I’ve noticed no matter how many subscribers I get, the number who seem to read my writing stays constant.
But I write for myself, and to get 100-200 people regularly reading what I write is so beyond my expectations that I just have to sit back and marvel. If they all crowded into a bookstore to hear me read, I’d be overwhelmed!
It’s a way of looking at the part of the glass that is full.
That's a way to look at it. I like the crowded book store analogy. I noticed the same creators and readers showing up and commenting, like yourself Nick, and I appreciate it. That's what really matters. Anyone can hit like on a post, but are they reading and interacting the writer's work?
That’s the spirit. You made some quality friends here (as have I). That would not have been possible without Substack, but it did happen. For a writer, that’s the greatest thing we want (plus ungodly riches, but I digress).
That's so true and it's what matters. This platform has given me accountability as a writer and a place to have my writing me seen. That is more than I ever expected.
Jane, FWIW in my humble opinion, I love to read most everything you write on here. It's honest and open and super-creative. It brings joy.
As for your last question about my "why" - I think of Substack like a sandbox where I'm playing with my friends. I don't intend to make my living on it. If people want to tip or subscribe, awesome. I'll send free books and such to reciprocate. But it's a sandbox where I can test myself as a writer to use in other formats as my main "gig". I know for sure that as I'm starting my fiction book (my 1st in that genre) my time on Substack has helped expand my curiosity.
Thanks so much, Mike. I never intended to make a living here at all and comments on my posts and shares, interactions with other writers and having my work seen by others no matter how few is what it's all about.
Jane -- I feel exactly the same way! I get really down sometimes when even my "opened" rate is low. Is it the title? I feel like yelling, "I've got some really good stuff in here! Open it!" . It is hard, as you say to see a thoughtful note go out there and then have no one seemingly see it. I get caught up in it, too. Checking to see how a post is doing, wondering why my subscribers are growing so slowly.
Why do I write? Because, like you, I always have.
Always.
It's my way of trying to understand myself.
It is my creative outlet.
And, I also feel I truly have something to say and that I can help others.
I think this is part of what I am supposed to be doing with my life.
It truly is the journey when we hit the this feels great in your tummy .Your on the mark just put it out there and some will resonate and some will not Be Well
This is just my perspective, but I think a lot of the unsubscribes aren't necessarily because of our content or writing. It often relates to recommendations. For example, when I subscribe to someone, I'm also given the option to subscribe to several other recommended publications. These recommended subscriptions are set to default, so if you accidentally click "yes," you end up subscribing to multiple other publications. If you're new to Substack, you might not realize you've subscribed to these writers. Eventually, you start receiving emails from writers you didn't intend to follow and decide to unsubscribe from them.
I never thought of that with that option being a cause for unsubscribes. I figure bots into the equation, I can't get them all. I'd rather have people want to be on my page than have 1000s of subs. I post often, it's because that's what I want to do. I hope I'm not overwhelming people with my posts or I have to many they aren't seen.
I have posted a few controversial posts and then noticed 10 - 20 unsubs in a day. Coincidence? Who knows?
I’m going to be writing something very similar to this in my one year of substack coming up in a few weeks. Not much advice. I relate. I value you. Keep sharing.
I’ve just joined Substack and can already feel myself falling into the trap of checking stats and likes. I keep having to remind myself that I’m writing for the joy of it, not to please other people (although that would be nice…!)
Comparison is the thief of joy. Keep doing what you’re doing.
Welcome to Substack. It's so easy to fall into that trap. You can't make everyone happy, but the ones that appreciate your work and comment are your people, your community
Since I haven't been on in awhile, I can say I always loved your writing Jane .It is very hard to judge readers here for instance lets say I post something and substack said i had 200 readers yet only 2 open posts ,Than Did I really have 200 or 2 . I wouldn't worry Jane . You have people that love your writing . Hugs and peace to you and family
I just write to tell a story. Most see it, Most don't comment or otherwise, which is ok. I just write to tell a story. I get it. I understand how you feel, a lot of the time. I think you're good. I love it. Keep up the good work and continue to move forward. 🫶🌹✨
I’ve noticed no matter how many subscribers I get, the number who seem to read my writing stays constant.
But I write for myself, and to get 100-200 people regularly reading what I write is so beyond my expectations that I just have to sit back and marvel. If they all crowded into a bookstore to hear me read, I’d be overwhelmed!
It’s a way of looking at the part of the glass that is full.
That's a way to look at it. I like the crowded book store analogy. I noticed the same creators and readers showing up and commenting, like yourself Nick, and I appreciate it. That's what really matters. Anyone can hit like on a post, but are they reading and interacting the writer's work?
That’s the spirit. You made some quality friends here (as have I). That would not have been possible without Substack, but it did happen. For a writer, that’s the greatest thing we want (plus ungodly riches, but I digress).
That's so true and it's what matters. This platform has given me accountability as a writer and a place to have my writing me seen. That is more than I ever expected.
I’ve noticed the same thing. Maybe it’s the algorithm.
Jane, you’re doing fine.
Thanks, Carole. I wonder why. I'm glad I still see your posts, but there are some I know I'm missing here
I love that visual of the bookstore, Nick! That's helpful!
Agree!!
Jane, FWIW in my humble opinion, I love to read most everything you write on here. It's honest and open and super-creative. It brings joy.
As for your last question about my "why" - I think of Substack like a sandbox where I'm playing with my friends. I don't intend to make my living on it. If people want to tip or subscribe, awesome. I'll send free books and such to reciprocate. But it's a sandbox where I can test myself as a writer to use in other formats as my main "gig". I know for sure that as I'm starting my fiction book (my 1st in that genre) my time on Substack has helped expand my curiosity.
Hope y'all have a great weekend!
Thanks so much, Mike. I never intended to make a living here at all and comments on my posts and shares, interactions with other writers and having my work seen by others no matter how few is what it's all about.
Congrats on your fictional work!
Jane -- I feel exactly the same way! I get really down sometimes when even my "opened" rate is low. Is it the title? I feel like yelling, "I've got some really good stuff in here! Open it!" . It is hard, as you say to see a thoughtful note go out there and then have no one seemingly see it. I get caught up in it, too. Checking to see how a post is doing, wondering why my subscribers are growing so slowly.
Why do I write? Because, like you, I always have.
Always.
It's my way of trying to understand myself.
It is my creative outlet.
And, I also feel I truly have something to say and that I can help others.
I think this is part of what I am supposed to be doing with my life.
Let's try to keep going.
I hear you Gayle! I'm so glad you stopped by to comment
I have to remember my why for writing and you named them all!
I need to get out of the trap of checking stats. I think we all can at times. It's so easy fall into
Can I share your note insight, Gayle? It really spoke to me
Yes, of course, please share:)
Will do. I got caught up with work yesterday
It truly is the journey when we hit the this feels great in your tummy .Your on the mark just put it out there and some will resonate and some will not Be Well
Thanks, Teddi!
This is just my perspective, but I think a lot of the unsubscribes aren't necessarily because of our content or writing. It often relates to recommendations. For example, when I subscribe to someone, I'm also given the option to subscribe to several other recommended publications. These recommended subscriptions are set to default, so if you accidentally click "yes," you end up subscribing to multiple other publications. If you're new to Substack, you might not realize you've subscribed to these writers. Eventually, you start receiving emails from writers you didn't intend to follow and decide to unsubscribe from them.
I never thought of that with that option being a cause for unsubscribes. I figure bots into the equation, I can't get them all. I'd rather have people want to be on my page than have 1000s of subs. I post often, it's because that's what I want to do. I hope I'm not overwhelming people with my posts or I have to many they aren't seen.
I have posted a few controversial posts and then noticed 10 - 20 unsubs in a day. Coincidence? Who knows?
I’m going to be writing something very similar to this in my one year of substack coming up in a few weeks. Not much advice. I relate. I value you. Keep sharing.
Thanks so much, Holly! I value you too and thanks for stopping by to comment and share
I’ve just joined Substack and can already feel myself falling into the trap of checking stats and likes. I keep having to remind myself that I’m writing for the joy of it, not to please other people (although that would be nice…!)
Comparison is the thief of joy. Keep doing what you’re doing.
Welcome to Substack. It's so easy to fall into that trap. You can't make everyone happy, but the ones that appreciate your work and comment are your people, your community
Since I haven't been on in awhile, I can say I always loved your writing Jane .It is very hard to judge readers here for instance lets say I post something and substack said i had 200 readers yet only 2 open posts ,Than Did I really have 200 or 2 . I wouldn't worry Jane . You have people that love your writing . Hugs and peace to you and family
Thanks, Mitch and you as well. It is very difficult to gauge readers. I think looking at the quality and not quantity matters yet I get stuck
I appreciate your comments here and reading my work. Thanks again
I just write to tell a story. Most see it, Most don't comment or otherwise, which is ok. I just write to tell a story. I get it. I understand how you feel, a lot of the time. I think you're good. I love it. Keep up the good work and continue to move forward. 🫶🌹✨
Thanks so much, Mark!
My only advice is to keep on writing Jane!! 👍🏼
Thanks so much, Henny! I will