Dec 19, 2023·edited Dec 19, 2023Liked by Sophia Le
That's an interesting discovery. I had no idea that's how Substack was classifying popular posts like that. To answer your question 2, I'm mostly okay with Substack. My only gripe is that they only really promote Substackers who already have tons of followers. Mostly, I like Substack so far, especially the community-building aspect of it. :)
I write because I want to share my stories and experiences both as a writer and growth-minded individual. I love sharing what I learn through books and podcasts and connecting with others.
To answer your question 3 -- I think Substack's inherent way they built in likes and comments makes every single thing you publish a "popularity contest." Will this post do as good as, or better than the one before it? Why or why not? In a way it's a great way to measure what gets engagement. On the other, it can be a tool for making you feel bad when it doesn't.
I am going to try that cozy yoga today as soon as I get home from running errands! I’ve had a cold/cough for over a month 😣🙃 and as far as writing, I’ve mostly been writing from intuition and just what is interesting to me each week, but I think I’ll do a little brainstorming/goal setting for this coming year. I’m excited to read the post you shared about not needing a “right way” - I love learning more about other people’s process/goals.
They all resonated with me, but also: I think it’s important to understand the “why” behind any public creative project you begin. Otherwise, it’s way too easy to get frustrated or influenced by people or trends that don’t line up with your “why.” (Especially since people never think to click “like” on an email, which makes it a weird metric for success in an email newsletter!)
Feel better soon, Sophia! Still laughing at that SNL skit 😂
For some reason, I'm less hung up about having a small Substack following than Instagram & Threads—even though I know our mailing lists are infinitely more valuable! Perhaps because I see blogs & newsletters as investments into an audience that appreciates long-form content, and other social media rewards the dopamine rush of a snackable post.
But I completely agree: quality over quantity! I rather grow slow and steady than go viral with folks that aren't going to stick around. And I'm definitely sticking around here :)
I need to get cozy on the mat soon - like you, my brain has been in a spiral and when I come up for air (trying to make plans with friends or the kids friends) I realize we’re all spiraling. Here’s to 2024 letting us have more ease.
I digress tho. I have been slacking on writing my personal journey on Substack. Trading it for more events and selling. However, I know it’s calling to me. I write to give people the power to follow their own journey. Hopefully giving courage to others to do the hard stuff.
And while I try not to think about the statistics because I want my writing to be a reflection of me at the core - I can’t help but to always be drawn back to the stats. It’s much like any social media platform which I loathe. How many likes did you have. Who commented. Ultimately, what is your engagement. I find engagement to be the most rewarding. I’d rather create something that has people talking vs scrolling past. The “likes” are like acknowledgments to me. Like the head nod of a stranger passing you on the street. But comments and stories from complete strangers is like meeting your best friend of the night while drunk in a bar. It makes a mark and memory.
2024 is the year of more focus with engagement. We will see how that goes with kiddos as you know!
That's an interesting discovery. I had no idea that's how Substack was classifying popular posts like that. To answer your question 2, I'm mostly okay with Substack. My only gripe is that they only really promote Substackers who already have tons of followers. Mostly, I like Substack so far, especially the community-building aspect of it. :)
I write because I want to share my stories and experiences both as a writer and growth-minded individual. I love sharing what I learn through books and podcasts and connecting with others.
To answer your question 3 -- I think Substack's inherent way they built in likes and comments makes every single thing you publish a "popularity contest." Will this post do as good as, or better than the one before it? Why or why not? In a way it's a great way to measure what gets engagement. On the other, it can be a tool for making you feel bad when it doesn't.
I am going to try that cozy yoga today as soon as I get home from running errands! I’ve had a cold/cough for over a month 😣🙃 and as far as writing, I’ve mostly been writing from intuition and just what is interesting to me each week, but I think I’ll do a little brainstorming/goal setting for this coming year. I’m excited to read the post you shared about not needing a “right way” - I love learning more about other people’s process/goals.
I loved reading these reflections.
They all resonated with me, but also: I think it’s important to understand the “why” behind any public creative project you begin. Otherwise, it’s way too easy to get frustrated or influenced by people or trends that don’t line up with your “why.” (Especially since people never think to click “like” on an email, which makes it a weird metric for success in an email newsletter!)
Feel better soon, Sophia! Still laughing at that SNL skit 😂
For some reason, I'm less hung up about having a small Substack following than Instagram & Threads—even though I know our mailing lists are infinitely more valuable! Perhaps because I see blogs & newsletters as investments into an audience that appreciates long-form content, and other social media rewards the dopamine rush of a snackable post.
But I completely agree: quality over quantity! I rather grow slow and steady than go viral with folks that aren't going to stick around. And I'm definitely sticking around here :)
I need to get cozy on the mat soon - like you, my brain has been in a spiral and when I come up for air (trying to make plans with friends or the kids friends) I realize we’re all spiraling. Here’s to 2024 letting us have more ease.
I digress tho. I have been slacking on writing my personal journey on Substack. Trading it for more events and selling. However, I know it’s calling to me. I write to give people the power to follow their own journey. Hopefully giving courage to others to do the hard stuff.
And while I try not to think about the statistics because I want my writing to be a reflection of me at the core - I can’t help but to always be drawn back to the stats. It’s much like any social media platform which I loathe. How many likes did you have. Who commented. Ultimately, what is your engagement. I find engagement to be the most rewarding. I’d rather create something that has people talking vs scrolling past. The “likes” are like acknowledgments to me. Like the head nod of a stranger passing you on the street. But comments and stories from complete strangers is like meeting your best friend of the night while drunk in a bar. It makes a mark and memory.
2024 is the year of more focus with engagement. We will see how that goes with kiddos as you know!