post of the newsletters I subscribe to, though I try to, but it's impossible. I need to leave time for books. I don't expect my subscribers to read everything I post, either. Not everything I write will interest everybody. People pick and choose. I do, too. Thanks again for the feedback, John.
Never try to please "everyone" - please your Creator and your beloved ones and leave the rest to their "misery" or "joy" - whatever they choose to chase.
I would LOVE to see more of your prose, Corey!! Any "essay" is always welcome too!
Well, Claude Monet had picked a bunch of spring flowers. Paul Cezanne was in an orchard picking apples (not many left after Augustine and his friends picked them and threw them to the pigs). So, Monet said to Cezanne that he would buy his apples that were sitting on a chair but only if Cezanne bought his spring flowers. Cezanne told Monet to stick his flowers up his ass. They'll probably smell better. Enter post-Impressionism.
The comment you received from the person who unsubscribed is so strange for a bunch of reasons but what strikes me as weird about it is — does that imply they just subscribed to get a subscription back??
I related to your struggle of trying to keep up with reading other newsletters, responding to comments, and also writing your own work — it can become a lot real quick.
Thanks, Michael. Yeah, I wondered the same thing: Was his subscription only a method to gain reciprocation and nothing more? An interesting situation, for sure. My inbox now has another fifty unread posts since publishing this. I think it might be time to unsubscribe to a few, not subscribe to more. Thanks again for reading this.
This is why I left Medium. Too much read for read going on there. If the only way we can get read is as a return “favor” then I’m wasting my time. I would rather have fewer, real readers. I was spending way too much time on there and it wasn’t sustainable.
I read this and made me think of those who unsubscribe. That’s cool. If someone leaves they have reasons not necessarily aligned with me or what I write. I read your posts whenever I can and remember. I read your posts regardless of whether you are subscribed to my page. (Why aren’t you though?) Only joking. Writing is in need of space and time and you give yourself that. No need to explain. Keep telling your stories. That’s what matters. People should be free to come and go. As creators and writers we spend too much time on admin instead of writing and that is not helpful. Respect.
Yeah, people can do what they want for whatever reason they want. That's fine with me. I'm just not sure why this person thought sharing his reason was a good idea. I wasn't upset about it at all, which, based on some readers' comments, seems to be the tone I delivered. I just thought the whole thing was absurd and wanted to hear others' thoughts on it.
Exactly! That happened to me yesterday! I walked in to a bar and the bar manager stated shouting at me. Just like that. Rude arrogant and in the end I had to leave. Had done nothing to that member of staff but clearly they needed to vent and I happened to be there. I left them a lovely review and formal complaint.
Yeah, it happens on both sides, customers and staff. I worked in restaurants for over twenty years and have been a verbal punching bag for hundreds of people. I've also been the culprit. We all have bad days.
I always intend to start writing the next piece as soon as I hit send, but then the comments arrive, sometimes more than I’d expected, like today, and I lose all focus. Tomorrow is a new day.
I completely understand your stace. I know it may sound harsh but I am absolutely done with the kindergarten mentality of " if you don't like me the same way then I don't like you." I see it on twitter constantly when promoting my own writing. Those types of people don't want to build true community. They want to cold network and a business transaction. To those types of people I say "fuck you and get off my porch."
That's a lot. I wish I had more time. The truth is, I am terrible at self-promotion and even worse at the promotion of others. When the choice come down to promotion or writing, I write.
Oh, I hear you. I am not only bad at self-promotion, I am terrified of it. And your last sentence reminds me of a conversation I had with myself a few weeks ago. I had been getting into Notes, just scrolling without a purpose. Finally, I shouted, “This is not where writing happens. I want to write, not read ad copy.” When in doubt—write.
I used to have a really hard time switching between things too. That’s a lie, I still do. But I’ve resolved to just dive into things even if I’m not feeling like it. This shift has helped a lot with what I know can be a tormenting process.
Also, I don’t know what that dude is talking about. People should be subscribing because they value the art and no other reason. It’s not generosity if you expect an roi.
I'm so self-conscious. Sometimes when I dive in and say, “Screw it, write whatever,” I end up with some usable prose. I've recently had some success with it. Setting aside the story I had been working on was also a great help. Now I have three new ones started. And I agree: only subscribe because the newsletter is interesting.
Gotta let that go. The best stuff lives at the edges where being careful won’t take you.
Oh, I'm trying, trust me, I am trying. One of these days, I’ll sit at my desk and won't get up for a week.
That’s the dream, isn’t it?!
Absolutely. It's going to happen. I can feel it. Not only will it happen, it will happen soon. If I believe it, will it happen?
I believe it will
So do I, if that’s of any help. I’m just trying to begin.. anything!
Maybe even just about that. What’s the worst that can h, eh?😂
I've found that putting less emphasis on my rough draft and more on the editing process helps a lot. That way I get more writing done. It may not be quite as good at first, but at least I am getting the flow going and the ideas formed. Then, It is a lot easier to polish it.
Thanks.🙏
*happen, eh?!
😂hahaha
See what I mean?!😂
Yep, I hear you. I wrote about this subscribe-swap thing in a Note and it got about 190 likes, which for me is a lot and tells me it’s an issue everyone is wondering about.
I think it is insincere to subscribe to a newsletter that you don’t plan to read. And my gut tells me it’s not going to help anybody in the long run.
Oh, I’ll have to dig through your notes to find that. 190 likes is a lot. I knew the swap thing was an issue but was dumbfounded when I received that feedback.
It was point #5 that addressed the subscriber swapping issue. (And sorry, it was 170 likes, not 190)
https://substack.com/@donboivin/note/c-46873603?utm_source=notes-share-action&r=2ywgky
Oh, fantastic. Thank you for sharing that.
😂😂
I’m laughing out loud in the kitchen, where i laughed even harder upon read this comment. 😂😂
Re the unsubscribed subscriber: Honestly this is a very immature understanding of what support means! It should be authentic. And frankly it’s as if suddenly everyone just got the memo subscribe to everyone for the sole purpose of gain. Ive noticed this is the last few weeks, my subscriber numbers are going up rapidly but these are people subscribing sometimes to upwards of 400 stacks. I don’t like this trend. It seems very disingenuous. I want subscribers who are genuinely interested. When I see these I don’t check out their work because I assume
It’s a ploy. It makes it hard to actually evaluate one’s reach when people do this. You and I subscribed to each other mutually - the apparent reason being, we like each other’s work. Furthermore we have restacked each other on occasion from this genuine standpoint.
I think that's exactly what is happening. The other reason some people subscribe to hundreds of newsletters is, I think, for the email address. However, the reciprocation issue might be a bigger issue than I realize. It could be another reason for the excessive amount of free subscribers who jump ship every time I post. Have you seen the people who have 999 subscriptions? I don't think you can go any higher. I doubt those people read more than ten of those newsletters.
I feel better now. I took a little over a year off from writing. When I came back and posted my first piece, I lost several subscribers!
Happens every time I post a new piece. And I know I'm not the only one. It is part of the process, it seems.
I agree. When I see that a new subscriber has hundreds of subscriptions I think, Well, thanks for beefing up my numbers but have I gained a reader? Not unless they love me so much they're going to ignore 200 other writers for me!! (I guess I can dream)
I share your perspective here. Anybody with over 200 subscriptions will likely never read a word you write. Their motives are suspicious.
A lot are sort of new agey/guru type grifters. In my experience. I mean,I’ve posted nothing so why me?
I know the typ.
One of my subscribers has over 700 subscriptions! That one definitely raised my suspicions. But at the same time, I think maybe people with 200 are just impulsive. They may really like what they're reading in the moment, honestly plan to read more, don't want to lose this wonderful writer they've just discovered, so they subscribe. Then tomorrow they do the same with the next new discovery.
You're probably right. I'm sure a high percentage of those people are impulsively subscribing. Oh well. But 700! Dang.
I guess I’m one of the exceptions to prove the rule - I do tend to go read old posts when I find someone whose musings strike a chord with me, as yours do. Your poll needed an E) All of the above option, IMHO cuz I will read whatever you’re inspired to scribble. So, please lean into the process and love yourself a little more! I’m sure I’m not alone 😉
I didn't even think of an “all of the above” option. It was my first poll! I'm a rookie. Thank you for the feedback and for the kind words.
I look at older posts when I subscribe.
Thank you. I try to. But I have difficulty keeping up with the new ones.
I hear you!! I’ve unsubscribed from those that were recommended when I first joined - I didn’t know what I was doing, and thought I’d get around to reading them. The emails became overwhelming. I work FT as a pharmacist, PT as a medical intuitive, am enrolled in a 9-month kidlit writers’ class and I’m trying to participate in writing challenges here when I’m not spoiling my rescue pups and trying to scribble a bit for my WIP’s. When I have time for substack reading, like today (my day off) it’s easy to get swept away by what everyone else is writing and creating. I don’t want to be disingenuous, so I gracefully step back from the newsletters I just cannot possibly squeeze into my pockets of spare time. Only so many hours in a day, and we all must choose wisely when investing our time and energy. I gladly choose to read yours, no strings attached! You’re making me a better writer! Thank you! 😘
Thank you so much for the compliment. I think those recommendations are not as helpful as they appear. If I were to guess, probably 80% of the free subscribers who unsubscribe every time I post likely found me through a recommendation and had no idea what they were subscribing to. They're probably like “This looks cool. I like the image.”
I agree. Or, perhaps, they just say yes to the rec cuz it came via a friend and they agreed without checking you out first. In short, I would not pay attention to the comings and the gojngs - rather, engage with those who are active and interested and call it a win!! Lol! 🤷🏻♀️
Wise words, Kathleen. Thank you.
Thank you for stating some pretty obvious stuff. I am also overwhelmed with all of it - writing, reading, subscribing, commenting, etc. It takes time and concentration to do any of it well. I appreciate all the good writing on this platform and enjoy reading whatever I can squeeze into my day.
Thank you, Michelle. I appreciate your taking time out of your day to read my words.
"I need to be alone and uninterrupted for at least twelve hours to write one usable page of fiction. My mind must be free of reality, empty of my surroundings, devoid of other work, and unfettered by my self-consciousness."
This makes me feel better.! You're in good company.
Haha. Thanks, Sarah.
I can’t understand anyone being upset because a subscription wasn’t reciprocal. I’m under a waterfall of posts and try to at least look at each one to see if it is something that catches my eye - and that’s the best I can promise. I know that a lot of work goes into each post, and I feel assured someone will find it the best thing they read all day. No one reads everything they see. I just came from a bookstore … every author in there would have liked me to have bought their book. Interesting post, though, and I enjoyed reading a little about your process. Keep up the great work!
Yeah, I don't read every post of the newsletters I subscribe to, though I try to, but it's impossible. I need to leave time for books. I don't expect my subscribers to read everything I post, either. Not everything I write will interest everybody. People pick and choose. I do, too. Thanks again for the feedback, John.
Same, Corey!
Never try to please "everyone" - please your Creator and your beloved ones and leave the rest to their "misery" or "joy" - whatever they choose to chase.
I would LOVE to see more of your prose, Corey!! Any "essay" is always welcome too!
PRESS ON, dear soul!! You are NEVER alone.
Thank you, Sharon.
You are most welcome, fellow writer of thoughts and things!!
Well, Claude Monet had picked a bunch of spring flowers. Paul Cezanne was in an orchard picking apples (not many left after Augustine and his friends picked them and threw them to the pigs). So, Monet said to Cezanne that he would buy his apples that were sitting on a chair but only if Cezanne bought his spring flowers. Cezanne told Monet to stick his flowers up his ass. They'll probably smell better. Enter post-Impressionism.
This is hilarious. Thank you, Mark. And thank you for your support. It is very helpful and much appreciated.
The comment you received from the person who unsubscribed is so strange for a bunch of reasons but what strikes me as weird about it is — does that imply they just subscribed to get a subscription back??
I related to your struggle of trying to keep up with reading other newsletters, responding to comments, and also writing your own work — it can become a lot real quick.
Thanks Corey :)
Thanks, Michael. Yeah, I wondered the same thing: Was his subscription only a method to gain reciprocation and nothing more? An interesting situation, for sure. My inbox now has another fifty unread posts since publishing this. I think it might be time to unsubscribe to a few, not subscribe to more. Thanks again for reading this.
This is why I left Medium. Too much read for read going on there. If the only way we can get read is as a return “favor” then I’m wasting my time. I would rather have fewer, real readers. I was spending way too much time on there and it wasn’t sustainable.
I've never used Medium and haven't heard great things about it. I agree—the reciprocity of subscriptions is a waste of time.
I read this and made me think of those who unsubscribe. That’s cool. If someone leaves they have reasons not necessarily aligned with me or what I write. I read your posts whenever I can and remember. I read your posts regardless of whether you are subscribed to my page. (Why aren’t you though?) Only joking. Writing is in need of space and time and you give yourself that. No need to explain. Keep telling your stories. That’s what matters. People should be free to come and go. As creators and writers we spend too much time on admin instead of writing and that is not helpful. Respect.
Yeah, people can do what they want for whatever reason they want. That's fine with me. I'm just not sure why this person thought sharing his reason was a good idea. I wasn't upset about it at all, which, based on some readers' comments, seems to be the tone I delivered. I just thought the whole thing was absurd and wanted to hear others' thoughts on it.
You may have reached someone at the time of them needing to get at something and you happen to be there! Boom!
Too often, that is the case. Collateral damage. It's like people who walk into a restaurant and look for things to complain about.
Exactly! That happened to me yesterday! I walked in to a bar and the bar manager stated shouting at me. Just like that. Rude arrogant and in the end I had to leave. Had done nothing to that member of staff but clearly they needed to vent and I happened to be there. I left them a lovely review and formal complaint.
Yeah, it happens on both sides, customers and staff. I worked in restaurants for over twenty years and have been a verbal punching bag for hundreds of people. I've also been the culprit. We all have bad days.
You are right. Sorry about this.
I love the victory lap after posting. But then Monday is just next week, and then I have to go get to writing again.
I always intend to start writing the next piece as soon as I hit send, but then the comments arrive, sometimes more than I’d expected, like today, and I lose all focus. Tomorrow is a new day.
I completely understand your stace. I know it may sound harsh but I am absolutely done with the kindergarten mentality of " if you don't like me the same way then I don't like you." I see it on twitter constantly when promoting my own writing. Those types of people don't want to build true community. They want to cold network and a business transaction. To those types of people I say "fuck you and get off my porch."
Hahaha. Yes!
That's a lot. I wish I had more time. The truth is, I am terrible at self-promotion and even worse at the promotion of others. When the choice come down to promotion or writing, I write.
Oh, I hear you. I am not only bad at self-promotion, I am terrified of it. And your last sentence reminds me of a conversation I had with myself a few weeks ago. I had been getting into Notes, just scrolling without a purpose. Finally, I shouted, “This is not where writing happens. I want to write, not read ad copy.” When in doubt—write.
I like what you write.
I don’t always get to it right away. Sometimes I scroll back, re-read. If you’re interesting you are interesting. You happen to be and worth reading.
Thank you, Partis.