I don’t think this is a cynical take at all. If anything, it captures the inevitable changes platforms go through as they scale, while still acknowledging that there’s real value in engaging—provided you calibrate your intentions and expectations.
I hope Substack never turns into LinkedIn. I was part of the early group of creators who grew quickly on Twitter and later moved to LinkedIn, but I stepped away once the migration really took off. Got tired of the growth game.
That said, I don’t think it’ll ever get that bad.
Still, I remember when early Quora was an incredible place for thoughtful stories, and now I don’t even wander near the door.
I hope you are right - and I think the likelihood of that happening is slim, however I see a lot of LinkedIn people turning to Substack for respite from LinkedIn - which is great, until it becomes a migration, and then all bets are off. But that is a cynical take on it - and I am doubtful it will come to that extreme.
Substack is already trialing ads, it’s in beta with some larger creators but it’s coming. Whether that’s an opt in as part of your newsletter with a revenue share, or simply ads in the notes feed. That will definitely be a big shift.
Interesting read. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you for reading!
Great read, and thanks for the mention, Claire.
I don’t think this is a cynical take at all. If anything, it captures the inevitable changes platforms go through as they scale, while still acknowledging that there’s real value in engaging—provided you calibrate your intentions and expectations.
I hope Substack never turns into LinkedIn. I was part of the early group of creators who grew quickly on Twitter and later moved to LinkedIn, but I stepped away once the migration really took off. Got tired of the growth game.
That said, I don’t think it’ll ever get that bad.
Still, I remember when early Quora was an incredible place for thoughtful stories, and now I don’t even wander near the door.
I hope you are right - and I think the likelihood of that happening is slim, however I see a lot of LinkedIn people turning to Substack for respite from LinkedIn - which is great, until it becomes a migration, and then all bets are off. But that is a cynical take on it - and I am doubtful it will come to that extreme.
I don't have a LinkedIn. dont think I ever will.
Absolutely fair play - I’m not sure I would join now if I had my time again - but the fact is I’m there, and so are a heck of a lot of other people.
hell yeah its definitely another way to spread your reach and mission!! I never gone on it so I doubt I will at this point.
Substack is already trialing ads, it’s in beta with some larger creators but it’s coming. Whether that’s an opt in as part of your newsletter with a revenue share, or simply ads in the notes feed. That will definitely be a big shift.