I feel like we are all in recovery from the same indoctrination from social media gurus. I bought it all--hook, line and sinker--even though it felt gross and exhausting and ultimately led to a burnout-induced nervous breakdown. I'm smarter now, and, like you, I DEFINITELY see this happening on Substack and it makes my whole body recoil like a vampire from a crucifix.
Now I have one rule: Does it feel good? Do it. Does it feel gross? RUN.
When I sat in on a Zoom by a writer with a MASSIVE following on here and she was teaching everyone how to batch their Notes I thought NOOOOOOOooooo I cannot let this happen to me again. I think she genuinely helps people but I had to unsubscribe to protect my tender heart from being snatched away again.
This sounds eerily like another workshop by a big-name writer here who told everyone that it looks disingenuous to have too many recommendations and that you should rotate a different five every month (Keep a list! Do more work! Delete all the nice things you wrote and write new things that you will delete again in 30 days). The crazy shit is that Substack rotates them already. No one subscribing to you thinks ew, she recommends too many people, better withhold that "subscribe" after all. And it BROKE PEOPLE'S HEARTS. Their favorite welcome page blurbs were yanked and they got an email saying "sorry that person deleted your recommendation."
This is what indoctrination looks like. Let me make up a problem so you can pay me to solve it. I'm not okay with it, and as you can tell, I get a little impassioned when I see it happening. Good on you for knowing when unsubscribe = survival.
A few months back I received an email from a fellow writer here who I had collaborated with, really liked, and who I exchanged recommendations with. It was a cold, BCC email informing me and however many others, that he was streamlining his recommendations blah blah. Sure enough, his recommendation of my newsletter had indeed been pulled.
I wonder if this is where he got the silly idea that a great way to advance in life is to step on the people who supported you along the way.
That’s mind-blowing! I fell into the same trap with Instagram, posting, following all the rules, yet still not seeing any growth. It sent me into a spiral of self-doubt, and only recently did I decide to delete the app for mental health reasons. I worry that Substack can have the same effect, with all the tips and tricks for growing a following, which I can already feel it’s making me lose sight of why I’m writing in the first place to chase growth. How are you keeping yourself sane on Substack?
It’s a difficult balance, but I feel like substack is still pretty ‘sane’ compared to Insta/LinkedIn. I ignore growth posts mainly and just do my thing 🙈🙈 so far it works!
I love hearing that, and I’m so glad it’s working for you! I personally love your content, so keep it up. I’ll try to take a step back, silence the “influencer” voice, and just do my thing too <3.
I don’t seek after followers, likes or comments on Instagram. I just post what is important to me in my voice. Sometimes jokes, reposted memes and my own to my story, but only photos to my feed. I joined Insta a million years ago as an amateur photographer experimenting with phone photography when it was primarily a platform for sharing the experiences and results of like minded. I dropped out when it became a Facebook clone and absorbed by Meta. I only returned when I found it a useful tool for keeping in touch with my students and younger colleagues. I have never considered it a place to grow a business or reputation, and I scroll very quickly past any posts or stories that are promotional or advertising.
I avoid LinkedIn like the plague. But good on you for trying! If I may make a suggestion, you could try pitching yourself to publications/websites that reach your target audience and do a guest post (preferably a paid one, as in, they pay you) offering some tips about email newsletters and hopefully they’ll let you mention your service website in your author bio. This can help build trust and generate some leads for your freelance writing business.
I've heard this before from others as well, that big LinkedIn gurus are privately selling their comments as a way to grow, and it still makes me soooo sad. And angry. They're fake. That's why I decided a few months ago to post only when I want, whenever I have something to say, without putting pressure on myself. Sorry to hear your story... be yourself, you're amazing.
Let’s connect on LI. I have been on for years and ‘built a following’ but have been frustrated by the ways people game the system. Engagement pods. Buying interactions. Or posting really inane, generic things because people will interact. But I feel the same sunk cost issue. I’ve built a lot there. Happy to continue to grow and support real people!
OMG I have done the same thing, we should start a recovering course-taking club or something. I did it for so many years and really really really believed in all of it and worked so hard to learn all the things and do all the posts. When I spent too much $$ on the last course I finally, somehow, woke up and thought "WTF am I DOING?! I wrote a post about it here on Substack and called it "I Bought a Course to Teach Me How to Stop Buying Courses" and it poured out of me. I try not to beat myself up too much, and neither should you. You learned a lot, it just feels a little crappy sometimes but we are here now and know better so let's get to that writing!
"be soft, be soft".... OH I JUST LOVE THAT!!! I'm going to borrow that phrase, too. And... yeah, I feel you on LI being a potential place to find clients, but ONLY on your terms. The fakeness and "formulas" are just disgusting. 😭
You can do that, throw it into Chat GBT and out comes the AI answer? Scary!! I never got a peep out of LinkedIn. Not a like, not anybody interested, etc. Maybe I was doing it wrong, but I can't be arsed, as they say here in the UK. So long, LinkedIn.
I spent about 6 months, posting daily on LinkedIn to get me past 10k followers. It worked, and some interesting opportunities have come my way, but mostly I receive spam messages from IT support services, and people offering to turn me into a 6/7 figure coach (and I'm not a coach). I don't feel the same sense of community that I get on Substack, for now anyway. And I feel there's more opportunity for collaboration on Substack than LinkedIn. I also noticed that while I was posting frequently, my views were much higher than now, when I post from time to time.
Very true. Growth on LinkedIn is quick if you have the time and attention. But it doesn't seem to lead anywhere. I think there's a few key things I don't get understand about the process.
I agree that LinkedIn is very inauthentic and I often feel that it pulls the wool over people's eyes and is seen as more superior to IG and others because it has the jobs feature. I find that it is really damaging for leadership to be in discriminatory echo chambers in there which reinforce the perception of younger generals as over labelling, not having grit and being snowflakes and seeing such likes and activity from leadership figures in my own employment I disabled my account before I wasted too much energy on being frustrated and horrified at it all.
I've been enjoying the learning part on LinkedIn. If you read a lot then they do give great advice for social media. But that advice can be found here also.
I've been feeling the same way about LinkedIn. It seems like I'm just shouting into an echo chamber where all that works is paid engagement pods and people who release 12-step frameworks every evening.
Thank you for being real and choosing to show up with authenticity. You got yourself a new subscriber and LinkedIn follower :)
I'm actually wondering if anything is really on LinkedIn. Is there anyone active on there that's actually true to what they say? That's the question I ask.
I feel like we are all in recovery from the same indoctrination from social media gurus. I bought it all--hook, line and sinker--even though it felt gross and exhausting and ultimately led to a burnout-induced nervous breakdown. I'm smarter now, and, like you, I DEFINITELY see this happening on Substack and it makes my whole body recoil like a vampire from a crucifix.
Now I have one rule: Does it feel good? Do it. Does it feel gross? RUN.
Same same same 🧡 thanks for sharing Jennie!
When I sat in on a Zoom by a writer with a MASSIVE following on here and she was teaching everyone how to batch their Notes I thought NOOOOOOOooooo I cannot let this happen to me again. I think she genuinely helps people but I had to unsubscribe to protect my tender heart from being snatched away again.
Oh gosh! Noo!! Good you did what's best for you Page!
This sounds eerily like another workshop by a big-name writer here who told everyone that it looks disingenuous to have too many recommendations and that you should rotate a different five every month (Keep a list! Do more work! Delete all the nice things you wrote and write new things that you will delete again in 30 days). The crazy shit is that Substack rotates them already. No one subscribing to you thinks ew, she recommends too many people, better withhold that "subscribe" after all. And it BROKE PEOPLE'S HEARTS. Their favorite welcome page blurbs were yanked and they got an email saying "sorry that person deleted your recommendation."
This is what indoctrination looks like. Let me make up a problem so you can pay me to solve it. I'm not okay with it, and as you can tell, I get a little impassioned when I see it happening. Good on you for knowing when unsubscribe = survival.
No way?? I've never heard this advice, but honestly, sounds ridiculous!!
It is. Glad you haven’t heard it.
So exhausting. I'm here to make writing fun again. You in?
100%. Tell me when we ride. I'll bring snacks.
We ride at dawn. Snacks are packed.
Oh wow that's incredible. I hadn't thought to make a problem up. That seems like a waste though. I'd rather solve real problems.
Seems like a more productive use of your time! And IMHO, makes you a better human.
A few months back I received an email from a fellow writer here who I had collaborated with, really liked, and who I exchanged recommendations with. It was a cold, BCC email informing me and however many others, that he was streamlining his recommendations blah blah. Sure enough, his recommendation of my newsletter had indeed been pulled.
I wonder if this is where he got the silly idea that a great way to advance in life is to step on the people who supported you along the way.
This crazy nonsensical advice started circulating about that time. I’m sorry that happened to you. I can’t believe people bought into it. Lemmings!
Given the state of the world that was but a mosquito bite 😆
Yaaas queen!
That’s mind-blowing! I fell into the same trap with Instagram, posting, following all the rules, yet still not seeing any growth. It sent me into a spiral of self-doubt, and only recently did I decide to delete the app for mental health reasons. I worry that Substack can have the same effect, with all the tips and tricks for growing a following, which I can already feel it’s making me lose sight of why I’m writing in the first place to chase growth. How are you keeping yourself sane on Substack?
It’s a difficult balance, but I feel like substack is still pretty ‘sane’ compared to Insta/LinkedIn. I ignore growth posts mainly and just do my thing 🙈🙈 so far it works!
I love hearing that, and I’m so glad it’s working for you! I personally love your content, so keep it up. I’ll try to take a step back, silence the “influencer” voice, and just do my thing too <3.
Love that Simona! And thank you for the compliment 🧡
Yeah that's true. I don't feel as advertised to here.
I don’t seek after followers, likes or comments on Instagram. I just post what is important to me in my voice. Sometimes jokes, reposted memes and my own to my story, but only photos to my feed. I joined Insta a million years ago as an amateur photographer experimenting with phone photography when it was primarily a platform for sharing the experiences and results of like minded. I dropped out when it became a Facebook clone and absorbed by Meta. I only returned when I found it a useful tool for keeping in touch with my students and younger colleagues. I have never considered it a place to grow a business or reputation, and I scroll very quickly past any posts or stories that are promotional or advertising.
Sounds like you've found a healthy way to deal with social media!!
The question is whether you are here to build a following or use the platform as intended.
I avoid LinkedIn like the plague. But good on you for trying! If I may make a suggestion, you could try pitching yourself to publications/websites that reach your target audience and do a guest post (preferably a paid one, as in, they pay you) offering some tips about email newsletters and hopefully they’ll let you mention your service website in your author bio. This can help build trust and generate some leads for your freelance writing business.
Great tip! Thanks!! I'm not gonna fixate on LI too much, could be I ditch it again in some weeks 😅
I've heard this before from others as well, that big LinkedIn gurus are privately selling their comments as a way to grow, and it still makes me soooo sad. And angry. They're fake. That's why I decided a few months ago to post only when I want, whenever I have something to say, without putting pressure on myself. Sorry to hear your story... be yourself, you're amazing.
Thank you Andi 🧡🧡 I agree with your philosophy, I'm gonna do it that way too.
Gah it’s just all so inauthentic. Well done for sticking to your principles and I as long as you stay true to them you will find the way. Stay soft!
Amen! 🙏
I’m doing an experiment this / next month to put myself out there, write from the heart, no schedule, no real strategy, to see how that feels.
I have been thinking it might be fun to connect with other Substackers there who want to bring the same notes vibe to LinkedIn.
I am also trying to bring more art to LinkedIn! It has plenty of AI generated pictures.
If anyone wants to join me in my experiment:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/hanna-keiner/
Love your idea! You've got yourself a new follower ;)
Yes love the idea too! I'm following as well!
Let’s connect on LI. I have been on for years and ‘built a following’ but have been frustrated by the ways people game the system. Engagement pods. Buying interactions. Or posting really inane, generic things because people will interact. But I feel the same sunk cost issue. I’ve built a lot there. Happy to continue to grow and support real people!
I've send you a connection request Kacy!!
I feel seen. I left LinkedIn and came to Substack because I couldn’t take it anymore. I will still go back because I’m looking for more clients.
Yes, the reactions on this post make me feel seen as well, glad I'm not alone!
OMG I have done the same thing, we should start a recovering course-taking club or something. I did it for so many years and really really really believed in all of it and worked so hard to learn all the things and do all the posts. When I spent too much $$ on the last course I finally, somehow, woke up and thought "WTF am I DOING?! I wrote a post about it here on Substack and called it "I Bought a Course to Teach Me How to Stop Buying Courses" and it poured out of me. I try not to beat myself up too much, and neither should you. You learned a lot, it just feels a little crappy sometimes but we are here now and know better so let's get to that writing!
I love the idea of a recovering club Page! haha I think we could fill it up!
Linkedin be cringe but needed like badly boiled vegetables on everyone's digital plate
Social media is a game. Thank god for scheduling features and newsfeed eradicator plugins - got to protect the soul for actual writing
True Ved!
"be soft, be soft".... OH I JUST LOVE THAT!!! I'm going to borrow that phrase, too. And... yeah, I feel you on LI being a potential place to find clients, but ONLY on your terms. The fakeness and "formulas" are just disgusting. 😭
It's a great mantra! And I agree, so fed up with the fakeness!
You can do that, throw it into Chat GBT and out comes the AI answer? Scary!! I never got a peep out of LinkedIn. Not a like, not anybody interested, etc. Maybe I was doing it wrong, but I can't be arsed, as they say here in the UK. So long, LinkedIn.
I get great attention from Linkedin because I have always ignored it!
Thanks for liking my comment!
I spent about 6 months, posting daily on LinkedIn to get me past 10k followers. It worked, and some interesting opportunities have come my way, but mostly I receive spam messages from IT support services, and people offering to turn me into a 6/7 figure coach (and I'm not a coach). I don't feel the same sense of community that I get on Substack, for now anyway. And I feel there's more opportunity for collaboration on Substack than LinkedIn. I also noticed that while I was posting frequently, my views were much higher than now, when I post from time to time.
Very true. Growth on LinkedIn is quick if you have the time and attention. But it doesn't seem to lead anywhere. I think there's a few key things I don't get understand about the process.
I only posted (on here) this week that I was linking out as I've been on it too much. And too many people started to ask for favors on it.
I agree that LinkedIn is very inauthentic and I often feel that it pulls the wool over people's eyes and is seen as more superior to IG and others because it has the jobs feature. I find that it is really damaging for leadership to be in discriminatory echo chambers in there which reinforce the perception of younger generals as over labelling, not having grit and being snowflakes and seeing such likes and activity from leadership figures in my own employment I disabled my account before I wasted too much energy on being frustrated and horrified at it all.
I've been enjoying the learning part on LinkedIn. If you read a lot then they do give great advice for social media. But that advice can be found here also.
I've been feeling the same way about LinkedIn. It seems like I'm just shouting into an echo chamber where all that works is paid engagement pods and people who release 12-step frameworks every evening.
Thank you for being real and choosing to show up with authenticity. You got yourself a new subscriber and LinkedIn follower :)
I'm actually wondering if anything is really on LinkedIn. Is there anyone active on there that's actually true to what they say? That's the question I ask.
I’m trying to change that, and I have found a few people who’re doing the same.