A Quiet "SubstackVersary" and Some Loud Thoughts

Hey folks! Thanks for being here, thanks for your support and your love. There's a desperate need for love nowadays in this crazy world…

A few weeks ago I celebrated (silently) my second year on Substack (which, for those reading this post in their email or on my blog, is the platform that hosts my newsletter) and I thought it might be a right occasion to make the point and start some reflections about my experience here.

When I joined I was enthusiastic, for many reasons. There was the excitement for starting a new adventure, for being able to blend two of my passions together (writing and making pictures). And there was the curiosity about how the platform would evolve and welcome new people.

I wrote consistently every week for two years. I managed to share the work of incredible artists, I met many beautiful souls and talented creators.

I felt happy and that motivated me to keep going and continue publishing new posts.

But…

I noticed that the platform is changing. Not so much in appearance, which has remained consistent, but in the way people interact with and use it. Of course, this is just my impression, based on my own usage and perspective.

While in the very beginning there was a strong focus on subscriptions, the introduction of Notes (Substack’s built-in social feature, similar to X, Bluesky, etc.) slowly shifted the platform’s dynamics. Now it appears to me that Substack is transforming itself into another social platform like the many others (you know the names) already out there.

It seems to me that, slowly, followers have become more important than subscribers. That Notes have become more interesting than publications.

Again, I’m sure plenty of writers would disagree with this—and that’s totally fine. As I said (and I want to stress this), this reflection comes solely from my own experience and presence on the platform.

And presence is really the biggest problem this shift is causing to me. If the vehicle to gain new subscribers is being active on Notes, then this is something not applicable for the time I can dedicate to socials. It looks like “create a reel to give traction to your images”…if you know what I mean.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not complaining about this, I haven't even done anything closer to the bare minimum to be in the position to complain. I'm guilty for being absent, I know.

I'm simply saying that time is limited and I need to decide where to spend it. And with the way I use the app, in the end, it’s really not much more than a blog.

And I have a blog on my website. So if I have to choose where to direct people to read my work, well, then it's obviously my own space. Also because keeping both up to date, is a time consuming activity.

Some time ago I asked on one of my social channels, where the people who read my articles prefer to consume them. And all those who replied said they'd rather follow the link to my website than get an email in their inbox. The way they answered to this question sort of translated, into my mind, to a general tiredness around receiving emails.

Actually, if you think of it, the (not-so) new trend is to ask for emails for everything. And I admit I joined Substack and this form of communication with the intention to build a stable and secure community, one that CHOOSES to read my posts and enjoy my content. However, now that this format is becoming the new "standard”, I wonder whether it's becoming too much for those who follow what I create.

It's not a matter of numbers, don't be misled. It's a matter of using time effectively.

Actually, this post helped me brainstorm about the use I make of this newsletter/blog and this is great because it contributes to shape how I want to communicate with people.

What's sure is I love taking pictures and I love writing.

Regardless of whatever tool is used to create.

Take care and talk soon!