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
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!
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
"Before you start the Substack you need to ask yourself: Can I put a couple thousand words out on the internet under my name every week? Even when there’s no news? On a slow week in the middle of July, can I pull 1,200 relatively lively words out of my ass by Friday? Maybe most importantly, can I do so without feeling embarrassed, ashamed, or anxious about what I’m producing?"
That's so true and relatable! Long way to go, but seems like it's worth it. Great write-up, thank you!
This is so helpful! I’ve been struggling a lot with consistency because I put a lot of pressure on everything I write to be super well researched and thought out. I think I could afford to be a little less polished from time to time
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.
"my main goal in writing every week is to obtain praise and validation from strangers in order to maintain my fragile sense of self, not to architect the perfect marketing funnel for disaffected lawyers, journalists, and software engineers with disposable income"
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!
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
Is a gold-star subscriber one who's never subscribed to another substack?
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 !!
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.
Congrats, Max! (Loved this post.)
"Before you start the Substack you need to ask yourself: Can I put a couple thousand words out on the internet under my name every week? Even when there’s no news? On a slow week in the middle of July, can I pull 1,200 relatively lively words out of my ass by Friday? Maybe most importantly, can I do so without feeling embarrassed, ashamed, or anxious about what I’m producing?"
That's so true and relatable! Long way to go, but seems like it's worth it. Great write-up, thank you!
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!
This is so helpful! I’ve been struggling a lot with consistency because I put a lot of pressure on everything I write to be super well researched and thought out. I think I could afford to be a little less polished from time to time
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???
Agree
"my main goal in writing every week is to obtain praise and validation from strangers in order to maintain my fragile sense of self, not to architect the perfect marketing funnel for disaffected lawyers, journalists, and software engineers with disposable income"
unfortunately a bar