Thanks for sharing your thoughts on Notes. I'm sitting on the sidelines for a bit longer. I came to Substack in search of quieter writing grounds and there is such a buzz about it right now. Am thinking on it, always open to trying something new while honoring how I work (write) best.
I think we just all have our own learnings we’ve brought from “being” online and taking up space don’t we?
I’m seeing folks set very strict boundaries around their time online since the pandemic.
I guess the tolerance level for “another” way to engage or promote or connect is a question I have because I’ve really enjoyed the depth of connection here this last year and I want to honour the space it’s given me. Thanks for being here Michelle - I have more posts like this in a section called SLOW LIVED GROWTH ON SUBSTACK if you fancy taking a look.
I’m a bit confused by it- I was enjoying the long form read/write/ discuss aspect and already had a sense that there is so much brilliant content I haven’t got time to read and now notes is like something else to keep up with. I’m hoping it will be useful to find new reads - see how I go
It’s been a strange energy this week - I think we might settle into it next week more? I’ve enjoyed having a little chit chat today as I always delete insta for the weekend but at the same time I can feel my attention span shortening which isn’t what I want... 🤷🏽♀️
Hi Claire and co. Feeling similar to a lot of people here. I'm cautious about Notes as I don't want to get back into a scrolling habit which I feel I've made progress in breaking. I'm quite new to Substack but have found it such a tonic and a space which makes me feel open and abundant, the opposite of how scrolling on any of the socials makes me feel. I definitely have that FOMO/ curiosity feeling but also I'm happy for now to use Substack in a way which suits me. Let's see!
That’s the thing isn’t it Janelle - we know what the internet and socials are - we can pick and choose and curate it all how we’d like... I’m still nervous about it but my nervous system has calmed down since the initial launch.😆
Haha yes, I think my initial ooh this is lovely was then met by, hold on this is rather overwhelming! I have since not looked at them and plan to only share when I really have something that warrants a quick share. I feel quite behind with posting and already that dread of 'another job' is seeping in - eeek. Any advice would be appreciated. With love, Lis x
Ahh yes I totally get that. So for me I think I’m going to use it to lift up other writers so by sharing some restacks. I’ve been doing this over on insta and tagging the person in. I might also share some older posts there but I’m not in a rush to fathom it out as it’s had me in a flat spin haha - I think let’s keep chatting and see how we feel about it? Cx
Sounds like a plan!! P.s. just reading your word for 2023 and now journaling and trying to work out my own. I have a class tonight to nut out my priorities- wish me luck!! Xx
After some excitement about Notes yesterday, I’m moving into a more cautious realm today. Hopeful and optimistic that this community of thoughtful creatives can keep sharing that way. But I’m also worried about my own ability to keep to boundaries I set for myself. I’m bouncing around mentally between thinking Notes is a great way to build up my readers, and knowing it will distract me from the reason I’m actually here, which is my writing.
Totally with you on the reason to write I was never expecting this community here... I am grateful for the ears to hear my words and for it not to be a black whole but I do find it harder to press publish now... 🔂⬇️⬆️☑️
NB * 6 of the 10 have unsubscribed so I noted that 😆 now I know we are not here for “everyone” but this doesn’t usually happen so I think the snap decisions here have been a faster and more unlikely pace for substackers?!
Love this Claire, especially your point that we still get to chose how we show up and interact in this space. I'm really liking Notes, but I do think it's going to be interesting to see how it evolves. I think one of the main benefits of it will be the Restack function so that you can share quotes from things you've read and enjoyed. I'm already using it to find new publications/writers to subscribe to (something I kind of struggled with before). What I don't really want to see is Notes turn into a carbon copy of Instagram where people are sharing just random photos/noise - I hope it stays intentional, where it's used to recommend and highlight writing that you connect with.
Intentional is so the word of the day for this space isn’t it Kerani?
I must admit I didn’t click into the home feed today because I don’t feel like that’s an intentional space for me. Maybe if I was nervous and waiting for an appointment I would but it’s not a space I want to invite into my phone/ world/ Substack. 📲📴☎️✨
In the old days when I used to 'do' traditional social media, it nearly killed me. I know I can't knock something unless I've tried it, but for now I'm not trying Notes, because it sounds like a similar kind of set-up. Happy to just be me, and to read and write and comment on posts as I always have done, and if that means I might be missing out - well, if I don't know what I'm missing then I'm not missing it! 😊😉🤣
I read so much about burnout and overwhelm - both in the news and by writers right here on Substack - and in my crippling experience social media was fuel to EXACTLY those two horrid flames. I'm steering clear of Notes for now, but I wish Substack the very best for this new string to its bow.
Yes I hoped (which sounds odd to say) this would be your take on it Rebecca because there’s always a slight curiosity/ fomo that bubbles up with me. The dance between instinct and strategy is important here for me as I already have a wonderful community here so I’m not “searching” for anything if that makes sense?
You’re so right about burn out - I have soooo many thoughts on it. Have you written about it before? If so will you link me?
It's not so much FOMO as 'fear of doing too much'. I had been in two minds about joining Substack last summer but I dared myself to take the plunge into online life again. Sometimes I think I've waded in too deep, actually.
I haven't written about burnout, nor do I have any plans to do so. Let's just say I've been there and done that, and I've not only got the t-shirt but I've worn it, worn it out and burned it! 😉
Honestly, I would love to just hang out here when I’m online. Share my writing, find like-minded people or people who challenge me (in good ways), and build community. That’s what I really want.
I hear you and Thankyou for reminding me of this. You are doing beautiful things here - remember no one minds if you take a break or a holiday or a sabbatical. Your gift of words are all still here xx
Wow, well done for 100 days - that's brilliant! I have to say that I really don't miss traditional social media at all - the amount of extra time and head space I have available to me as a result is remarkable. Mind you, I'm socially networking away right here right now, aren't I, so I guess I gave up giving up when I joined Substack in June. It does worry me, I have to say!
I think it’s got potential for discovering and engaging with people and creating a sense of community. I’m going to need to exercise some discipline though so I don’t lose hours of my life scrolling through it!
I think it’s prob really good for that and discovering new folks. It’s taken me a year to have a busy feed - like nice busy. Where as if I joined now I’d just go there and “collect” everyone?
I’m with you Sasha! That’s defo my best space - I think I *might* use “home” strategically during launches or quiet spells but I defo don’t need to scroll through everyone’s thoughts after the initial excitement...
Thanks for sharing your thoughts on Notes. I'm sitting on the sidelines for a bit longer. I came to Substack in search of quieter writing grounds and there is such a buzz about it right now. Am thinking on it, always open to trying something new while honoring how I work (write) best.
I think that’s such a great idea!
I think we just all have our own learnings we’ve brought from “being” online and taking up space don’t we?
I’m seeing folks set very strict boundaries around their time online since the pandemic.
I guess the tolerance level for “another” way to engage or promote or connect is a question I have because I’ve really enjoyed the depth of connection here this last year and I want to honour the space it’s given me. Thanks for being here Michelle - I have more posts like this in a section called SLOW LIVED GROWTH ON SUBSTACK if you fancy taking a look.
I'll take a look, thanks!
I’m a bit confused by it- I was enjoying the long form read/write/ discuss aspect and already had a sense that there is so much brilliant content I haven’t got time to read and now notes is like something else to keep up with. I’m hoping it will be useful to find new reads - see how I go
It’s been a strange energy this week - I think we might settle into it next week more? I’ve enjoyed having a little chit chat today as I always delete insta for the weekend but at the same time I can feel my attention span shortening which isn’t what I want... 🤷🏽♀️
Hi Claire and co. Feeling similar to a lot of people here. I'm cautious about Notes as I don't want to get back into a scrolling habit which I feel I've made progress in breaking. I'm quite new to Substack but have found it such a tonic and a space which makes me feel open and abundant, the opposite of how scrolling on any of the socials makes me feel. I definitely have that FOMO/ curiosity feeling but also I'm happy for now to use Substack in a way which suits me. Let's see!
That’s the thing isn’t it Janelle - we know what the internet and socials are - we can pick and choose and curate it all how we’d like... I’m still nervous about it but my nervous system has calmed down since the initial launch.😆
That's good! Yeah let's give it a chance to settle and see how it goes. Eek!
I’m all for that idea!
Haha yes, I think my initial ooh this is lovely was then met by, hold on this is rather overwhelming! I have since not looked at them and plan to only share when I really have something that warrants a quick share. I feel quite behind with posting and already that dread of 'another job' is seeping in - eeek. Any advice would be appreciated. With love, Lis x
Ahh yes I totally get that. So for me I think I’m going to use it to lift up other writers so by sharing some restacks. I’ve been doing this over on insta and tagging the person in. I might also share some older posts there but I’m not in a rush to fathom it out as it’s had me in a flat spin haha - I think let’s keep chatting and see how we feel about it? Cx
Sounds like a plan!! P.s. just reading your word for 2023 and now journaling and trying to work out my own. I have a class tonight to nut out my priorities- wish me luck!! Xx
Ahh just saw this! ✨💕✨ that magic worked FAST!!!!
After some excitement about Notes yesterday, I’m moving into a more cautious realm today. Hopeful and optimistic that this community of thoughtful creatives can keep sharing that way. But I’m also worried about my own ability to keep to boundaries I set for myself. I’m bouncing around mentally between thinking Notes is a great way to build up my readers, and knowing it will distract me from the reason I’m actually here, which is my writing.
Totally with you on the reason to write I was never expecting this community here... I am grateful for the ears to hear my words and for it not to be a black whole but I do find it harder to press publish now... 🔂⬇️⬆️☑️
*hole
Maybe Notes can help with that. Building more of this creative community with less pressure to have a finished essay or whatever...?
Yes Julie!!!
Wondering.... Shall we all just agree to do like a Substack Notes Friday afternoon with a cuppa or cocktail or something? 😆 I’m in?! 🍹✨ ☕️
NB * 6 of the 10 have unsubscribed so I noted that 😆 now I know we are not here for “everyone” but this doesn’t usually happen so I think the snap decisions here have been a faster and more unlikely pace for substackers?!
Love this Claire, especially your point that we still get to chose how we show up and interact in this space. I'm really liking Notes, but I do think it's going to be interesting to see how it evolves. I think one of the main benefits of it will be the Restack function so that you can share quotes from things you've read and enjoyed. I'm already using it to find new publications/writers to subscribe to (something I kind of struggled with before). What I don't really want to see is Notes turn into a carbon copy of Instagram where people are sharing just random photos/noise - I hope it stays intentional, where it's used to recommend and highlight writing that you connect with.
Intentional is so the word of the day for this space isn’t it Kerani?
I must admit I didn’t click into the home feed today because I don’t feel like that’s an intentional space for me. Maybe if I was nervous and waiting for an appointment I would but it’s not a space I want to invite into my phone/ world/ Substack. 📲📴☎️✨
Great question, Claire! ⭐️
In the old days when I used to 'do' traditional social media, it nearly killed me. I know I can't knock something unless I've tried it, but for now I'm not trying Notes, because it sounds like a similar kind of set-up. Happy to just be me, and to read and write and comment on posts as I always have done, and if that means I might be missing out - well, if I don't know what I'm missing then I'm not missing it! 😊😉🤣
I read so much about burnout and overwhelm - both in the news and by writers right here on Substack - and in my crippling experience social media was fuel to EXACTLY those two horrid flames. I'm steering clear of Notes for now, but I wish Substack the very best for this new string to its bow.
Yes I hoped (which sounds odd to say) this would be your take on it Rebecca because there’s always a slight curiosity/ fomo that bubbles up with me. The dance between instinct and strategy is important here for me as I already have a wonderful community here so I’m not “searching” for anything if that makes sense?
You’re so right about burn out - I have soooo many thoughts on it. Have you written about it before? If so will you link me?
Cx
It's not so much FOMO as 'fear of doing too much'. I had been in two minds about joining Substack last summer but I dared myself to take the plunge into online life again. Sometimes I think I've waded in too deep, actually.
I haven't written about burnout, nor do I have any plans to do so. Let's just say I've been there and done that, and I've not only got the t-shirt but I've worn it, worn it out and burned it! 😉
Honestly, I would love to just hang out here when I’m online. Share my writing, find like-minded people or people who challenge me (in good ways), and build community. That’s what I really want.
I hear you and Thankyou for reminding me of this. You are doing beautiful things here - remember no one minds if you take a break or a holiday or a sabbatical. Your gift of words are all still here xx
Thanks so much! I'm fine, though - these days I make much better decisions than I used to! 🤣
✨👏🏻✨💕💕💕💕
Day 100 is so healing. I love this for you. True north is calling ⛰️
Wow, well done for 100 days - that's brilliant! I have to say that I really don't miss traditional social media at all - the amount of extra time and head space I have available to me as a result is remarkable. Mind you, I'm socially networking away right here right now, aren't I, so I guess I gave up giving up when I joined Substack in June. It does worry me, I have to say!
I think it’s got potential for discovering and engaging with people and creating a sense of community. I’m going to need to exercise some discipline though so I don’t lose hours of my life scrolling through it!
I think it’s prob really good for that and discovering new folks. It’s taken me a year to have a busy feed - like nice busy. Where as if I joined now I’d just go there and “collect” everyone?
I slid across from the home to subscribed tab for exactly that reason. Less feels like more there!
Totally agree!
I’m with you Sasha! That’s defo my best space - I think I *might* use “home” strategically during launches or quiet spells but I defo don’t need to scroll through everyone’s thoughts after the initial excitement...
Ooof... that’s the thing with notifications isn’t it - they’ve always been a OOOooo place and now it feels more tentative and that’s a big shift?!
I hear you and I feel EXACTLY the same - the antidote is of course to turn everything off and to create.
I’ve drafted such a vulnerable post on going beyond - I’m going to need for a zero fs day to post it... 🙉 🙈