Today, I changed the name of my publication to "Ahead of Your Time. " Most futurists and innovators have a sense of urgency to solve a problem that will not improve unless large groups of people take new actions.
For example, the LUNGevity Foundation (lungevity.org) was founded in 2000, when five Lung Cancer Survivors (the majority of whom were non-smokers) discovered little to no funds were allocated to research how to treat lung cancer more effectively. Twenty-four years later, the survival rate for people with lung cancer has now extended multiple times, and new immunotherapy drugs have been invented to prolong lives.
Other examples exist in science, technology, education, and societal problems. This is why I renamed my publication "Ahead Your Time?"
My deep desire to learn from people who urgently want to solve global problems inspires me to share how they apply new skills and behaviors while serving a bigger purpose in the world.
Are you curious about people who are ahead of their time? I look forward to sharing more stories as I learn about them.
Last week, I posted a note about the plant on my desk. It got some likes. How does this fit in with my strategy to grow my Substack? Unless the people who liked my Note already know me, I doubt they'll follow me or look me up based on a post about a plant. I know this question reveals my utter confusion about social media and I'm embarrassed by it. How does a post about the plant on my desk help anyone to connect with me (either as a person or as a business)?
Personally, I don't care about people's plants or desks (or lunch salad, or sunset, or cat by their window). I care about our relationship (and then I might care about their desk or plants). The whole process seems backwards to me.
Substack is nothing but humanity in a nutshell. On one hand, we have people like you out there who live on the other version of Earth telling us it's not that bad and you are trying to help as long as you can make money at it. And I have no doubt your article here is only intended to support Substack's growth for which they ultimately make money, to quell the growing irritations with Substack, the growing alienation of Substack writers, to patch over the holes in the wall.
On the other, is the real Earth where no one cares what you write unless you are an extremist or mass murderer. Do you think I exaggerate? When someone commits mass murder, what is the first question the media asks? Did he have a manifesto, did he post anything online, did he leave any notes, texts, incriminating photos or writings? All which no one would have otherwise cared or read until the person commits a heinous crime that gets news coverage.
And when some politician or celeb posts extremist views, it's repeated in the next 24-hour news cycle across all networks, with everyone having their little spin.
So, the only time anyone gives a crap about what you write is if they can either make money off it, spin it, or if you commit mass murder. That's our society. Substack pretends to be an intellectual salon, but is just a saloon.
Knowing the trends is a good place to start. I'd hate to find us all posting the same Notes. For me, posting something that helps someone works better than posting nags, pleadings, or "Hey look how cool I am." I love reading authentic reflections from authentic people. Enjoyed this post, thanks.
Oh my goodness, I just stumbled across this post after someone shared it on Notes and I am stunned to see one of my own Notes has been included! Thank you so much!! You’ve made my day. 🙏🏻🥰
I really appreciate your geeky investigations and insights, Sarah. Instead of screaming into the void more often, I'm taking Notes on as a playful, creative challenge. I just tried my version of #2, a real-life contrast with bullets. This makes it more fun! Thank you.
These are good examples of how to hopefully engage on Notes with others. I will be using some of them. Thanks for bringing up this topic, it seems many of us have been wondering what to post, from reading the comments here.
What has worked well for me on "Notes" and attracted many subscribers is writing mini pieces as hors d'oeuvres for a larger course on the stack. Write well. Don't ask for love. Don't ask for understanding. Don't whine. Fascinate and seduce. Make the reader hot. Make the reader laugh.
I've given up on notes. I just don't get it and they make me want to cry. They feel too much like social media which I don't like .
Thank you for these amazing pointers!
Ask a burning question that few people consider.
Today, I changed the name of my publication to "Ahead of Your Time. " Most futurists and innovators have a sense of urgency to solve a problem that will not improve unless large groups of people take new actions.
For example, the LUNGevity Foundation (lungevity.org) was founded in 2000, when five Lung Cancer Survivors (the majority of whom were non-smokers) discovered little to no funds were allocated to research how to treat lung cancer more effectively. Twenty-four years later, the survival rate for people with lung cancer has now extended multiple times, and new immunotherapy drugs have been invented to prolong lives.
Other examples exist in science, technology, education, and societal problems. This is why I renamed my publication "Ahead Your Time?"
My deep desire to learn from people who urgently want to solve global problems inspires me to share how they apply new skills and behaviors while serving a bigger purpose in the world.
Are you curious about people who are ahead of their time? I look forward to sharing more stories as I learn about them.
Last week, I posted a note about the plant on my desk. It got some likes. How does this fit in with my strategy to grow my Substack? Unless the people who liked my Note already know me, I doubt they'll follow me or look me up based on a post about a plant. I know this question reveals my utter confusion about social media and I'm embarrassed by it. How does a post about the plant on my desk help anyone to connect with me (either as a person or as a business)?
Personally, I don't care about people's plants or desks (or lunch salad, or sunset, or cat by their window). I care about our relationship (and then I might care about their desk or plants). The whole process seems backwards to me.
I missed Notes Boost yesterday! I'll try my best to remember for next week.
Substack is nothing but humanity in a nutshell. On one hand, we have people like you out there who live on the other version of Earth telling us it's not that bad and you are trying to help as long as you can make money at it. And I have no doubt your article here is only intended to support Substack's growth for which they ultimately make money, to quell the growing irritations with Substack, the growing alienation of Substack writers, to patch over the holes in the wall.
On the other, is the real Earth where no one cares what you write unless you are an extremist or mass murderer. Do you think I exaggerate? When someone commits mass murder, what is the first question the media asks? Did he have a manifesto, did he post anything online, did he leave any notes, texts, incriminating photos or writings? All which no one would have otherwise cared or read until the person commits a heinous crime that gets news coverage.
And when some politician or celeb posts extremist views, it's repeated in the next 24-hour news cycle across all networks, with everyone having their little spin.
So, the only time anyone gives a crap about what you write is if they can either make money off it, spin it, or if you commit mass murder. That's our society. Substack pretends to be an intellectual salon, but is just a saloon.
Knowing the trends is a good place to start. I'd hate to find us all posting the same Notes. For me, posting something that helps someone works better than posting nags, pleadings, or "Hey look how cool I am." I love reading authentic reflections from authentic people. Enjoyed this post, thanks.
Oh my goodness, I just stumbled across this post after someone shared it on Notes and I am stunned to see one of my own Notes has been included! Thank you so much!! You’ve made my day. 🙏🏻🥰
How do we do bullets and bolding?
I view my notes like the latest space probe to find life in the cosmos. I may find signs of life, and I may not, but it’s worth the effort.
I have this record.
I’ve had some successful notes, and some successful posts. It’s difficult to know what readers will be interested in.
Mine seem to be a bit random. Some things really seem to strike a chord and take off, others...less so 🤣
I really appreciate your geeky investigations and insights, Sarah. Instead of screaming into the void more often, I'm taking Notes on as a playful, creative challenge. I just tried my version of #2, a real-life contrast with bullets. This makes it more fun! Thank you.
These are good examples of how to hopefully engage on Notes with others. I will be using some of them. Thanks for bringing up this topic, it seems many of us have been wondering what to post, from reading the comments here.
I'm here for the Carol King and cat album cover! Notes has not been worth my effort thus far, but I am willing to learn...
What has worked well for me on "Notes" and attracted many subscribers is writing mini pieces as hors d'oeuvres for a larger course on the stack. Write well. Don't ask for love. Don't ask for understanding. Don't whine. Fascinate and seduce. Make the reader hot. Make the reader laugh.