One of the many reasons I host small rural retreats, what my itineraries on https://mkultraman.substack.com/s/exp are based on. It’s one thing to talk - or write - about cool stuff, another thing entirely to actually do it collaboratively.
This post is like something straight from the Higher Intelligence out there. I have abandoned most social media and have finally found some time to make some music and write!
The question I find interesting is, is there actually a profitable, lasting business model for any of these things that doesn’t involve the service gradually going to shit over time and the cost to value ratio forever dwindling towards nothing? I’ve seen great ideas for a rival to Spotify, but would there actually be a way to run it that is profitable? Ditto for every other major service on the internet that has got shitter and/or more expensive over time (which is all of them, if you’re a cynic).
Another issue is companies going public as in on the stock market or being sold to bigger companies listed on the stock markets bc once you do that they expect and need constant growth year after year which is unsustainable for most things. I wonder what would happen if some things just stayed small or medium on purpose and didn’t see expansion as the only way to go.
Very much enjoyed this, you’re prescient Bob. I’d be curious if you think Substack qualifies as social media. I think by all accounts it does. It happens to also be a blogging platform, and an email newsletter delivery service. But those are secondary in the public consciousness precisely because social eats all
> the non-stop Tony Robbins seminar-meets-writers-group-meets-therapy session boosterism
I cannot stand this. It’s so disgusting.
Also your essay has nearly convinced me I need to get off this and go to another platform. The only thing is that per your article, I do have 10,000+ Twitter followers. I do have a sizable newsletter subscribership. And while I don’t anticipate the paying subscriber conversion would be substantial if I were to set a paid tier, I do think the convenience of being here would mean a bigger chunk would convert to paid on Substack since their credit card would already be active with the Substack platform, vs. if I start my newsletter up on Ghost or some other place where they’d make less of an impulse purchase. What do you think of this scenario?
One of the many reasons I host small rural retreats, what my itineraries on https://mkultraman.substack.com/s/exp are based on. It’s one thing to talk - or write - about cool stuff, another thing entirely to actually do it collaboratively.
Oh yes. "Make cool stuff, show it to your friends," - Rick Rubin
I like the cut of your jib Seth, these posts are great 🤙
Thank you! Just clicked around your About page, and YOWZA... you're doing some rad stuff!
Ha well attempting to piss about for a living. Good to be connected!
Finally... someone who speaks my language.
This post is like something straight from the Higher Intelligence out there. I have abandoned most social media and have finally found some time to make some music and write!
Lovely post, thanks Seth! 🤘
Yes I love this!!!! Plenty more to come. I fully support your journey ☺️
Thank you Seth 🙏 🙏
This is a really helpful post thank you
No need for superstardom on Substack...just getting with the right people and creating is of the upmost importance.
Thanks for posting this!
Desperately needed to read this today. Many thanks!
Step One: Recognise that money is inherently Necromantic.
Step Two: Choose the light or the dark.
Step Three: Go to war.
“Yeah, but Seth, these things cost money!”
The question I find interesting is, is there actually a profitable, lasting business model for any of these things that doesn’t involve the service gradually going to shit over time and the cost to value ratio forever dwindling towards nothing? I’ve seen great ideas for a rival to Spotify, but would there actually be a way to run it that is profitable? Ditto for every other major service on the internet that has got shitter and/or more expensive over time (which is all of them, if you’re a cynic).
Another issue is companies going public as in on the stock market or being sold to bigger companies listed on the stock markets bc once you do that they expect and need constant growth year after year which is unsustainable for most things. I wonder what would happen if some things just stayed small or medium on purpose and didn’t see expansion as the only way to go.
From what I understand Bandcamp WAS profitable, or was at one point. I think I read that in interviews with the founder over the years.
But a social media network? Where ANYONE can post anything all the time?
A streaming platform where you have to pay big fees to license music?
Yikes, good luck with either of those.
Let’s gooooo! 🚀
We're going!
OK! Will do! xx
The revolution will not be live streamed on tiktok
Nor Twitch, it seems, too.
The fact that I know exactly what this is in reference to. I think I need to kick up my grass-touching intake 😅
“It’s like we’re meeting at the mall food court - find your fellow weirdos and then get the hell out.”
This extended metaphor 👌
Another excellent work by you, sir. I gotta be your biggest fan. Thanks for the read.
I appreciate your support!
Absolute 🔥, Seth!
Seth,
I quit all social media back in 2014 (10 years!). I wrote an essay about it and thought you might like to take a look:
https://sassone.wordpress.com/2014/08/13/thoughts-on-social-media/
Cheers,
Bob
Very much enjoyed this, you’re prescient Bob. I’d be curious if you think Substack qualifies as social media. I think by all accounts it does. It happens to also be a blogging platform, and an email newsletter delivery service. But those are secondary in the public consciousness precisely because social eats all
I wrote about that here:
https://sassone.wordpress.com/2023/09/28/we-need-to-talk-about-substack/
> the non-stop Tony Robbins seminar-meets-writers-group-meets-therapy session boosterism
I cannot stand this. It’s so disgusting.
Also your essay has nearly convinced me I need to get off this and go to another platform. The only thing is that per your article, I do have 10,000+ Twitter followers. I do have a sizable newsletter subscribership. And while I don’t anticipate the paying subscriber conversion would be substantial if I were to set a paid tier, I do think the convenience of being here would mean a bigger chunk would convert to paid on Substack since their credit card would already be active with the Substack platform, vs. if I start my newsletter up on Ghost or some other place where they’d make less of an impulse purchase. What do you think of this scenario?
Your essay has inspired me to put more time into my blog again. The one on my website. haha :)
That’s awesome! I’ve absolutely spent more time on my own blog, too. Even just redid the domain name and everything with my Wordpress guy!
Yes yes yes! Here's to making more weird shit!
Yes! I've seen some amazing creative collaborations occurring this year already. MORE, PLEASE!
There is SO much opportunity!