Complex Systems with Patrick McKenzie (patio11) How blogging went legit, with Substack CEO Chris Best
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Sep 25, 2025 
Chris Best, CEO and co-founder of Substack, delves into the platform's journey from a simple newsletter tool to a media powerhouse. He discusses how subscription models foster better writer-audience relationships than traditional ad-based approaches. Chris highlights Substack's commitment to press freedom during challenging times and reveals innovative features like AI-powered video production. He also explains the impact of revenue guarantees on attracting writers, transforming career options, and providing legal protection for independent creators.
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Business Model Over Product
- Substack was founded to change the media's incentive structure by making the business model the primary lever.
- Chris Best argues networks should value what users value, not just engagement.
Value Of Paying Subscribers
- Paid newsletters align writer incentives toward earning and keeping trusted subscribers rather than chasing mass attention.
- Small, deeply engaged audiences can generate strong economics on the internet.
Lower The Activation Energy
- Lower activation energy to help creators start: make publishing and payment trivial for one person.
- Remove technical friction so examples can accumulate and attract more creators.