(30 Rock had the best lines)
Substack is cool, it’s trying to build its own ecosystem. A lot of writers who write on Substack say they love writing on Substack.
I like it okay.
The technological advantage that t has, in theory, is the network effect. If I was a diligent writer I’d be writing often, reading often, making friends. Then I’d be linking to their Substacks and they’d link to mine.
And so it goes.
I have followed a few of those links and been richly rewarded.
I have followed others and lost time I’ll never get back.
It is a funny thing, this “following” we all do now. I “follow” on Instagram, Substack, email, etc. But part of following is trust. If I give you a follow, I trust you’ll either benefit my time or at the very least, do no harm.
So when Substacks lead to bizarro left fields, I feel betrayed. Like I was lied to. Maybe it’s because I was around for the html early days, when typing a link was work. It means more to me.
Plus, the colors distract me from following the writer’s line of thought.
So, link well, friends.
And never follow a link from someone you don’t trust.
You don’t know where it’s been.