I've definitely noticed the same thing, Harshini! Not quite sure why people would want to write about such topics, but it motivates me to continue write and publish what I'm writing so that there's more wholesome-ness out there!
It takes all kinds to make the world go 'round. I've been one of the lucky ones who hasn't come across anything "icky" so far. I mean, I have read posts from people who are being real about tough times, but nothing I felt was crossing any lines of decency. I am a big believer in free speech and sometimes writing is the only way that people can exorcise their demons. I'll reserve judgment until I see what you refer to.
It's okay to be real and address and issue even if it feels uneasy or inappropriate. In fact, I'd even defend those conversations. But I was referring to the articles that are unnecesariy inappropriate and only for gaining traction.
Thanks for reading and sharing your thoughts! ^^ ✨
Agree that doing it for shock value or just for likes is not okay, and how can you tell when they're doing it for that reason? I'm new to the platform . Thanks for responding and clarifying.
Substack has a dark side, only thing unlike Twitter or Facebook, its hidden here. I read articles openly supporting paedophilia. And the racism here is as bad. I posted a couple of notes on the racist attacks against Indians in US, during the H1 issue. And I had to face a barrage of racist comments, absolutely demeaning, toxic.
Substack seems like a single community at first. But it's actually like multiple groups of people residing in one platform. We start to see a group for the first time when there's a common person who stays in both groups.
For example, If I have an artist friend whom I talk to frequently, I start seeing the Substackers who my artist friend follows and interacts with.
I think I'd be better to stay away from the dark side by avoiding toxic groups. :>
That said, in a way it does matter. My interaction was initially mostly with artsy kinds. But the moment I began to post on contentious issues like the recent H1B thing in US, the ugliness came out.
Actually Elon Musk made a statement about how H1B needs to be opened up to allow more. And there was a massive backlash against it, as well as on Vivek Ramasamy's comments on Twitter. It was ostensibly against H1B misuse, but soon degenerated into plain racism.
I posted the same here, and these are some of the comments I got.
I'm sorry to say, but... This rabbit hole is getting out of hand. There's a way to stop getting hateful, toxic, and negative replies-- which is something simple but I don't say to just anyone because they may hate me for it.
If you can handle harsh constructive criticism, I can tell you about it in the DMs. :>
Personally, one of the good things I saw on Substack was the opportunity to read so many contents outside my own echo chambers. So, although it is painful to see a lot of weird speeches coming across this net that was supposed to be a comfort zone, I appreciate the chance to realize that these people exist and have a public that supports them. As a psychology student, Substack has just become a social experiment for me, where I see what people think about different perspectives. It is bothersome sometimes to see some types of content, but I feel that it is necessary to know what has been gaining an audience across different ideologies so we can be aware of it.
I feel the same about Substack- a place that doesn't add to my echo chambers and a place where I experiment a lot with my posts and notes. I've learned a lot after leaving my comfort zone consisting of animations and comics.
You're so right!
(Also, I'm really interested in practical psychology in everyday life.)
Thanks for reading and sharing your thoughts! ^^ ✨
I was thinking of writing a note saying it's nice to see lesser and lesser number of those kind of posts on Substack. But looks like they're still here. And maybe I don't see them anymore because I've removed/hidden them from my timeline.
Probably that must be it. I've blocked those type of posts. Although they didn't completely stop showing up in the feed, I've been seeing less of them lately too.
Thank you for reading and sharing your thoughts. ^^ ✨
This was very thoughtful! Great job! I am not sure how to regulate what people will like or dislike. It might be up to us to regulate ourselves in some way. One skill to develop is to be able to have and hold conversations we might not enjoy. It takes us out of our echo chamber with which we might insolate. For sure, I have read things I may not have wanted or thought was inappropriate or lacked value. Even though I enjoy my own company, I'm sure I would get a little lonely if everyone were just like me! 😆
I’m sorry, but you went on and on and said nothing. Yes, there is shallow content here. No, we can’t do anything about it, because ‘freedom of speech’. Thassit. How did your article contribute to improve Substack, apart from having a click-bitey title, thus getting more traction? How is this different?
Yes, I’m a bitter old bitch who writes shallow click-bitey rants sometimes, and sometimes they get a chuckle out of people and a couple of undeserved likes. At least people had a reason to smile, or maybe even chuckle. Why am I being mean? Because I don’t like pointless ramblings posted to get attention. Be honest!
I try to put some deeper meaning even in the silliest of my rants. To me this article looks like the very thing your criticizing. Feel free to ignore/block me, I probably deserve it.
Hi! I'm sorry if I've said something to upset you. It's alright if this article didn't contribute to Substack. I only wrote it to let my Substack friends know my thoughts.
If this title seemed click-baity please let me know. I might change it to accurately represent what's inside.
Psst! Don’t apologize to mean bitches like me! We’re like sharks, we smell blood miles away!😂 No, really you have nothing to apologize for. Yes, you should share your thoughts with friends if you feel like it, but remember - if your article is public, not only your friends will read it but also THE ENTIRE FRIGGIN INTERNET! 😅 keep that in mind. Say meaningful stuff. Be brave. Be bold. Be honest. This piece felt a bit lukewarm. Like you want to criticize but without offending anyone. It doesn’t work that way. Tough business, risky too.
I used to worry about the length of my posts too. But later found out that it's better to go with the flow and focus on the main content/topic.
Substack is very different from other social media platforms like instagram or twitter.
All posts don't necessarily have to grow at the same rate. My older and less popular articles get discovered by readers even though there are articles with way more likes.
I think it'll be helpful to experiment for 3-6 months with various types of articles and different topic so you can get a better grasp on what works.
I've definitely noticed the same thing, Harshini! Not quite sure why people would want to write about such topics, but it motivates me to continue write and publish what I'm writing so that there's more wholesome-ness out there!
I feel the same to be honest. XD
Feels good to be part of the wholesome club. ^^ ✨
Thank you!
It takes all kinds to make the world go 'round. I've been one of the lucky ones who hasn't come across anything "icky" so far. I mean, I have read posts from people who are being real about tough times, but nothing I felt was crossing any lines of decency. I am a big believer in free speech and sometimes writing is the only way that people can exorcise their demons. I'll reserve judgment until I see what you refer to.
It's okay to be real and address and issue even if it feels uneasy or inappropriate. In fact, I'd even defend those conversations. But I was referring to the articles that are unnecesariy inappropriate and only for gaining traction.
Thanks for reading and sharing your thoughts! ^^ ✨
Agree that doing it for shock value or just for likes is not okay, and how can you tell when they're doing it for that reason? I'm new to the platform . Thanks for responding and clarifying.
I carefully read articles to learn what the writer is trying to convey. So, gut feeling, maybe?
I think it's easy for anyone to tell the difference. You'll be able to too, when you come across the articles I'm referring to.
Also, welcome to Substack! ^^ ✨
Substack has a dark side, only thing unlike Twitter or Facebook, its hidden here. I read articles openly supporting paedophilia. And the racism here is as bad. I posted a couple of notes on the racist attacks against Indians in US, during the H1 issue. And I had to face a barrage of racist comments, absolutely demeaning, toxic.
I see... I'm sorry you had to go through that.
Substack seems like a single community at first. But it's actually like multiple groups of people residing in one platform. We start to see a group for the first time when there's a common person who stays in both groups.
For example, If I have an artist friend whom I talk to frequently, I start seeing the Substackers who my artist friend follows and interacts with.
I think I'd be better to stay away from the dark side by avoiding toxic groups. :>
I am not part of any group here if that helps :)
That said, in a way it does matter. My interaction was initially mostly with artsy kinds. But the moment I began to post on contentious issues like the recent H1B thing in US, the ugliness came out.
I see. Well, I knew they made changes to the H1B. But I didn't get the issue. What happened?
Actually Elon Musk made a statement about how H1B needs to be opened up to allow more. And there was a massive backlash against it, as well as on Vivek Ramasamy's comments on Twitter. It was ostensibly against H1B misuse, but soon degenerated into plain racism.
I posted the same here, and these are some of the comments I got.
https://substack.com/note/c-83205353/restacks
https://substack.com/profile/66153654-rurik-skywalker/note/c-83316093
https://substack.com/profile/144693828-robert-peter-kearns/note/c-83779561
https://substack.com/profile/144693828-robert-peter-kearns/note/c-83633334
I'm sorry to say, but... This rabbit hole is getting out of hand. There's a way to stop getting hateful, toxic, and negative replies-- which is something simple but I don't say to just anyone because they may hate me for it.
If you can handle harsh constructive criticism, I can tell you about it in the DMs. :>
Sure anyway blocked most of those accounts
Personally, one of the good things I saw on Substack was the opportunity to read so many contents outside my own echo chambers. So, although it is painful to see a lot of weird speeches coming across this net that was supposed to be a comfort zone, I appreciate the chance to realize that these people exist and have a public that supports them. As a psychology student, Substack has just become a social experiment for me, where I see what people think about different perspectives. It is bothersome sometimes to see some types of content, but I feel that it is necessary to know what has been gaining an audience across different ideologies so we can be aware of it.
I feel the same about Substack- a place that doesn't add to my echo chambers and a place where I experiment a lot with my posts and notes. I've learned a lot after leaving my comfort zone consisting of animations and comics.
You're so right!
(Also, I'm really interested in practical psychology in everyday life.)
Thanks for reading and sharing your thoughts! ^^ ✨
I was thinking of writing a note saying it's nice to see lesser and lesser number of those kind of posts on Substack. But looks like they're still here. And maybe I don't see them anymore because I've removed/hidden them from my timeline.
Probably that must be it. I've blocked those type of posts. Although they didn't completely stop showing up in the feed, I've been seeing less of them lately too.
Thank you for reading and sharing your thoughts. ^^ ✨
You're welcome, Harshini
This was very thoughtful! Great job! I am not sure how to regulate what people will like or dislike. It might be up to us to regulate ourselves in some way. One skill to develop is to be able to have and hold conversations we might not enjoy. It takes us out of our echo chamber with which we might insolate. For sure, I have read things I may not have wanted or thought was inappropriate or lacked value. Even though I enjoy my own company, I'm sure I would get a little lonely if everyone were just like me! 😆
Everyone doesn't have to be similar though. I'm sure it'll get boring real fast, haha.
Thanks for reading and sharing your thoughts on it. ^^ ✨
I’m sorry, but you went on and on and said nothing. Yes, there is shallow content here. No, we can’t do anything about it, because ‘freedom of speech’. Thassit. How did your article contribute to improve Substack, apart from having a click-bitey title, thus getting more traction? How is this different?
Yes, I’m a bitter old bitch who writes shallow click-bitey rants sometimes, and sometimes they get a chuckle out of people and a couple of undeserved likes. At least people had a reason to smile, or maybe even chuckle. Why am I being mean? Because I don’t like pointless ramblings posted to get attention. Be honest!
I try to put some deeper meaning even in the silliest of my rants. To me this article looks like the very thing your criticizing. Feel free to ignore/block me, I probably deserve it.
Hi! I'm sorry if I've said something to upset you. It's alright if this article didn't contribute to Substack. I only wrote it to let my Substack friends know my thoughts.
If this title seemed click-baity please let me know. I might change it to accurately represent what's inside.
I hope you have a good day. :>
Psst! Don’t apologize to mean bitches like me! We’re like sharks, we smell blood miles away!😂 No, really you have nothing to apologize for. Yes, you should share your thoughts with friends if you feel like it, but remember - if your article is public, not only your friends will read it but also THE ENTIRE FRIGGIN INTERNET! 😅 keep that in mind. Say meaningful stuff. Be brave. Be bold. Be honest. This piece felt a bit lukewarm. Like you want to criticize but without offending anyone. It doesn’t work that way. Tough business, risky too.
Wha? What happened? Why'd you delete your posts? :0
I used to worry about the length of my posts too. But later found out that it's better to go with the flow and focus on the main content/topic.
Substack is very different from other social media platforms like instagram or twitter.
All posts don't necessarily have to grow at the same rate. My older and less popular articles get discovered by readers even though there are articles with way more likes.
I think it'll be helpful to experiment for 3-6 months with various types of articles and different topic so you can get a better grasp on what works.
I hope this helps. :)