I get a bang out of all the forceful advice which rarely applies to lots and lots of folks. This piece was specifically for the constant complainers, and those who are genuinely confused as to why they aren't getting traction. I'm in no position to tell anyone what to do, Tess, hell I don't do what a lot of so-called Substack experts say we have to do. No we don't. I just write, post and go about my business. On very rare occasions, like this one, I might opine outside my lane, but these are suggestions, not marching orders. Seems like everyone has THE answer when nobody has THE answer. Too many variables and too many ways that Substack serves the individual.
I have to be careful when I use the universal YOU, Tess, good point. It probably does sound and feel accusatory, so I should probably keep an eye out for it.
Thank you so much for this excellent article. I am about to slightly change direction in my Substack, and it has inspired me to change my Substack name. Happy Birthday! I hope you and the dog had a fun time.
Wise advice, Julia. I'm afraid I've made this mistake on my first Substack, which began three years ago as a newsletter. I'm not ready to re-brand it, but I probably will someday. In the meantime, I won't make the same mistake on my next Susbstack.
I have done it too, with my silly ego getting ahead of common sense. When I remember that nobody cares unless something is going to benefit them, that's a great poke inthe hubris for me.
Happy Birthday! Have a splendid day, and thanks for EVERYTHING!
I’m on day 7 of my first (and last, I hope) case of COVID and super fidgety today. Maybe I’ll go write the family Christmas letter! Super light case, didn’t bother with Paxlovid, and trying very hard to keep it to myself so my husband can get on a plane in 3 weeks to return down under. As I’m sure you can imagine, it’s the inactivity that has been hardest to swallow.
Something tells me you won't be slowing down any time soon. Happy Birthday... I have a feeling you're going to rock your 70's. Keep the stories coming!!
Thank you, Noel. I"ve been having HVAC issues again as the temps have dropped to 32 and it's been distracting to get a story out. Lots of drafts ready, just need time. Hopefully a day off will help!
I sincerely admire you, Julia. Wishing you a warm and cozy winter in the beautiful forest. I live in northern Utah now and miss the PNW every single day. When we lived in Tacoma, we hiked to every fire lookout around Mount Rainier. Those were some of my happiest times.
The essay reminded me of the old admonition for writers:
- The purpose of the title is to get people to read the first sentence.
- The purpose of the first sentence is to get people to read the second sentence.
- Repeat
Now preface that with:
- The purpose of the publication title is to get people to read you article title(s).
Happy Birthday!
Thanks so much. A great reminder, Leo!
"Bob Pressfield, author of The War of Art…" You sure about that?
Tongue in cheek, Bill. You're the only one who caught it. It is Steven, of course.
Since nobody else got the joke I guess I'd better fix it.
Thanks! Def too old for this shit. Awesome name!
Happy 72! May you never be too old for anything.
Happiest of Birthdays! May this one be your best one yet 🎂🎉🩵
Happy Birthday! Thanks for the tough love.
It was directed as much at myself as anyone, Pauline. I always have to keep after this.
I don’t like to be told what to do with my Substack either!
I get a bang out of all the forceful advice which rarely applies to lots and lots of folks. This piece was specifically for the constant complainers, and those who are genuinely confused as to why they aren't getting traction. I'm in no position to tell anyone what to do, Tess, hell I don't do what a lot of so-called Substack experts say we have to do. No we don't. I just write, post and go about my business. On very rare occasions, like this one, I might opine outside my lane, but these are suggestions, not marching orders. Seems like everyone has THE answer when nobody has THE answer. Too many variables and too many ways that Substack serves the individual.
Yea to everything you said!
But more: my body doesn’t feel good when “You Bombs” are thrown my way in the posts/notes…
“You this…”
“You that…”
Why not come from “I” statements like in NVC and couple’s therapy??
I have to be careful when I use the universal YOU, Tess, good point. It probably does sound and feel accusatory, so I should probably keep an eye out for it.
Ooohhhhh—that! The universal you …that slipped me.
Off topic: I love white people—so much so they’re a fetish—but universal you loses translation at times! 😅
(Lastly, I want to read my work. It’s not shit, and the only thing I’d change are typos, layout, and my posts & articles looking terribly pretty)
I think This Kaleidoscope Career fits the bill.
Thank you so much for this excellent article. I am about to slightly change direction in my Substack, and it has inspired me to change my Substack name. Happy Birthday! I hope you and the dog had a fun time.
We did and thank you! She's still tired and I'm sore!
Wise advice, Julia. I'm afraid I've made this mistake on my first Substack, which began three years ago as a newsletter. I'm not ready to re-brand it, but I probably will someday. In the meantime, I won't make the same mistake on my next Susbstack.
I have done it too, with my silly ego getting ahead of common sense. When I remember that nobody cares unless something is going to benefit them, that's a great poke inthe hubris for me.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Julia!!! I hope you and Mika are having a splendid time out there.
And, I sort of with this was Medium for a second so I could give this one more than one little heart. I wanna give it 50 hearts.
Happy birthday! (It’s nice to know you’re in my age group) You make excellent points and your brand is fabulous. You’re an inspiration
Fabulously honest post! Thank you.
Thank you, Kaarin. I got some heat for it but almost always that's from people for whom this post was never intended.
Happy Birthday! Have a splendid day, and thanks for EVERYTHING!
I’m on day 7 of my first (and last, I hope) case of COVID and super fidgety today. Maybe I’ll go write the family Christmas letter! Super light case, didn’t bother with Paxlovid, and trying very hard to keep it to myself so my husband can get on a plane in 3 weeks to return down under. As I’m sure you can imagine, it’s the inactivity that has been hardest to swallow.
Many happy returns of the day!
Oh so very sorry, be well, get well, and kick ass!
Happy Birthday Celebrations!
Something tells me you won't be slowing down any time soon. Happy Birthday... I have a feeling you're going to rock your 70's. Keep the stories coming!!
Thank you, Noel. I"ve been having HVAC issues again as the temps have dropped to 32 and it's been distracting to get a story out. Lots of drafts ready, just need time. Hopefully a day off will help!
I sincerely admire you, Julia. Wishing you a warm and cozy winter in the beautiful forest. I live in northern Utah now and miss the PNW every single day. When we lived in Tacoma, we hiked to every fire lookout around Mount Rainier. Those were some of my happiest times.