Good coverage and sad to hear this Michael, as the product ecosystem Substack is building is a win-win for creators and readers.
Based on only a very short time on the platform, I would agree it seems like a promising business on free speech (which is never popular or comfortable for everyone). That alignment of business and ethics stands out positively in the field of content tech startups (unfortunately).
Financing does not always favor innovative products over incumbents. But let's stay hopeful that Substack's product traction with readers/listeners outruns any downturn in the economy and markets.
I guess what I wonder Johan is if the town square faded on social media with automated censorship, misinformation and foreign nation states creating unrest, does free speech in silos heal the problem or simply create another kind of town square lodge?
Like a bar, where it's okay to speak your truth, before you go back to the city of dystopia where privacy and free speech no longer really will exist.
I guess initially you will have to consider these “bars” as siloed niche forums that attract organic interest from those fed up with algo feeds/clickbait/spam/censorship/data harvesting.
Maybe I'm naively optimistic but there should be a sustainable business in building out valuable sanctuaries for developing and exchanging interesting ideas. While waiting for better times to come.
For 90% of Substack Creators I'm afraid it's neither a landing page or an easy gig to get traffic to. So if you don't already have some traction somewhere else or a starter list, it's a pretty high bar to really thrive in any short to medium term sense. Like a new bar in town, you really have to do some promotions.
Probabilistically should be high effort, high "failure" rate. But focused creators could pivot to new, interesting communities and projects in this process if keeping an open mind.
Besides the best bars are rarely big please all franchises. Let's build more interesting, welcoming ones
Good bars also open at the right time. Very impressive conversion rates and pandemic bump for our friend Michael. Not many can say they are full-time Substack writers: https://grow.substack.com/p/interview-michael-fritzell
Good coverage and sad to hear this Michael, as the product ecosystem Substack is building is a win-win for creators and readers.
Based on only a very short time on the platform, I would agree it seems like a promising business on free speech (which is never popular or comfortable for everyone). That alignment of business and ethics stands out positively in the field of content tech startups (unfortunately).
Financing does not always favor innovative products over incumbents. But let's stay hopeful that Substack's product traction with readers/listeners outruns any downturn in the economy and markets.
I guess what I wonder Johan is if the town square faded on social media with automated censorship, misinformation and foreign nation states creating unrest, does free speech in silos heal the problem or simply create another kind of town square lodge?
Like a bar, where it's okay to speak your truth, before you go back to the city of dystopia where privacy and free speech no longer really will exist.
Good point Michael,
I guess initially you will have to consider these “bars” as siloed niche forums that attract organic interest from those fed up with algo feeds/clickbait/spam/censorship/data harvesting.
Maybe I'm naively optimistic but there should be a sustainable business in building out valuable sanctuaries for developing and exchanging interesting ideas. While waiting for better times to come.
For 90% of Substack Creators I'm afraid it's neither a landing page or an easy gig to get traffic to. So if you don't already have some traction somewhere else or a starter list, it's a pretty high bar to really thrive in any short to medium term sense. Like a new bar in town, you really have to do some promotions.
Trust you on this one Michael,
Probabilistically should be high effort, high "failure" rate. But focused creators could pivot to new, interesting communities and projects in this process if keeping an open mind.
Besides the best bars are rarely big please all franchises. Let's build more interesting, welcoming ones
Good bars also open at the right time. Very impressive conversion rates and pandemic bump for our friend Michael. Not many can say they are full-time Substack writers: https://grow.substack.com/p/interview-michael-fritzell
Sad, but as you say Michael, it's probably a clever and strategic move. At least - let's hope so! 😃
Startups are always pivoting I guess, we might be entering the worst moment in 21st century history for them in the next 9 months.