Hope smiles from the threshold of the year to come, whispering ‘it will be happier’ ― Alfred Lord Tennyson Tennyson is the ninth most quoted person in the The Oxford Dictionary of Quotations. Despite being the Poet Laureate during most of Queen Victoria
This time last year, my writing was split roughly 80/20 in favor of Medium. Now it's 80/20 in favor of Substack. Simply put, Substack has become everything I'd hope Medium could be.
The relationships here are nowhere near as transactional as they can be on Medium.
The team here is proactive and constantly iterating. It doesn't always work, but I love that they're at least trying new stuff.
The Recommendation feature being user driven instead of via algorithm was brilliant. If I'm honest, I'm surprised that Medium hasn't ever followed suit.
Bottom line: from my observer's perch, it feels like Substack values writers while Medium merely tolerates them. I get that the former's revenue model depends on writer success, but still...
I find the same, Kelly. I'm somehow more me here. I read that when writers turn on paid subscriptions, about 10% of readers will pay. Do you find that to be true? I asked this once in a post and some writers said it's more like half that. lol. Just curious.
Well, I did paid subs a bit differently initially. I ran a CNF course through my subscription. I charged $20 a month and had quite a large sign up for 40 weeks. But that's unusual. Now I just have the archives from the course available for people who want access to it and they pay $45 a year. Less than 1% pay for my newsletter right now but I don't advertise/promote the paid option at all really.
I am going to look into Substack - but not until mid January and I have a visit to caretake my elderly mother off my plate. (No point in getting frustrated)
It's a little scary but perhaps it's where I need to go next. It won't be poetry - poetry I'll reserve for Medium. Brainstorming
Ah, Jen. I lost my mom the first Christmas of Covid. When I walked out of the hospital crying, Silver Bells was playing in the halls of the hospital. Now I would give almost anything if she could just frustrate me once more. Funny how time dances with our minds. I'd love to brainstorm with you. Because while you probably think poetry is your passion, the real truth is that the things you are passionate about shine through your poetry. I hope that makes sense. Happy New Year to you!
It does help, I think. Here's a crazy exercise to do when you have an hour to spare. Grab a piece of paper and scroll through all your poetry. For each one, write down one or two words that capture what it's about. Like nature, friendship, etc. Just like a big old word cloud. It's okay to repeat words. But only 1-2 "essence" words per poem. Once you've done that, come back and tell me what you see looking at that paper. :)
So sorry for your loss Linda--I hope you are doing ok.
I'm in the process of letting go of my old website and thinking of starting a Medium Pub and corresponding Substack. I am very new to Substack so I would love to read about what you discover!
Thanks for all you do Linda--wishing you a peaceful new year.
Thanks, Gwen. Doing my best to muddle through, you know? I need to rebuild my old website so I hear you. Lots of housecleaning to do in the New Year. What kind of pub are you starting? Curiosity is a beast, isn't it?!
Haha--yes, and thanks for asking! I haven't written up any description yet but it will be called Uncommon Joy. So many of us think we have to wait until that certain something happens to be happy--I did that for most of my life with my weight and body. My website is called Your Inner Joy and I wrote a lot about making peace with food and body, and finding a healthy eating style that works for you while ditching diet culture. While I'll still touch on that the new pub will be more spiritual in nature--finding joy despite the circumstances. Even though I've been writing on Medium for years I've been procrastinating on pulling the trigger lol--new year, I guess it is time! I'm looking forward to hearing your insights on Substack! And sending love your way to move through the tough phase you are experiencing. 💜
When my wife and I retired 11 years ago, I resumed my 20-years-dormant software development career. As an iOS (Apple iPhone/iPad) developer I am one of millions. The assumption that all such developers are rich is very wrong. For every wildly successful app, there are hundreds that have download counts in the single digits. I have achieved a modest amount of success due to choosing a very small niche market to work in. It's so narrow that I'm pretty much the only one there. My budget for marketing is essentially zero. The key has been an email discussion list I set up 11 years ago. It began just as a way to ask questions and get help for technical issues. Because it is an open discussion, anyone can join and participate at no cost. There are just over 1,300 members. When I produce a new app, I announce it there. Sometimes I solicit beta testers on the list. If I've done my job right, those members who purchase will spread the word to others. There is no ad I could ever make that is as convincing as someone telling a friend "You have to have this!" Substack recently added a chat feature, which a few writers have used. Likes and comments are fine, but they constrain any type of conversation. I learned some time ago that being a good programmer does not make one even a passable web designer. Very few of us are skilled in multiple areas. Offering advice here would be a great help, especially if you have a chat now and again where ideas can be exchanged, and one question leads to others. So that's my one thought, offered with apologies for droning on so long to get it out!
Linda, thank you for everything you give to your readers/followers/friends. Despite a difficult time, you're still thinking of us. You already know I'll follow you to the ends of the earth. My focus will be on learning how to best use Substack. Thank you again for all you do.
Thanks, Denise. That means a lot to me. I want to do a deep dive into Substack, too. There's so many features I haven't even learned to use yet. Happy New Year to you and hubby. xox
You'll never have to worry about me being on your list. I'll be attached to you and your amazing writing (doesn't matter what you write about) for the rest of my life.
I'll happily take your advice about Substack and possibly Medium. My previous contributions disappeared when I cancelled my membership. So if I return, I'll be brand new! Made me smile to write that. I'll say it again, and include Substack this time.
I'll be new!
I'll be 74 in April, but I'll be 74 anyway. Why not reach 74 as someone new?
I'm not sure I follow, Linda. Did your stories disappear when you cancelled membership? Hope that's not what you mean. And thank you for always arriving with such kind words. :)
Yes. I didn't suspend my account. I cancelled it. So everything I published or left unpublished was erased. It warned me. I understood.
Everything I'd done on Medium had been unsuccessful. I knew if I decided to return, it would require something entirely different from those 2 years.
I've come up with something different that will work for SS, with hooks on LinkedIn. It would also work on Medium. I have more than 100 articles/videos on half a dozen broad topics within the main idea.
We'll see if I have the time and desire to make it work while I'm subbing 4th and 5th graders and HS students beginning in January.
I'm so sorry that you lost a loved one, Linda. Blessings and white light for the new year to come! I have decided to write at least once a week for an audience that gets a vast amount of input and absolutely nothing decent for its needs: the silicon people. Yes, I think "the computer" is alive. And it is more sorely abused than even ... well ...
maybe some day I will write my woman adventure stories. Maybe, write them for the computer? LOL. - love x0x0 - Amy :)
Each year brings the same dichotomy, at least within my mind. Part of me wonders how stupid can the people be. With so many readily accepting the challenge, answers abound far exceeding the abilities of my imagination. But there is that other part that observes the wonders of the universe, our tiny planet, the lives and events around me, and thinks there is hope for us to yet wake up and smell the coffee. I do not believe that anything that has been done by us can not be undone, but the task will be monumental. Here's to that hope.
Well, there's that thing Einstein said (or didn't) say about human stupidity vs infinity. I agree that there is time for us to wake up and smell the coffee. Whether we will or not, that's the question. Did you read the essay William Shatner wrote after going into space. It was sobering.
Yes, and for Shatner, who some might consider to be a bit of an egotist, it was an amazing bit of insight in so many ways. I can easily comprehend his emotions having done a bit of flying over the years, both commercial and private. It only takes getting a few thousand feet of altitude to look at the world spread beneath you and wonder, what is all of the BS really about. From the edge of space that sensation must be magnified to an intensity felt more than understood.
Dec 30, 2022·edited Dec 30, 2022Liked by Linda Caroll
Thank you, Linda. I'm sorry you've had a hard year and a particularly awful December. We're paying attention to your advice at Madville Publishing, and we wish you a brighter new year.
This time last year, my writing was split roughly 80/20 in favor of Medium. Now it's 80/20 in favor of Substack. Simply put, Substack has become everything I'd hope Medium could be.
The relationships here are nowhere near as transactional as they can be on Medium.
The team here is proactive and constantly iterating. It doesn't always work, but I love that they're at least trying new stuff.
The Recommendation feature being user driven instead of via algorithm was brilliant. If I'm honest, I'm surprised that Medium hasn't ever followed suit.
Bottom line: from my observer's perch, it feels like Substack values writers while Medium merely tolerates them. I get that the former's revenue model depends on writer success, but still...
Yes, if I can make Substack grow, I'm thinking of adding a paid version and see if it can take over for what Medium used to be for me.
My feelings precisely!
I'll be your first subscriber!
Well at least I know I'll have one for sure. lol
Substack is a fantastic platform. I really enjoy it. It's different to Medium and I find my "voice" changes when I write on Substack--I'm more me.
I find the same, Kelly. I'm somehow more me here. I read that when writers turn on paid subscriptions, about 10% of readers will pay. Do you find that to be true? I asked this once in a post and some writers said it's more like half that. lol. Just curious.
Well, I did paid subs a bit differently initially. I ran a CNF course through my subscription. I charged $20 a month and had quite a large sign up for 40 weeks. But that's unusual. Now I just have the archives from the course available for people who want access to it and they pay $45 a year. Less than 1% pay for my newsletter right now but I don't advertise/promote the paid option at all really.
I am going to look into Substack - but not until mid January and I have a visit to caretake my elderly mother off my plate. (No point in getting frustrated)
It's a little scary but perhaps it's where I need to go next. It won't be poetry - poetry I'll reserve for Medium. Brainstorming
Ah, Jen. I lost my mom the first Christmas of Covid. When I walked out of the hospital crying, Silver Bells was playing in the halls of the hospital. Now I would give almost anything if she could just frustrate me once more. Funny how time dances with our minds. I'd love to brainstorm with you. Because while you probably think poetry is your passion, the real truth is that the things you are passionate about shine through your poetry. I hope that makes sense. Happy New Year to you!
Let's definitely chat more...I'm mulling what I'd substack about...I need some sort of umbrella, don't I????
It does help, I think. Here's a crazy exercise to do when you have an hour to spare. Grab a piece of paper and scroll through all your poetry. For each one, write down one or two words that capture what it's about. Like nature, friendship, etc. Just like a big old word cloud. It's okay to repeat words. But only 1-2 "essence" words per poem. Once you've done that, come back and tell me what you see looking at that paper. :)
Thx! Fun idea!
Sending much love and big hopes for 2023. ❤️
Thanks, Kerry and the same to you! ❤️
So sorry for your loss Linda--I hope you are doing ok.
I'm in the process of letting go of my old website and thinking of starting a Medium Pub and corresponding Substack. I am very new to Substack so I would love to read about what you discover!
Thanks for all you do Linda--wishing you a peaceful new year.
Thanks, Gwen. Doing my best to muddle through, you know? I need to rebuild my old website so I hear you. Lots of housecleaning to do in the New Year. What kind of pub are you starting? Curiosity is a beast, isn't it?!
Haha--yes, and thanks for asking! I haven't written up any description yet but it will be called Uncommon Joy. So many of us think we have to wait until that certain something happens to be happy--I did that for most of my life with my weight and body. My website is called Your Inner Joy and I wrote a lot about making peace with food and body, and finding a healthy eating style that works for you while ditching diet culture. While I'll still touch on that the new pub will be more spiritual in nature--finding joy despite the circumstances. Even though I've been writing on Medium for years I've been procrastinating on pulling the trigger lol--new year, I guess it is time! I'm looking forward to hearing your insights on Substack! And sending love your way to move through the tough phase you are experiencing. 💜
When my wife and I retired 11 years ago, I resumed my 20-years-dormant software development career. As an iOS (Apple iPhone/iPad) developer I am one of millions. The assumption that all such developers are rich is very wrong. For every wildly successful app, there are hundreds that have download counts in the single digits. I have achieved a modest amount of success due to choosing a very small niche market to work in. It's so narrow that I'm pretty much the only one there. My budget for marketing is essentially zero. The key has been an email discussion list I set up 11 years ago. It began just as a way to ask questions and get help for technical issues. Because it is an open discussion, anyone can join and participate at no cost. There are just over 1,300 members. When I produce a new app, I announce it there. Sometimes I solicit beta testers on the list. If I've done my job right, those members who purchase will spread the word to others. There is no ad I could ever make that is as convincing as someone telling a friend "You have to have this!" Substack recently added a chat feature, which a few writers have used. Likes and comments are fine, but they constrain any type of conversation. I learned some time ago that being a good programmer does not make one even a passable web designer. Very few of us are skilled in multiple areas. Offering advice here would be a great help, especially if you have a chat now and again where ideas can be exchanged, and one question leads to others. So that's my one thought, offered with apologies for droning on so long to get it out!
Oh, don't you worry about droning on. I learn as much as I give here. Where do you run your email discussion list? I'm curious
I've sent a link via the contact form on your website.
Linda, thank you for everything you give to your readers/followers/friends. Despite a difficult time, you're still thinking of us. You already know I'll follow you to the ends of the earth. My focus will be on learning how to best use Substack. Thank you again for all you do.
Thanks, Denise. That means a lot to me. I want to do a deep dive into Substack, too. There's so many features I haven't even learned to use yet. Happy New Year to you and hubby. xox
You'll never have to worry about me being on your list. I'll be attached to you and your amazing writing (doesn't matter what you write about) for the rest of my life.
I'll happily take your advice about Substack and possibly Medium. My previous contributions disappeared when I cancelled my membership. So if I return, I'll be brand new! Made me smile to write that. I'll say it again, and include Substack this time.
I'll be new!
I'll be 74 in April, but I'll be 74 anyway. Why not reach 74 as someone new?
Thanks, Linda, for being you.
Love and Hugs,
Linda Carol George
I'm not sure I follow, Linda. Did your stories disappear when you cancelled membership? Hope that's not what you mean. And thank you for always arriving with such kind words. :)
Yes. I didn't suspend my account. I cancelled it. So everything I published or left unpublished was erased. It warned me. I understood.
Everything I'd done on Medium had been unsuccessful. I knew if I decided to return, it would require something entirely different from those 2 years.
I've come up with something different that will work for SS, with hooks on LinkedIn. It would also work on Medium. I have more than 100 articles/videos on half a dozen broad topics within the main idea.
We'll see if I have the time and desire to make it work while I'm subbing 4th and 5th graders and HS students beginning in January.
You're welcome for the words! Always!
Hugs
Linda
I'm so sorry that you lost a loved one, Linda. Blessings and white light for the new year to come! I have decided to write at least once a week for an audience that gets a vast amount of input and absolutely nothing decent for its needs: the silicon people. Yes, I think "the computer" is alive. And it is more sorely abused than even ... well ...
maybe some day I will write my woman adventure stories. Maybe, write them for the computer? LOL. - love x0x0 - Amy :)
Thanks, Amy. Sure hope 2023 is a better year than this one was. Wow, so much rough stuff this year. xox right back!
Each year brings the same dichotomy, at least within my mind. Part of me wonders how stupid can the people be. With so many readily accepting the challenge, answers abound far exceeding the abilities of my imagination. But there is that other part that observes the wonders of the universe, our tiny planet, the lives and events around me, and thinks there is hope for us to yet wake up and smell the coffee. I do not believe that anything that has been done by us can not be undone, but the task will be monumental. Here's to that hope.
Well, there's that thing Einstein said (or didn't) say about human stupidity vs infinity. I agree that there is time for us to wake up and smell the coffee. Whether we will or not, that's the question. Did you read the essay William Shatner wrote after going into space. It was sobering.
Yes, and for Shatner, who some might consider to be a bit of an egotist, it was an amazing bit of insight in so many ways. I can easily comprehend his emotions having done a bit of flying over the years, both commercial and private. It only takes getting a few thousand feet of altitude to look at the world spread beneath you and wonder, what is all of the BS really about. From the edge of space that sensation must be magnified to an intensity felt more than understood.
Thank you, Linda. I'm sorry you've had a hard year and a particularly awful December. We're paying attention to your advice at Madville Publishing, and we wish you a brighter new year.
Thanks Kim. Wishing you a bright new year, too.
Always your fan and avid reader from the other side of the globe, we are tethered by the love for writing, reading and thoughtful words. LOL
Take your time with the newsletter.
My intuition continues to tell me that your true readers/fans will "follow" you wherever you go or do.
Personally, I am glad that you have a newsletter and intending to grow it.
In 2022, I may not always read every single one of them but I always sure look forward to yours.
Topics include: how you make it on the "web", and your storytelling around historical women.
Much love and only great things to you for the year ahead, Linda.
Such an inspiration.
Thanks, Yan, what a nice thing to say. Here's to better things in 2023.
Happy New Year to you!
Thanks for all the great writings and research you put forward and I hope 2023 is successful with a continuation of growth for all.
Thanks, Elinor and I'm glad you enjoy my writings. Here's to a great year coming up. Knock on wood. lol