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Rachel W.yen's avatar

It's been a while since I read something on this platform that I genuinely relate to. I've been resistant about dedicating proper time to Substack Notes because it's just another algorithm to feed. Every post sounds the same and the people who write these posts start to look the same as well. The enshittification isn't just inevitable, it's well underway. On seeking friendship and camaraderie online, I sympathise!!! And I'm really glad you prioritised yourself enough to step away.

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Elizabeth Tai's avatar

Yes, it's sad. I think those of us who knows how these things go have to prepare themselves. Somehow we need to still stay in touch if it melts down.

The main problem with Substack now is discover ability. You can only seem to find people three ways - a) algorithmic feed on Notes b) tedious search by clicking on every Substack in a category c) recommendations, which sometimes doesn't help as you are looking for something more niche

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Daniel Puzzo's avatar

I hear you, I know what you mean. This place is overrun with grifters peddling their growth hacks and people keep falling for it and feeding the algorithmic beast. I think you/we just need to do our own thing, what gives us joy without worrying about chasing so-called growth or numbers.

I have my fair share of social media woes - as an author desperate to make a living and grow some type of brand (ugghhh), I kind of need to be more active on social media, which means TikTok, IG, etc. I don't enjoy this stuff at all, but it seems to be a necessary evil. After all, I need to somehow find my target readers, right?

That's what I think it comes down to. What are our goals and desires? To write, or to be seen?

Sorry, I'm just rambling, it's a bad habit!

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Charles Whitaker's avatar

Thanks for keeping this up. I love hearing from local voices in South East Asia and I value your work.

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