I love this post. I have been feeling like I somehow was missing something seeing all these post with massive growth in a couple weeks. This was the encouragement i needed. Something I try to do for every reader that comes to my page, or writer whose work I share or respond to. I want them to feel seen, heard, and appreciated. I want them to leave my page and know that their voice matters and they can make a difference. This post does just that.
I rarely share notes on Substack... I prefer to restack the ones that resonate with me. But whenever I share a note, I hope it'll give hope or it'll be calming to someone.
Usually when I post on Notes, it is just ticking the box that says, "Share on Notes" at the end of some comment I've made on someone's post. I have no idea if that gets me subscribers, or noticed, or anything. When I deliberately go on Notes, and it says, "What's on Your Mind?" I kind of freeze. I seem to have to add to Notes as an aside to what I am communicating to one person: the one whose post I am responding to. You know, like this one.
Fascinating. I have yet to post a Substack note, though I've occasionally checked the "Also share to Notes" box below a comment. Guess I should pay more attention.
I'm learning new things about the platform all the time. It's not a case of not paying enough attention, per se. Rather, experimenting to see what works (and what doesn't).
Yess!! 🙌 We need more of this authentic creative energy and permission to be ourselves in this space where quick success sells and everyone wants the easiest path to “going viral.”
I'm hoping anyone who reads my posts feels they're not alone if they're struggling. I'm hoping they understand it's okay to say chronic progressive illnesses suck. Big time. And we don't need permission to say "no," nor do we need to apologize it.
That depends. Often it is that they feel less alone. Other times I hope they give themselves permission for a pause. After all. We’re all in this together. And I don’t mean Substack but this whole crazy, wild and miraculous human experience. We won’t have it for long.
I think it's all about personal preference. For some people, it's writing notes to help others feel seen. But I also know writers who post solely to process their own thoughts, feelings, etc!
"I want someone to read one of my Notes and feel a little less alone.
A little more okay."
Mission accomplished, Matt. Mission accomplished a bajillion percent. I needed - *really needed* - to read this today.
The lines above in particular, and also these:
"Remind people they’re not broken.
Tell the truth about how slow progress can be."
"...what you actually need isn’t more strategy. It’s more permission. To be weird. To experiment. To be your authentic self and post something just because you feel like it. And to take breaks without guilt."
You have definitely reached someone today who is grateful for you.
Thank you for this. I’m new to Substack so still finding my feet. All I know is that I just need to write and here is the best place for me to land and get my thoughts out because I have a lot of them! I have no expectations for engagement, but just having a community space to self express is really empowering.
I love what you say about permission. I want to be myself completely here on Substack, and I want others to feel like they can be themselves completely. I want people to feel like they are wonderful just the way they are, and believe that they already have the power to create a life they love for themselves.
I love this post. I have been feeling like I somehow was missing something seeing all these post with massive growth in a couple weeks. This was the encouragement i needed. Something I try to do for every reader that comes to my page, or writer whose work I share or respond to. I want them to feel seen, heard, and appreciated. I want them to leave my page and know that their voice matters and they can make a difference. This post does just that.
thank you so much for the kind words. You're right... people's voices do matter. So thank you for helping others to realize that.
I rarely share notes on Substack... I prefer to restack the ones that resonate with me. But whenever I share a note, I hope it'll give hope or it'll be calming to someone.
That's always a great goal!
This post was timely! Thank you Matt.
Welcome! :)
Usually when I post on Notes, it is just ticking the box that says, "Share on Notes" at the end of some comment I've made on someone's post. I have no idea if that gets me subscribers, or noticed, or anything. When I deliberately go on Notes, and it says, "What's on Your Mind?" I kind of freeze. I seem to have to add to Notes as an aside to what I am communicating to one person: the one whose post I am responding to. You know, like this one.
And I really appreciate you taking the time to comment & share your thoughts, Rose. Means the world!
Yes, it means a lot to me too, when people make a comment. Onwards we go, I guess.
Fascinating. I have yet to post a Substack note, though I've occasionally checked the "Also share to Notes" box below a comment. Guess I should pay more attention.
I'm learning new things about the platform all the time. It's not a case of not paying enough attention, per se. Rather, experimenting to see what works (and what doesn't).
Yess!! 🙌 We need more of this authentic creative energy and permission to be ourselves in this space where quick success sells and everyone wants the easiest path to “going viral.”
Absolutely!
I'm hoping anyone who reads my posts feels they're not alone if they're struggling. I'm hoping they understand it's okay to say chronic progressive illnesses suck. Big time. And we don't need permission to say "no," nor do we need to apologize it.
Couldnt agree more!
Definitely good info about how to use Substack Notes! I haven't yet, but now feel less daunted about doing so. Thanks!
Thanks for the kind words, Susan!
Good information.
Thank you Igor!
That depends. Often it is that they feel less alone. Other times I hope they give themselves permission for a pause. After all. We’re all in this together. And I don’t mean Substack but this whole crazy, wild and miraculous human experience. We won’t have it for long.
We're definitely all in this together!
Well Matt. Now you’ve got me thinking? What am I trying to do when I post notes? Be helpful, positive, tongue in cheek humor.
But honestly, to be seen myself.
That’s probably not a bad thing but maybe I want to think about approaching my notes from a different angle.
I think it's all about personal preference. For some people, it's writing notes to help others feel seen. But I also know writers who post solely to process their own thoughts, feelings, etc!
"I want someone to read one of my Notes and feel a little less alone.
A little more okay."
Mission accomplished, Matt. Mission accomplished a bajillion percent. I needed - *really needed* - to read this today.
The lines above in particular, and also these:
"Remind people they’re not broken.
Tell the truth about how slow progress can be."
"...what you actually need isn’t more strategy. It’s more permission. To be weird. To experiment. To be your authentic self and post something just because you feel like it. And to take breaks without guilt."
You have definitely reached someone today who is grateful for you.
Thank you so much for the kind words Amy!
I like how you worded this and really enjoyed reading your perspective.
Thank you for this. I’m new to Substack so still finding my feet. All I know is that I just need to write and here is the best place for me to land and get my thoughts out because I have a lot of them! I have no expectations for engagement, but just having a community space to self express is really empowering.
Just a little loved and hopefully inspired.
I love what you say about permission. I want to be myself completely here on Substack, and I want others to feel like they can be themselves completely. I want people to feel like they are wonderful just the way they are, and believe that they already have the power to create a life they love for themselves.