as someone who has no idea how the fuck to grow beyond where i'm at and have been plateauing for about a year now, this is so so so damn helpful thank you Max
I never know what to expect from you - that’s the point - but today I definitely didn’t expect this much practical advice for my own Substack. Thank you!!
Also, a Read Max paid subscription costs LESS than a beer/month, at least if it’s tap beer in my neighborhood. So worth it
It's true - I was a free subscriber for a long time but needed the book recommendations. Just finished Temporary by Hilary Leichter and loved it, so, thanks. And congrats!
Love the honesty and clarity—I’ve also been thinking about the “textual YouTube” metaphor.
It shines light on how much better this platform is compared to YT: audience ownership, no ad spam, and actual possibility to monetize. Being a YT creator is so precarious by comparison.
One - “textual YouTuber for Gen Xers and Elder Millennials who hate watching videos” was so spot on I laughed loudly and broke an uncomfortable silence in the coffee shop. Two - just to say, thanks so much for the Dead in the Water recommendation - what a fantastic piece of work - I can’t remember being so gripped by a book (on maritime insurance of all things!) for a very long time.
When Substack as having its controversy earlier this year (some would say they haven't ceased) you mentioned you might leave. But it seems you're staying and I'm interested in your thoughts about that. Did you finally decide that the controversy was overblown or that it wasn't overblown but you just didn't think it mattered?
My attachment to Substack isn't eternal by any means--I expect I will someday leave, but probably not in the short term. I think the company's made some stupid moves and don't begrudge anyone who doesn't want any of their money heading to Substack, but I also don't think I could sustain the newsletter without the kinds of growth opportunities that the Substack "platform" offers me. (Or, at any rate, my strategy for growth would have to change significantly.)
Worth celebrating! Grateful for your work
Max on DoomScroll would be huuuuge!
Are you two going to do an ep of Doomscroll?
Me too ✌️👽
🌚🤝🌝
This was fascinating. Thanks for the insights.
Your first anniversary post convinced me to start a newsletter. Thanks for all the great writing over these three years. Congrats!
Is a gold-star subscriber one who's never subscribed to another substack?
as someone who has no idea how the fuck to grow beyond where i'm at and have been plateauing for about a year now, this is so so so damn helpful thank you Max
I never know what to expect from you - that’s the point - but today I definitely didn’t expect this much practical advice for my own Substack. Thank you!!
Also, a Read Max paid subscription costs LESS than a beer/month, at least if it’s tap beer in my neighborhood. So worth it
Thanks for this Max and congratulations! Yours is one of my favorite newsletters.
It's true - I was a free subscriber for a long time but needed the book recommendations. Just finished Temporary by Hilary Leichter and loved it, so, thanks. And congrats!
Ah I'm so glad you liked it !!
Congrats, Max! (Loved this post.)
The strategy of free posts pointing to paid is great advice!
This is one of the best growth advice posts I've read. I'm at 10 of 18 months so your reassurance to wait helps. Thanks!
Love the honesty and clarity—I’ve also been thinking about the “textual YouTube” metaphor.
It shines light on how much better this platform is compared to YT: audience ownership, no ad spam, and actual possibility to monetize. Being a YT creator is so precarious by comparison.
you want to see Megalopolis more than once???
One - “textual YouTuber for Gen Xers and Elder Millennials who hate watching videos” was so spot on I laughed loudly and broke an uncomfortable silence in the coffee shop. Two - just to say, thanks so much for the Dead in the Water recommendation - what a fantastic piece of work - I can’t remember being so gripped by a book (on maritime insurance of all things!) for a very long time.
Certainly a much more positive outlook than some other Substack writers. Thanks for that.
Very helpful. Thank you.
When Substack as having its controversy earlier this year (some would say they haven't ceased) you mentioned you might leave. But it seems you're staying and I'm interested in your thoughts about that. Did you finally decide that the controversy was overblown or that it wasn't overblown but you just didn't think it mattered?
My attachment to Substack isn't eternal by any means--I expect I will someday leave, but probably not in the short term. I think the company's made some stupid moves and don't begrudge anyone who doesn't want any of their money heading to Substack, but I also don't think I could sustain the newsletter without the kinds of growth opportunities that the Substack "platform" offers me. (Or, at any rate, my strategy for growth would have to change significantly.)