Thank you for your dedication to the cause! A newer substacker here — you called out the token male in this list, I’ve also noticed spaces can be a bit homogeneous, typically white women (I write cultural commentary and style content).
As a psychologist in a past life, I’m super curious if a) my algorithm is skewing my perception and Substack is wildly diverse, b) it’s a relatively new platform so users are inconsistent across demographics and there’s literally fewer people of colour, men, etc using it, or c) something else entirely.
It's something I've noticed too and I'm also not sure exactly why that's the case! I think if we look at the people that came over to substack from platforms like instagram tiktok that skews very women-heavy so that aspect would make sense, same with the old school blog days but not sure if it's the algorithm or the actually makeup of the platform.
**I do know that the algorithm definitely prioritizes/rewards substacks with a paid tier so I know that aspect of the algorithm but it does seem like my feed also skews verrryyy white. This writer wrote an article featuring a bunch of incredible black writers on the platform, I also have really been loving Hunter Harris's substack, new to me & great.
My budget is such that I have to be pretty choosy over which Substack subscriptions I pay for. My very first one and the one I will keep until they stop writing it is Drinks With Broads from The Fug Girls. As a reader of Go Fug Yourself since the beginning, I knew the content would be for me, plus I like being able to support them after all those years of free entertainment. And they definitely meet all the criteria you listed for what makes a publication worth paying for!
My other two paid subs are both food-related (Caro Chambers and Emily Nunn).
If I can squeeze another one in, it will be Heather Cox Richardson’s Letters From an American — even though anyone can read for free and I don’t care if I can comment, I feel she deserves it for the rational, balanced viewpoint she provides daily about current events.
Not only a great list of SS but I thought your takeaways for WHY to pay and (maybe) WHY NOT to pay were spot on. I often have to think about what my value add for subscribers is and it’s shockingly easy to lose that thread sometimes 😬
This is so interesting. I haven't paid for any subscriptions yet because I've been overwhelmed by the volume of free writing on here, not to mention the growing pile of unread books on my bedside table.
Thank you so much for all of this. As a big huge newbie to substack, it's nice to hear what does and doesn't work, while also being empathetic about the process. Paradoxically, it's sometimes hard to find a space for yourself when there's so much space to be had. With everyone making content, I think it's so important that we support the content we like to consume with as much intention as we make our own.
As a substack newbie — just in time ;) — I’m so happy to have stumbled onto this. Love to hear new recs, but also what’s been make or break for you as a reader. I’d love a sub to Morning Person if you have one to spare. Thank you
Thank you for your dedication to the cause! A newer substacker here — you called out the token male in this list, I’ve also noticed spaces can be a bit homogeneous, typically white women (I write cultural commentary and style content).
As a psychologist in a past life, I’m super curious if a) my algorithm is skewing my perception and Substack is wildly diverse, b) it’s a relatively new platform so users are inconsistent across demographics and there’s literally fewer people of colour, men, etc using it, or c) something else entirely.
Hi Nicole!
It's something I've noticed too and I'm also not sure exactly why that's the case! I think if we look at the people that came over to substack from platforms like instagram tiktok that skews very women-heavy so that aspect would make sense, same with the old school blog days but not sure if it's the algorithm or the actually makeup of the platform.
**I do know that the algorithm definitely prioritizes/rewards substacks with a paid tier so I know that aspect of the algorithm but it does seem like my feed also skews verrryyy white. This writer wrote an article featuring a bunch of incredible black writers on the platform, I also have really been loving Hunter Harris's substack, new to me & great.
https://open.substack.com/pub/novareid/p/where-are-all-the-black-writers-on?r=fgt1p&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web
Thank you for linking me to that article, a treasure trove ✨
excellent list!!
Thank you, I think I need to do a part 2!!
Wowee! This is incredible. I pay for one subscription and I’m sure that will be one of many! 🤗
I’d be interested in linkinbio if you have any left! If not, all good- thank you for
the great list!!! 💕
My budget is such that I have to be pretty choosy over which Substack subscriptions I pay for. My very first one and the one I will keep until they stop writing it is Drinks With Broads from The Fug Girls. As a reader of Go Fug Yourself since the beginning, I knew the content would be for me, plus I like being able to support them after all those years of free entertainment. And they definitely meet all the criteria you listed for what makes a publication worth paying for!
My other two paid subs are both food-related (Caro Chambers and Emily Nunn).
If I can squeeze another one in, it will be Heather Cox Richardson’s Letters From an American — even though anyone can read for free and I don’t care if I can comment, I feel she deserves it for the rational, balanced viewpoint she provides daily about current events.
I love that you want to pay just to support them, not just for the content-I bet they'd love to hear that!
Not only a great list of SS but I thought your takeaways for WHY to pay and (maybe) WHY NOT to pay were spot on. I often have to think about what my value add for subscribers is and it’s shockingly easy to lose that thread sometimes 😬
This is so interesting. I haven't paid for any subscriptions yet because I've been overwhelmed by the volume of free writing on here, not to mention the growing pile of unread books on my bedside table.
It can certainly be overwhelming!
Thank you so much for all of this. As a big huge newbie to substack, it's nice to hear what does and doesn't work, while also being empathetic about the process. Paradoxically, it's sometimes hard to find a space for yourself when there's so much space to be had. With everyone making content, I think it's so important that we support the content we like to consume with as much intention as we make our own.
100% I think if we want people to consume our content on a platform we also have to be consumers on that platform :)
So many valid points - especially on enthusiasm/content!
Great reccs - both on the writing and reading fronts!
Love learning what ppl think makes a pub valuable! Great list
Also helping giving my money to Alexis, Emily, and Rachel. Great list!
*loving* but hopefully my tiny subscription helps I suppose
Love to read this!!
Such a fun read and a great list. Thank you for sharing!
As a substack newbie — just in time ;) — I’m so happy to have stumbled onto this. Love to hear new recs, but also what’s been make or break for you as a reader. I’d love a sub to Morning Person if you have one to spare. Thank you
Thank you for the inclusion, Delaney!! So many other good ones here! x
Morning Person was my OG! In good company :)
this is so kind! thank you delaney!!
Meant it all! xx