"Rebel Rebel", indeed! Bowie himself would approve! I suppose I’m a bit of a Substack Rebel in my own quiet (poet) way, too. For I buck the trend without really trying ... as I couldn’t care less about numbers or any stats either. Instead, I’m more happy to have met around thirty kindred spirits, including yourself dear Nancy, and that, well that ... feels more than enough to be going on with.
Silent follows and silent subscriptions drift past me like weather. I remember in the early days when I first joined someone once asked me ... so why do you write? And I answered without thinking: to connect. You see for me, "connection" is the whole point of everything I do here. And from that everything else follows. Thanks so much for inviting us to join you! Love and much rebellion! 🙏💖
I love your quiet way of rebelling. You buck the trend without trying. I am not to the point where I don't care about numbers, but I am to the point of no longer worrying about them. I think those are two very different things. Like you, I love the community that has gathered and grown here, and I feel validated and supported by readers such as yourself. Mostly, I'm grateful.
I hadn't really thought about silent followers and readers. I suppose there are a few of those. I agree that connection is at the heart of why most of us are here. Just because someone else has thousands of subscribers, that doesn't necessarily mean that connection exists. And even if it does, connecting with a handful of subscribers matters too. More isn't necessarily better or of more value.
Thank you for being part of this community, my poet friend. You're a wonderful example of doing things your way. I appreciate you. xo
I've not been a fan of "Survivor" of breast cancer. Made it sound like it was in the past and done with. I can wrap my head around "Rebel" because it is present tense and on the move. Now maybe my family will "get" what I'm going through. My deepest thank you for your insight. Cancer sucks.
Yes! Rebel is right now - I like that insight. Survivor has always implied to me that cancer is an over and done deal, too. I've never felt comfortable with the label, though I do use it because there isn't a good alternative.
Thank you for adding to this conversation, my fellow rebel. I appreciate you. And yes, cancer definitely sucks!
I've been on and off Substack for a while. Initially, I tried to post once a week, but it felt forced. I also write about the cancer experience, and it got to the point where I didn't want to write about it anymore. There were a couple of essays I wrote that triggered my PTSD, so I took a break. I opened my Substack to be free for everyone. Now I only post essays when I have something to say. Thank you for letting me know I'm not alone in feeling annoyed by all the content about how to improve your stack.
You are definitely not alone in feeling that annoyance. I'm glad you've decided to not pressure yourself to post once a week. That's a pace I can't keep up with. I'm sorry your PTSD was triggered by some of your essays. Understandable.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts on this. I appreciate you. I hope you're doing well.
Comparison kills joy and creativity. Preach it, girlfriend. And I will add, comparison is a lousy mirror. What I've found in this unlikely place, a virtual place, is a community of kindred spirits. I find it difficult sometimes to keep up with reading those I love, and I use that little heart button a lot too, to encourage, support and uplift. We live in times where encouragement, uplifting and support is essential. We keep each other going, walk the path of "making not breaking." To that end, I'm grateful to the writers I've met here, the engagement I experience.
Like you, I don't wish to succumb to the trap of more, more, more likes, subscriptions, and engagement. It is a sign of these historic days to want so much that we fail to recognize the beauty of what is enough.
So, dear friend, I stand with you in this light of "enough," a peaceful place. This gathering of tender hearts whose creativity never fails to inspire, inform and instruct.
Thank you for this wonderful post, Nancy. You are in my heart.
Yes, comparison is a lousy mirror, for sure. Like you, I love the virtual community here that's filled with kindred spirits. I also find it hard to keep up, but I try hard to click that heart button as often as I can. I'm thinking about shutting off all notifications, but it worries me that I'll miss some of my favorites. I learned I can turn off individual Stacks' notifications. I should start with that because there are some I rarely read due to time restraints mostly.
I agree it's so important to encourage others. In this, too there is a limit, though. There's only so much time in a day to be on Substack too!
That word 'enough' is such an important word to keep in mind. I love how you equate that with a peaceful place. Sure, more subscribers, more likes, more engagement would be wonderful. But recognizing and appreciating what is right in front of us matters more.
Thank you for standing with me. I'm grateful our paths crossed. Thank you for offering your insights so regularly here. I appreciate you, and you are in my heart as well, dear friend. xo
Also, so grateful that you choose to be a paid subscriber. It means a lot to me.
There's not enough time to keep up with all the reading, I know. And "enough" has a certain grace to it. Hearts and smilew where I can and at a certain point, I have to go be in the day, away from screens and to-do's. Time on trails or around neighborhood blocks; time to sit and talk with my husband and contemplate what the evening meal should be.
We are enough, and like you, I am not a brand, I'm just a person trying to get along. Sometimes among all the reading and creating, we get lucky and brush up against someone with a kind of deep recognition; something that almost says, "I love you, I am you."
Write on my friend. I'm grateful to have brushed up against our recognition. Biggest hugs and hearts. . .
Both of us just people trying to get along and make a small difference with our pens and keyboards. I feel lucky indeed that our paths crossed. Biggest hugs back, my fellow rebel. xo
I suspect I am a Substack rebel and also a Substack newbie. I have been posting for less than a year and have not figured out how to create a banner, restack, use notes and do other things you mention. It can be overwhelming. I am "eating the elephant" one bite at a time. I don't even know how to add emojis to my comments. I appreciate you subscribing to my Substack.
There's a lot to learn, isn't there? You will figure things out bit by bit. No hurry. I'm delighted to be a subscriber to your Substack. I'll be visiting you soon.
Thank you for reading and taking time to comment, too. I appreciate you.
Nancy - love this perspective!! My continuous hope on Substack is that a competitive swimmer recovering from treatment reaches out and my stuff is useful in recovery- I got my very first person who fits that mold last week!! 3 years in . . .!!!
That's great you connected with someone who fits 'that mold', so yay for that special connection! I have a feeling your work is helping many others during recovery, too. I imagine there aren't that many competitive swimmers out there recovering from cancer, but there are probably a fair number who love to swim and would love to read your articles. I'm not a swimmer and I enjoy them.
I'm so glad you're part of this community. I love your insights. Thank you for saying you love this perspective. I appreciate that. I appreciate YOU.
Guess I'm a Substack rebel also, as I'm a reader rather than a writer. I do comment occasionally and enjoy ❤️ on posts of others. Still trying to figure out Substack, such as how to save something. Kudos and thanks! to the brave and excellent writers I encounter.
I'm glad to hear you're a Substack Reader Rebel! Love having you here. Your thoughts and comments matter a great deal and help keep me motivated, so thank you. I appreciate you.
I didn’t read the whole post as I am on a limited data while travelling but the first part about being a Substack rebel attracted me to this post. Yea I am a Substack rebel.
Thank you for letting me know you read some of it. I hope you'll get a chance to read the entire essay at some point. I love that you are a Substack rebel, too. Yay!
I LOVE that Rebel is your middle name. You go, girl! I write because I must, too. I'm weary of worrying about algorithms, which is why I've finally decided to stop. I'm done fretting about such things. I love the community that's here, and I'm so glad you're part of it. Thank you for being here. I appreciate you.
It isn't really my middle name, but my parents started say Rebel or Trouble was my middle name in my earliest memories. Apparently I was a bit of a spit fire and gave my parents a run for their money.
It's important to celebrate and support other writers to me, too. I would love to support more of my favorites with $$, but it does add up quickly. I totally get that. That's why the little heart and restacking functions become even more meaningful.
It's interesting how you had that one post go viral and it turned out to not be the ride you expected. I've always hoped I'd get one post to go viral, but it's never happened. Maybe it's a good thing it hasn't! In what way was it disappointing for you? I'm curious.
Thank you for reading and taking time to comment, too. I appreciate you.
I have a very delicate nervous system in this stage of my awakening. My limitations for engagement are real. I didn’t expect the post to go viral and it was difficult to keep myself stable in the intensity of it all. It was kinda like crack…or a roller coaster I couldn’t really get off of and this likely says more about me than the viral nature of the post itself. Either way, it asks something of us. I think of the word “viral” and virus comes to me. So, I got a virus from a post going viral. I had to take days off to strengthen myself from the engagement. It was so exciting and so depleting at same time.
I think many of us relate regarding those limitations. It's interesting and actually makes a lot of sense that your going viral experience was both exciting and depleting. How could it not be both, I suppose. Thank you for sharing a bit more about that experience. Perhaps I feel a bit less envious now!
I write because I love to write and believe I have something that might resonant with people and connect with them. And I'm with you on having a Memoirs category to chose from on Substack. I don't read those who offer Substack writing advice. I plan on following Frank Sinatra's words -- I'll Do It My Way. Sure, I wish I had more subscribers, especially paid ones, but that's not why I'm writing. I would just like to reach more readers. I do get email notifications of the writers I subscribe to. When they pop into my email, I typically read them in chronological order. I do tend to think of myself as a rebel. Great article, Nancy!
You and I write for the same reasons. Yes, wouldn't a memoir category be nice? I can't believe there isn't one, really. I'm thinking about shutting off my email notifications because I'm getting too many. I'm lazy about turning them off individually. I need to make a list of my favorites or something, but I still worry I'll forget somebody because there are so many I love. That's why I start with following the Golden Rule. I probably need a better system.
Thank you for being part of this community, my fellow Substack Rebel. I'm glad our paths crossed. I appreciate you.
I just wanted to say something quickly since my brain is in website rebuilding hell and I don’t have the brainwidth (aka bandwidth)to read carefully right now or comment meaningfully, but yes, I want to be a Substack Rebel too! I promise as soon as the fog clears, I will re-read and comment, but just wanted to say, your headline grabbed me. More soon..l
Oh man, it's a lot when you're trying to put together/refine a website. I visited it this morning and it looks fabulous! I'm excited for you. You're so talented.
Of course, you're a Substack Rebel too! I love how you combine your passion for art, running, and politics pushback in your posts. And of course, I always love reading about your dogs.
Don't worry about coming back to comment further. I'm glad my headline grabbed your attention. Good luck with your webiste/art/business - all of it!
Thank you for your ongoing support. You're one of those gems I mentioned, and I appreciate you dearly, my friend.
Boy, do I love this post. "Comparison kills creativity. Comparison kills joy." Yes, it does. Comparison will make us all nuts.
First, regarding cancer, I think about it daily. I am reminded each time I get undressed. I am easily triggered by irrational and rational fears. Cancer sucks, as we know. There's nothing good about it. I'm totally with you on this. I hate when people find out I've had cancer and say, "Good for you!" What the f*ck did I do that was so good? What the hell did I do? Period. I survived because it was random. And it may still kill me one day, so pardon me if I postpone the Pink Party Parade.
And now for Substack: I think I've turned into a Substack rebel too, and now that you've identified yourself as such, I can say it clearly also. It's so easy to hear about such and such getting 8,000 subscribers this month, but frankly, as Rhett Butler tells Scarlet, "I don't give a damn." My focus is to give readers quality work each week and to take care of the readers I do have. And if someone unsubscribes from me, I am not upset. The point of my Substack is to share my heart with others.
I love to restack others' work. Why not spread the love?
The one thing that bothers me is when writers expect you to leave comments on their posts, but they won't even bother acknowledging yours. This is a give and take relationship. That being said, I am grateful for every single comment, and I am grateful to all my readers -- whether or not they choose to comment. And, yes, we all want readers, comments, etc. I, too, my dear friend, am done with metrics.
And I still don't get the "follow" either. I suck at Notes. There is limited time in the day, and I just am not on Notes a lot, though I want to be there more.
Thank you so much for writing this essay, Nancy. Such an important discussion.
Your comments are all so spot-on. Cancer definitely sucks. Why would anyone say, "Good for you," when they hear you've had a cancer diagnosis. I know what they mean. Sort of. I think. But man...
I made up the Substack Rebel thing, but I feel like it really fits. I'm so weary of advice Stacks. I still subscribe to two, but I dropped paid subscriptions, as well as one or two others, and even reading the ones I kept; well, they are not my priority reads.
You are very successful at giving your readers quality writing and art. Sometimes, I feel like I should be offering more than I do. I mean, that's what those advice Stacks say. But I'm not here in order to accumulate a huge number of paid subscribers. Of course, that'd be nice, but... And thank YOU for being one of my paid subscribers, by the way. I'm grateful.
I hear you regarding this is a give and take deal. That's why I follow the Golden Rule. I try hard to comment on writers' Stacks who've commented on mine. Then, as time permits I comment on others. There are so many wonderful writers, I struggle to keep up. It's not even possible. As you said there's limited time in the day. And Notes, I am bad, but trying to do better.
Thank you for being one of my biggest supporters for ages now. I appreciate you, my dear friend.
Validation of one’s own feelings is a part of writing. Along with, a desire to find out = “am I missing something” = "is there a different perspective out there that might help me come to grips with angst”. Admirable to have the desire to find ways to grow. Life is a stew; with some ingredients that may not have a great singular flavor , but combined, can make a palatable life.
Expressing anger doesn’t mean we begin and end each day with a growl. Likewise, expressing joy or words of encouragement isn’t a sign that we are a hapless Pollyanna. What we think about a writer’s choice of words, could be very different from how we would enjoy them (or not enjoy them?) in a face to face situation. How fun to have a magic wand where people could gather face to face to share ideas along with expressing our hearts via the written word.
"Expressing anger doesn’t mean we begin and end each day with a growl. Likewise, expressing joy or words of encouragement isn’t a sign that we are a hapless Pollyanna."
Perfectly said.
Thank you for being here and adding to this conversation. I appreciate you.
Wow did this speak to me Nancy!!! As I start my morning with checking my website analytics...I am a social media rebel, always knowing I should have been more active and have more likes and followers. The best decision I've ever made was to decide to let them go and focus on where I'm comfortable. That is being a Loyalty+Subscriber of yours, and with my Nurse colleagues on LinkedIn. Our paths crossed when I found you on Nancy's Point as we both share the passion for supporting, educating and listening to patients struggle with their post-surgical drains!! SO pleased to have followed you to Substack and your expanded writing. Cheers to being freed from analytics!
Yes! Let them go and focus on the platforms where you are comfortable. I am still on too many, but have cut way back on time I spend on them. It feels good, too.
I'm so grateful our paths crossed and that we've partnered for now the second time! I love your solution for the dreaded drains! I also love your passion for helping patients. Priceless.
Thank you for being my first Nancy's Point Loyalty+ Subscriber. It means a lot and I'm grateful.
Great to read a comment from you, too. Thank you for that as well. I appreciate you, my friend. Onward and yes, cheers to being freed from analytics!
"Rebel Rebel", indeed! Bowie himself would approve! I suppose I’m a bit of a Substack Rebel in my own quiet (poet) way, too. For I buck the trend without really trying ... as I couldn’t care less about numbers or any stats either. Instead, I’m more happy to have met around thirty kindred spirits, including yourself dear Nancy, and that, well that ... feels more than enough to be going on with.
Silent follows and silent subscriptions drift past me like weather. I remember in the early days when I first joined someone once asked me ... so why do you write? And I answered without thinking: to connect. You see for me, "connection" is the whole point of everything I do here. And from that everything else follows. Thanks so much for inviting us to join you! Love and much rebellion! 🙏💖
Hi Deborah,
I love your quiet way of rebelling. You buck the trend without trying. I am not to the point where I don't care about numbers, but I am to the point of no longer worrying about them. I think those are two very different things. Like you, I love the community that has gathered and grown here, and I feel validated and supported by readers such as yourself. Mostly, I'm grateful.
I hadn't really thought about silent followers and readers. I suppose there are a few of those. I agree that connection is at the heart of why most of us are here. Just because someone else has thousands of subscribers, that doesn't necessarily mean that connection exists. And even if it does, connecting with a handful of subscribers matters too. More isn't necessarily better or of more value.
Thank you for being part of this community, my poet friend. You're a wonderful example of doing things your way. I appreciate you. xo
I've not been a fan of "Survivor" of breast cancer. Made it sound like it was in the past and done with. I can wrap my head around "Rebel" because it is present tense and on the move. Now maybe my family will "get" what I'm going through. My deepest thank you for your insight. Cancer sucks.
Hi RobinB,
Yes! Rebel is right now - I like that insight. Survivor has always implied to me that cancer is an over and done deal, too. I've never felt comfortable with the label, though I do use it because there isn't a good alternative.
Thank you for adding to this conversation, my fellow rebel. I appreciate you. And yes, cancer definitely sucks!
I've been on and off Substack for a while. Initially, I tried to post once a week, but it felt forced. I also write about the cancer experience, and it got to the point where I didn't want to write about it anymore. There were a couple of essays I wrote that triggered my PTSD, so I took a break. I opened my Substack to be free for everyone. Now I only post essays when I have something to say. Thank you for letting me know I'm not alone in feeling annoyed by all the content about how to improve your stack.
Hi Karen,
You are definitely not alone in feeling that annoyance. I'm glad you've decided to not pressure yourself to post once a week. That's a pace I can't keep up with. I'm sorry your PTSD was triggered by some of your essays. Understandable.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts on this. I appreciate you. I hope you're doing well.
Comparison kills joy and creativity. Preach it, girlfriend. And I will add, comparison is a lousy mirror. What I've found in this unlikely place, a virtual place, is a community of kindred spirits. I find it difficult sometimes to keep up with reading those I love, and I use that little heart button a lot too, to encourage, support and uplift. We live in times where encouragement, uplifting and support is essential. We keep each other going, walk the path of "making not breaking." To that end, I'm grateful to the writers I've met here, the engagement I experience.
Like you, I don't wish to succumb to the trap of more, more, more likes, subscriptions, and engagement. It is a sign of these historic days to want so much that we fail to recognize the beauty of what is enough.
So, dear friend, I stand with you in this light of "enough," a peaceful place. This gathering of tender hearts whose creativity never fails to inspire, inform and instruct.
Thank you for this wonderful post, Nancy. You are in my heart.
Hi Stephanie,
Yes, comparison is a lousy mirror, for sure. Like you, I love the virtual community here that's filled with kindred spirits. I also find it hard to keep up, but I try hard to click that heart button as often as I can. I'm thinking about shutting off all notifications, but it worries me that I'll miss some of my favorites. I learned I can turn off individual Stacks' notifications. I should start with that because there are some I rarely read due to time restraints mostly.
I agree it's so important to encourage others. In this, too there is a limit, though. There's only so much time in a day to be on Substack too!
That word 'enough' is such an important word to keep in mind. I love how you equate that with a peaceful place. Sure, more subscribers, more likes, more engagement would be wonderful. But recognizing and appreciating what is right in front of us matters more.
Thank you for standing with me. I'm grateful our paths crossed. Thank you for offering your insights so regularly here. I appreciate you, and you are in my heart as well, dear friend. xo
Also, so grateful that you choose to be a paid subscriber. It means a lot to me.
There's not enough time to keep up with all the reading, I know. And "enough" has a certain grace to it. Hearts and smilew where I can and at a certain point, I have to go be in the day, away from screens and to-do's. Time on trails or around neighborhood blocks; time to sit and talk with my husband and contemplate what the evening meal should be.
We are enough, and like you, I am not a brand, I'm just a person trying to get along. Sometimes among all the reading and creating, we get lucky and brush up against someone with a kind of deep recognition; something that almost says, "I love you, I am you."
Write on my friend. I'm grateful to have brushed up against our recognition. Biggest hugs and hearts. . .
Both of us just people trying to get along and make a small difference with our pens and keyboards. I feel lucky indeed that our paths crossed. Biggest hugs back, my fellow rebel. xo
Hi Nancy,
I suspect I am a Substack rebel and also a Substack newbie. I have been posting for less than a year and have not figured out how to create a banner, restack, use notes and do other things you mention. It can be overwhelming. I am "eating the elephant" one bite at a time. I don't even know how to add emojis to my comments. I appreciate you subscribing to my Substack.
Hi Judith,
There's a lot to learn, isn't there? You will figure things out bit by bit. No hurry. I'm delighted to be a subscriber to your Substack. I'll be visiting you soon.
Thank you for reading and taking time to comment, too. I appreciate you.
Nancy - love this perspective!! My continuous hope on Substack is that a competitive swimmer recovering from treatment reaches out and my stuff is useful in recovery- I got my very first person who fits that mold last week!! 3 years in . . .!!!
Hi Lessly,
That's great you connected with someone who fits 'that mold', so yay for that special connection! I have a feeling your work is helping many others during recovery, too. I imagine there aren't that many competitive swimmers out there recovering from cancer, but there are probably a fair number who love to swim and would love to read your articles. I'm not a swimmer and I enjoy them.
I'm so glad you're part of this community. I love your insights. Thank you for saying you love this perspective. I appreciate that. I appreciate YOU.
Guess I'm a Substack rebel also, as I'm a reader rather than a writer. I do comment occasionally and enjoy ❤️ on posts of others. Still trying to figure out Substack, such as how to save something. Kudos and thanks! to the brave and excellent writers I encounter.
Hi Cheryl,
I'm glad to hear you're a Substack Reader Rebel! Love having you here. Your thoughts and comments matter a great deal and help keep me motivated, so thank you. I appreciate you.
I didn’t read the whole post as I am on a limited data while travelling but the first part about being a Substack rebel attracted me to this post. Yea I am a Substack rebel.
Hi Femy,
Thank you for letting me know you read some of it. I hope you'll get a chance to read the entire essay at some point. I love that you are a Substack rebel, too. Yay!
Thank you for being here. I appreciate you.
Rebel is my middle name. I really do not worry about algorithms. I write because I must.
Hi Nancy,
I LOVE that Rebel is your middle name. You go, girl! I write because I must, too. I'm weary of worrying about algorithms, which is why I've finally decided to stop. I'm done fretting about such things. I love the community that's here, and I'm so glad you're part of it. Thank you for being here. I appreciate you.
It isn't really my middle name, but my parents started say Rebel or Trouble was my middle name in my earliest memories. Apparently I was a bit of a spit fire and gave my parents a run for their money.
That's what I figured. I didn't think it was actually your middle name. It's cute your parents thought you were a bit of a spit fire.
I love it. Making it your way. Why the hell not?
I totally love the restack function. I love celebrating others and featuring writers.
I don’t pay here. Not because I don’t want to. I can’t afford to so I pay by spot lighting the writers who truly give me something.
And I so hear you on likes and all of that. I had one post go viral and I never want that to happen again. It was not the ride I expected.
Hi Lila,
Yes, why the hell not?
It's important to celebrate and support other writers to me, too. I would love to support more of my favorites with $$, but it does add up quickly. I totally get that. That's why the little heart and restacking functions become even more meaningful.
It's interesting how you had that one post go viral and it turned out to not be the ride you expected. I've always hoped I'd get one post to go viral, but it's never happened. Maybe it's a good thing it hasn't! In what way was it disappointing for you? I'm curious.
Thank you for reading and taking time to comment, too. I appreciate you.
Thank you also! I love the engagement.
I have a very delicate nervous system in this stage of my awakening. My limitations for engagement are real. I didn’t expect the post to go viral and it was difficult to keep myself stable in the intensity of it all. It was kinda like crack…or a roller coaster I couldn’t really get off of and this likely says more about me than the viral nature of the post itself. Either way, it asks something of us. I think of the word “viral” and virus comes to me. So, I got a virus from a post going viral. I had to take days off to strengthen myself from the engagement. It was so exciting and so depleting at same time.
I think many of us relate regarding those limitations. It's interesting and actually makes a lot of sense that your going viral experience was both exciting and depleting. How could it not be both, I suppose. Thank you for sharing a bit more about that experience. Perhaps I feel a bit less envious now!
The exiting part what that it actually touched people in some way.
I write because I love to write and believe I have something that might resonant with people and connect with them. And I'm with you on having a Memoirs category to chose from on Substack. I don't read those who offer Substack writing advice. I plan on following Frank Sinatra's words -- I'll Do It My Way. Sure, I wish I had more subscribers, especially paid ones, but that's not why I'm writing. I would just like to reach more readers. I do get email notifications of the writers I subscribe to. When they pop into my email, I typically read them in chronological order. I do tend to think of myself as a rebel. Great article, Nancy!
Hi Nancy,
You and I write for the same reasons. Yes, wouldn't a memoir category be nice? I can't believe there isn't one, really. I'm thinking about shutting off my email notifications because I'm getting too many. I'm lazy about turning them off individually. I need to make a list of my favorites or something, but I still worry I'll forget somebody because there are so many I love. That's why I start with following the Golden Rule. I probably need a better system.
Thank you for being part of this community, my fellow Substack Rebel. I'm glad our paths crossed. I appreciate you.
I just wanted to say something quickly since my brain is in website rebuilding hell and I don’t have the brainwidth (aka bandwidth)to read carefully right now or comment meaningfully, but yes, I want to be a Substack Rebel too! I promise as soon as the fog clears, I will re-read and comment, but just wanted to say, your headline grabbed me. More soon..l
Hi Alene,
Oh man, it's a lot when you're trying to put together/refine a website. I visited it this morning and it looks fabulous! I'm excited for you. You're so talented.
Of course, you're a Substack Rebel too! I love how you combine your passion for art, running, and politics pushback in your posts. And of course, I always love reading about your dogs.
Don't worry about coming back to comment further. I'm glad my headline grabbed your attention. Good luck with your webiste/art/business - all of it!
Thank you for your ongoing support. You're one of those gems I mentioned, and I appreciate you dearly, my friend.
Much love, Nancy. Thanks for the comment on my website. Keep writing!
Hi Nancy,
Boy, do I love this post. "Comparison kills creativity. Comparison kills joy." Yes, it does. Comparison will make us all nuts.
First, regarding cancer, I think about it daily. I am reminded each time I get undressed. I am easily triggered by irrational and rational fears. Cancer sucks, as we know. There's nothing good about it. I'm totally with you on this. I hate when people find out I've had cancer and say, "Good for you!" What the f*ck did I do that was so good? What the hell did I do? Period. I survived because it was random. And it may still kill me one day, so pardon me if I postpone the Pink Party Parade.
And now for Substack: I think I've turned into a Substack rebel too, and now that you've identified yourself as such, I can say it clearly also. It's so easy to hear about such and such getting 8,000 subscribers this month, but frankly, as Rhett Butler tells Scarlet, "I don't give a damn." My focus is to give readers quality work each week and to take care of the readers I do have. And if someone unsubscribes from me, I am not upset. The point of my Substack is to share my heart with others.
I love to restack others' work. Why not spread the love?
The one thing that bothers me is when writers expect you to leave comments on their posts, but they won't even bother acknowledging yours. This is a give and take relationship. That being said, I am grateful for every single comment, and I am grateful to all my readers -- whether or not they choose to comment. And, yes, we all want readers, comments, etc. I, too, my dear friend, am done with metrics.
And I still don't get the "follow" either. I suck at Notes. There is limited time in the day, and I just am not on Notes a lot, though I want to be there more.
Thank you so much for writing this essay, Nancy. Such an important discussion.
Hi Beth,
Your comments are all so spot-on. Cancer definitely sucks. Why would anyone say, "Good for you," when they hear you've had a cancer diagnosis. I know what they mean. Sort of. I think. But man...
I made up the Substack Rebel thing, but I feel like it really fits. I'm so weary of advice Stacks. I still subscribe to two, but I dropped paid subscriptions, as well as one or two others, and even reading the ones I kept; well, they are not my priority reads.
You are very successful at giving your readers quality writing and art. Sometimes, I feel like I should be offering more than I do. I mean, that's what those advice Stacks say. But I'm not here in order to accumulate a huge number of paid subscribers. Of course, that'd be nice, but... And thank YOU for being one of my paid subscribers, by the way. I'm grateful.
I hear you regarding this is a give and take deal. That's why I follow the Golden Rule. I try hard to comment on writers' Stacks who've commented on mine. Then, as time permits I comment on others. There are so many wonderful writers, I struggle to keep up. It's not even possible. As you said there's limited time in the day. And Notes, I am bad, but trying to do better.
Thank you for being one of my biggest supporters for ages now. I appreciate you, my dear friend.
Validation of one’s own feelings is a part of writing. Along with, a desire to find out = “am I missing something” = "is there a different perspective out there that might help me come to grips with angst”. Admirable to have the desire to find ways to grow. Life is a stew; with some ingredients that may not have a great singular flavor , but combined, can make a palatable life.
Expressing anger doesn’t mean we begin and end each day with a growl. Likewise, expressing joy or words of encouragement isn’t a sign that we are a hapless Pollyanna. What we think about a writer’s choice of words, could be very different from how we would enjoy them (or not enjoy them?) in a face to face situation. How fun to have a magic wand where people could gather face to face to share ideas along with expressing our hearts via the written word.
Hi Mary,
Your insights are fascinating. I LOVE this:
"Expressing anger doesn’t mean we begin and end each day with a growl. Likewise, expressing joy or words of encouragement isn’t a sign that we are a hapless Pollyanna."
Perfectly said.
Thank you for being here and adding to this conversation. I appreciate you.
Wow did this speak to me Nancy!!! As I start my morning with checking my website analytics...I am a social media rebel, always knowing I should have been more active and have more likes and followers. The best decision I've ever made was to decide to let them go and focus on where I'm comfortable. That is being a Loyalty+Subscriber of yours, and with my Nurse colleagues on LinkedIn. Our paths crossed when I found you on Nancy's Point as we both share the passion for supporting, educating and listening to patients struggle with their post-surgical drains!! SO pleased to have followed you to Substack and your expanded writing. Cheers to being freed from analytics!
Hi Mary,
Yes! Let them go and focus on the platforms where you are comfortable. I am still on too many, but have cut way back on time I spend on them. It feels good, too.
I'm so grateful our paths crossed and that we've partnered for now the second time! I love your solution for the dreaded drains! I also love your passion for helping patients. Priceless.
Thank you for being my first Nancy's Point Loyalty+ Subscriber. It means a lot and I'm grateful.
Great to read a comment from you, too. Thank you for that as well. I appreciate you, my friend. Onward and yes, cheers to being freed from analytics!
💕💕💕
Hi Jorge,
I can tell you like hearts too. :) Thank you for being here. I appreciate you.