Me, too, Linda, but bad news seems to be the only news that sells. I know "rage bait" and "bad news" aren't the same, but they both appeal to the dark side of our nature.
I think that's why it's important to support writers who aren't writing rage pieces, just to get clicks. Seems like that's the only way to offset the algorithm.
I wish more writers wrote like you! Personable, intelligent, in depth insights on interesting perspectives. Such a rare treat. Thank you for your hard work. 🙏
I don't read it but I betcha that hate-filled writing is far from poetic or lyrical. Ugly ideas and Ugly writing is exponentially ugly and adds to the collective fear that further polarizes. Ant it's lazy writing. Sadly that pays, but at the expense of out integrity and social health and welfare. Why not go the extra mile and take the creative risk of being a light-bearer, and a literary one at that? The world does not need any more hate-mongers. But Tony Morrison's are in short supply. What an opportunity! Thanks, Linda for bringing your light and shinning it on Toni! xo
Linda, I think you're right. Thanks for the essay on Morrison and the quotes. She, even after death, is a guiding light. In my own writing, I hope never to hurt.
I loved "Beloved" precisely because it's raw and because it's beautifully written. It has that something I'd love to replicate with my own style in my fiction. It's a shame that what sells is actually the opposite. That says a lot about the weight of the increasing social shadow.
I'm glad to hear you're going for that style. Because even though all the rage and hate get clicks, I think if she was alive and writing on Substack, she'd write circles around that stuff. Because I think so few people can bring light that we are drawn to those who can. You know? :)
Rage bait 😬 I’d never heard this term and yet I see this type of writing all the time. It’s prevalent in the comments, too. It’s like some people don’t know how to garner attention unless they’re being decisive and argumentative— like a small child seeking negative attention by throwing food and screaming
Substack seemed so promising when it started. But it has evolved to be yet another social media platform. It's a gold rush for writers, and an all-you-can eat buffet for readers. Those who write rage pieces have learned to use the algorithm to their advantage. Given that so much is available via free subscription, it's not surprising that writers are struggling. Many years ago Stephen King published a serialized book called "The Plant" online. It was based on an honor system. His theory was that nobody steals from a blind newsboy. The experiment ended before he finished the book, because so few people paid. From figures that some writers have posted, it seems that paid subscribers account for 6-10% of the total. As more and more new writers come to the platform, the pool of paid subscribers will probably be diluted. I wonder if even Twain or Hemingway could be successful here!
For me, the focus on Notes everywhere made me sad because I loved the feeds being full of long form writing. I did not know that about King's serialized book so now I have something to go look up and write about. lol. And I wonder the same with some of my favorite authors. This place would make Papa Hemingway cuss I think
This affirms how I feel. I am frustrated with the way Substack is turning into yet another social media platform where people complain about things. I wanted a place to write, hopefully get some feedback and to read others writing for learning and inspiration.
Hate-driven divisiveness is a broken-glass beach slashing the feet of empathetic people trying to get to the warm, sky-blue waters of love just beyond.
I like reading Linda Carroll
me too :)
Aww Michael, thank you :)
My Dad told me, "if you want to walk on water, you gotta first get out of the boat."
I tried. I sank. lol. I am kidding of course. But, yeah. That
The first step out of the boat is the toughest.
That's also the title of a great book by John Ortberg.
The fact that people are able to make wads of money with rage bait essays and videos chills my soul.
And yet, it shouldn't. Look at our leaders and how they got there.
Tears of sorrow trail down my cheeks. 😢
I like to hope one day people will tire of it and go seek out the storytellers. I doubt it, but I like to think it anyway.
Me, too, Linda, but bad news seems to be the only news that sells. I know "rage bait" and "bad news" aren't the same, but they both appeal to the dark side of our nature.
I think that's why it's important to support writers who aren't writing rage pieces, just to get clicks. Seems like that's the only way to offset the algorithm.
I agree, Tree. When I see people doing it often, I sometimes just block so I don't even have to see it.
So powerful.
Cheap accessible rage takes far less time, skill and thought than storytelling to spill out onto a screen.
But this does lead to figuring out how to write stories that evoke strong feelings. Not just rage but the opposite and everything else.
People love radically uplifting stories also.
You are so right Kathy. They love radically uplifting stories too. That's good to remember
The Nobel is for the body of work which is truly astounding. One of a kind.
The words we habitually use- in our self-talk/ with others- have such an enduring impact
This is another wonderful article Linda
They really do, you're so right. And thank you, Stuart
I wish more writers wrote like you! Personable, intelligent, in depth insights on interesting perspectives. Such a rare treat. Thank you for your hard work. 🙏
What a nice thing to say. Thank you, Kim
I don't read it but I betcha that hate-filled writing is far from poetic or lyrical. Ugly ideas and Ugly writing is exponentially ugly and adds to the collective fear that further polarizes. Ant it's lazy writing. Sadly that pays, but at the expense of out integrity and social health and welfare. Why not go the extra mile and take the creative risk of being a light-bearer, and a literary one at that? The world does not need any more hate-mongers. But Tony Morrison's are in short supply. What an opportunity! Thanks, Linda for bringing your light and shinning it on Toni! xo
I agree, it's kind of lazy writing. Like, just low bar stuff, to inflame people. Thanks, Marilyn.
Linda, I think you're right. Thanks for the essay on Morrison and the quotes. She, even after death, is a guiding light. In my own writing, I hope never to hurt.
She really is a guiding light. I love listening to her talk. She's just wildly insightful and just truly wise. You know?
I loved "Beloved" precisely because it's raw and because it's beautifully written. It has that something I'd love to replicate with my own style in my fiction. It's a shame that what sells is actually the opposite. That says a lot about the weight of the increasing social shadow.
I'm glad to hear you're going for that style. Because even though all the rage and hate get clicks, I think if she was alive and writing on Substack, she'd write circles around that stuff. Because I think so few people can bring light that we are drawn to those who can. You know? :)
I've never thought of it that way, but I think you're totally right! 😊
Says it all
https://bobneville.substack.com/p/is-this-whats-called-an-oxymoron?r=4ys7o8
Rage bait 😬 I’d never heard this term and yet I see this type of writing all the time. It’s prevalent in the comments, too. It’s like some people don’t know how to garner attention unless they’re being decisive and argumentative— like a small child seeking negative attention by throwing food and screaming
That's it exactly, scream loud enough people have to hear. That emoji made me laugh -- that's exactly how I feel when I see rage bait lol
😬and 🤷♀️ are my 2 favorite:)
There's power and strength in community. thank you for this
There truly is Lorene, you are so right
Substack seemed so promising when it started. But it has evolved to be yet another social media platform. It's a gold rush for writers, and an all-you-can eat buffet for readers. Those who write rage pieces have learned to use the algorithm to their advantage. Given that so much is available via free subscription, it's not surprising that writers are struggling. Many years ago Stephen King published a serialized book called "The Plant" online. It was based on an honor system. His theory was that nobody steals from a blind newsboy. The experiment ended before he finished the book, because so few people paid. From figures that some writers have posted, it seems that paid subscribers account for 6-10% of the total. As more and more new writers come to the platform, the pool of paid subscribers will probably be diluted. I wonder if even Twain or Hemingway could be successful here!
For me, the focus on Notes everywhere made me sad because I loved the feeds being full of long form writing. I did not know that about King's serialized book so now I have something to go look up and write about. lol. And I wonder the same with some of my favorite authors. This place would make Papa Hemingway cuss I think
Yes, sad is the feeling I get when I continue to get bombarded with notifications and emails filled with sub-par substack posts in notes.
This affirms how I feel. I am frustrated with the way Substack is turning into yet another social media platform where people complain about things. I wanted a place to write, hopefully get some feedback and to read others writing for learning and inspiration.
Hate-driven divisiveness is a broken-glass beach slashing the feet of empathetic people trying to get to the warm, sky-blue waters of love just beyond.
A broken glass beach is a great description, that's for sure!