People vs Algorithms Substack is probably important
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Mar 8, 2023 The conversation digs into Substack’s shift from newsletter tool to publishing platform, its app, recommendations, podcasts, and community features. They debate whether email can remain central as media moves toward short-form video, how writers might make money, and whether Substack can grow without losing its appeal to independent creators.
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Platform Tradeoffs Give Up Control For Convenience
- Publishing on a platform trades some independence for product convenience and network effects.
- Substack bundles tech integrations, subscription handling, and audience tools so writers don't act as their own general contractors.
Troy's Personal Experience Using Substack Daily
- Troy Young praises Substack's simplicity: easy import of email lists, reliable sending, and added features like podcast hosting and chat.
- He uses the app heavily and values the informal, diverse voices he consumes there daily.
Substack's Influence Exceeds Its Revenue Size
- Substack's economics are small in revenue but outsized in cultural influence via free reach and breaking news.
- The platform reports 20M monthly active subscribers and 2M paid, making influence bigger than its dollar size.