That’s a good question. For the readers here who read other newsletters and the accompanying chats… is it useful?
I don’t have a problem with the added piece of work. But I started to poke around and try to find out how exactly it works and what it might add, and couldn’t get a full sense (or should I say picture?!) of it.
At this point it feels somewhat redundant with—yes—what we already have. And the comments immediately below a piece, add to it, I feel.
Of course, it’s also possible that good questions will be borne of “chat” and I can respond with a post to address it… THAT would be useful.
These are my thoughts about Chat and Zoom meetups, for what they are worth.
I've done weekly Zoom gatherings for my paid subscribers since 2021. The very small number of paid subscribers who enjoy them, seem to really enjoy them. But, only a very small number have ever taken advantage of them. If I had to do it again, I would not, because I don't feel that they add enough value to paid subscribers for the time they take.
I have used the Chat function ever since Substack created it. I've struggled to find a solid use for it. I much prefer to write regular essays for the newsletter, and I get far higher engagement to them than anything I ever put up on Chat. For the past two months I've taken to using it for month long book discussions. That worked really well the first month, I presume because people liked the book. It worked really badly the second month, I presume because people didn't like the book. Hopefully I have a better book picked out for February, we'll see.
Ultimately though, I think that the best marketing advice for writing I ever received was "Write More." And I think that has proven to be true here on Substack for me.
I don't know if I could possibly join one more "thing". I like Zoom as it got me through the pandemic and I use it to connect with my Canadian friends/writers. There is something about seeing the person I'm talking to that makes me feel closer. I would suggest only once a month, which would make it more meaningful. Having said that, I'm happy with what you provide currently. I'm behind in reading all the posts as it is.
I'm with Cindy, I don't know how Chat would be different than what Unschool already provides. I have a small writing critique group and we started on zoom because of Covid and have continued. We meet once a month and I love it. It gives me a feeling of connection to the writing community...I live in South Surrey so hardly ever get into town when they're having socials. So I'd be interested in a monthly zoom, but I have so far enjoyed what you're already doing. A LOT!
I'm not actually sure how this would work. Would it be so different from the sort of commenting I'm able to do here?
I'm also not sure that, if it was going to prove onerous for you, it would be worthwhile.
That’s a good question. For the readers here who read other newsletters and the accompanying chats… is it useful?
I don’t have a problem with the added piece of work. But I started to poke around and try to find out how exactly it works and what it might add, and couldn’t get a full sense (or should I say picture?!) of it.
At this point it feels somewhat redundant with—yes—what we already have. And the comments immediately below a piece, add to it, I feel.
Of course, it’s also possible that good questions will be borne of “chat” and I can respond with a post to address it… THAT would be useful.
These are my thoughts about Chat and Zoom meetups, for what they are worth.
I've done weekly Zoom gatherings for my paid subscribers since 2021. The very small number of paid subscribers who enjoy them, seem to really enjoy them. But, only a very small number have ever taken advantage of them. If I had to do it again, I would not, because I don't feel that they add enough value to paid subscribers for the time they take.
I have used the Chat function ever since Substack created it. I've struggled to find a solid use for it. I much prefer to write regular essays for the newsletter, and I get far higher engagement to them than anything I ever put up on Chat. For the past two months I've taken to using it for month long book discussions. That worked really well the first month, I presume because people liked the book. It worked really badly the second month, I presume because people didn't like the book. Hopefully I have a better book picked out for February, we'll see.
Ultimately though, I think that the best marketing advice for writing I ever received was "Write More." And I think that has proven to be true here on Substack for me.
Cameron, this is incredibly helpful. Thank you for sharing your experiences.
My sense is that people are here to read--and this confirms.
"Write more"--yes to that!
You're welcome, I hope it helps.
I don't know if I could possibly join one more "thing". I like Zoom as it got me through the pandemic and I use it to connect with my Canadian friends/writers. There is something about seeing the person I'm talking to that makes me feel closer. I would suggest only once a month, which would make it more meaningful. Having said that, I'm happy with what you provide currently. I'm behind in reading all the posts as it is.
Thank you, Darlene!
Again--so useful. As is Cameron's thoughts, and Cindy's question.
I'm with Cindy, I don't know how Chat would be different than what Unschool already provides. I have a small writing critique group and we started on zoom because of Covid and have continued. We meet once a month and I love it. It gives me a feeling of connection to the writing community...I live in South Surrey so hardly ever get into town when they're having socials. So I'd be interested in a monthly zoom, but I have so far enjoyed what you're already doing. A LOT!