I’m not sure why I decided to share this today. Initially I thought I might not say anything at all, but I realized it’s better to be upfront, than to try and pretend I have it all figured it out.
I’m planning my exit from Substack. This does not in any way mean I’m no longer writing a newsletter, I very much am, but with each passing day this platform creeps farther away from the values I hold so very dear. Substack is not the newsletter platform it was when I joined over two years ago. It’s not what I want or need as the writer of a newsletter.
They’ve sold out in every possible way, not to mention they have a Nazi problem. As someone who relies on my subscriptions to pay my bills, it’s terrifying to make this decision. But Substack is making it impossible to justify staying, and for that reason I’ve decided I need to leave. You’ve probably seen many newsletters go over to Patreon, but I know that’s not right for me.
I’ve watched from the sidelines as some of the newsletters I love and admire like Garbage Day and From the Desk of Alicia Kennedy made the move to Beehiiv. Amy Odell from Back Row just announced she was moving there too.
Substack is increasingly functioning as a social media app and I didn’t walk away from hundreds of thousands of dollars as an influencer to swap one social media platform for another.
Beehiiv is a platform for newsletter writers. They don’t force you to download an app, they’re not shoving video or “Notes” down your throat, and they let you own your email list. I’ve already been impressed from my time spent migrating my content over.
What does this mean for you? Nothing right now. Eventually I will make the switch, and again, nothing will change, except that for those of you who read my newsletter in the Substack app, it will no longer be there. You will always be able to find my newsletter in your inbox (and on my new site when I transfer over). Ultimately I believe this decision will help bring the best possible service and newsletters to you, my readers.
If I’ve learned anything from the last few years, it’s that I will never regret staying true to myself, even if it means things are a little harder. To quote my friend Totally Recommend:
What’s better for everyone eventually circles back and becomes better for me too, even if it comes with initial loss and a difficult adjustment.
I’m making this decision not just because it’s best for me, but I think it will be better for all of us. Thank you, as always, for being here.
ICYMI: Our Vermont retreat just launched and it’s a long weekend of somatic movement, yoga, creative workshops, knitting, community building, and so much more.
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Welcome to my weekly newsletter Click. Read. Love. which goes out to subscribers on Sunday mornings. It has all the best things I’ve discovered throughout the week. Enjoy and thank you for reading.
In this week’s Click. Read. Love.
Rethinking how we use the word “beauty”
A thorough guide on disconnecting from tech
Why is everything shittier these days? I’ll give you one guess…
Amazon is making money off of ICE, oh and paying the president bribes
The 1990s hip-hop album that was the anthem of my high school years
A $3 cure for seasonal depression
and more!
Just to confirm January has been the worst month, we lost the legend Catherine O’Hara. Of all of her great films, of which there are many, Best in Show will always be my favorite.
Palate expanders are now a normal rite of passage in orthodontics, with some kids getting them as early as 7. The consensus around why they’re used however, isn’t as clear. Is it necessary dental work? Or is it beauty culture? (The Atlantic)
On not assigning morality to a person’s appearance. And why we should differentiate between “beauty” and “appearance.” ( for The Guardian)
A very thorough guide on how to disconnect from tech, handy spreadsheet included! (Other Worlds Catalog)
Not the first time I’ve said this, but a phenomenal explainer on why private equity is evil, and ruins everything. (Your Brain on Money)
In Baltimore, residents have been preparing for a larger escalation of ICE raids and arrests, and it’s very similar to how community networks in Minnesota are fighting back. I imagine these are popping up in cities all over the country. (Baltimore Beat and The Atlantic)
How pissed off do you want to be today? Here’s how much money Trump has made off the presidency since he took office. Don’t say I didn’t warn you. (The New York Times)
Three corporations benefiting from the administration’s mass deportations and providing critical infrastructure for ICE. If you’re still shopping on Amazon….why?! (Popular Information)
I think one of the funniest things about Bryan Johnson, because honestly he’s so insane you have to laugh, is how miserable his life sounds for someone chasing immortality. Like, I’m sorry who wants to live forever if you have to wake up everyday at 4:30am, your last meal is at 11am (also it’s a salad) and you take 61 pills a day? Is it just me, or does he bear a strange resemblance to Lord Farquaad? (Fortune)
Rumor has it The Roots are releasing a new album early this year, which sent me down the rabbit hole of my favorite albums. The Roots Come Alive was truly the soundtrack of my high school years and listening to it again reminded me just how good it is. Love of My Life and You Got Me, timeless.
If you need something to help your seasonal depression, order some $3 seed catalogs and dream of spring and summer days in the garden. Hamnet has me wanting to plan a whole bed of feverfew.
