Decoder with Nilay Patel Can Substack CEO Chris Best build a new model for journalism?
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Dec 8, 2020 
Chris Best, Co-founder and CEO of Substack, discusses how his platform is transforming journalism by empowering independent writers to monetize their work through subscriptions. He explains Substack's unique business model, focusing on legal protections and content moderation challenges faced by independent journalists. The conversation touches on the impact of social media on writing and the need for sustainable practices in subscription journalism. Best also shares insights into the future of reader platforms and potential subscription bundles.
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Substack's Origin
- Chris Best, Substack's CEO, was concerned about the internet media ecosystem's dependence on social media algorithms.
- He co-founded Substack to create a better business model for independent writing, changing how people make money online.
Optimize for Learning
- Optimize for the rate of learning, especially when creating new models involving people.
- Rapidly test ideas, gather feedback, and incorporate learnings into the next iteration.
Free Content as Marketing
- Make your best and most accessible content free, even with a paid subscription model.
- This acts as a marketing funnel, attracting subscribers by showcasing your value.