This is fascinating. You've deconstructed how some creators can thrive without resorting to trends and marketing gimmicks while some creators are forever chasing trends till they collapse from exhaustion.
I was trying to do a mix of authenticity and trending on X and eventually got fed up with it.
It's easier and simpler to decide what you're about and to share that consistently.
Thank you :D X is a different place though, I don't know how it works. But it seems like things there are far more transitory than here on Substack. Although finding your niche and then being authentic in it is timeless advice.
Thank you! Those kinds of comments icks me out as well. Even worse are the people who don't respond at all, even when being asked a direct person. At the very least, you can answer some questions.
There does come a poin when responding to everyone becomes unsustainable though, but I think you should still try your best.
This is fascinating. You've deconstructed how some creators can thrive without resorting to trends and marketing gimmicks while some creators are forever chasing trends till they collapse from exhaustion.
I was trying to do a mix of authenticity and trending on X and eventually got fed up with it.
It's easier and simpler to decide what you're about and to share that consistently.
Thank you :D X is a different place though, I don't know how it works. But it seems like things there are far more transitory than here on Substack. Although finding your niche and then being authentic in it is timeless advice.
It is transitory but there's also constant changes to the terms of service that are frustrating. But this was a good foundation to apply to writing.
This is really nice James. Great work
Thank you, Zeina! Honored you like it.
The reader engagement advice for me as a reader is the key differentiator between those who are authentic and those who are just pretenders.
You always respond which is a major reason I chose to become a pledged supporter.
Your responeses address the person and their point directly versus a perfunctory 'thanks for reading.'
Thank you! Those kinds of comments icks me out as well. Even worse are the people who don't respond at all, even when being asked a direct person. At the very least, you can answer some questions.
There does come a poin when responding to everyone becomes unsustainable though, but I think you should still try your best.
I found this article very helpful James. Thank you for pointing out these 7 signals of authenticity.
Thank you, Julius!!! :D