I really like the video format! It’s nice to hear your voice. You are right. The best thing a more successful writer can do is to lend a hand to someone less well known. You’ve certainly done that for me by featuring me on Lighthouse and it’s made a huge difference in my life. I’m hoping as I grow I’ll be able to do the same for someone else someday.
I very much appreciate these comments, NOT to promote, in any way, my own writing, but to affirm the observation that the more famous writers here on Substack (I won’t name them, as they are obvious! They are famous afterall!), rarely if ever engage with, or comment on, other people’s writing. This is sad as Substack, I believe, is meant to be a community of engaged collaborators. So I question their motives even as I know their motives: to gain financially from others only by using Substack as a means to publishing their own work. Period.
One known writer, whom I already admire, is an exception as I’ve seen @shermanalexie respond and comment on other’s posts. That person was PUMPED he notice and affirmed her writing! So you’re right Alexander, it does make a difference. Provided that kind of recognition is important to you.
Nowadays, I’m less inclined to subscribe to well-known writers (more and more of whom put their stuff behind their paywalls); the wisdom from “ordinary” people who write simply to tell their stories, I have found to be more genuine and authentic. And sincere—they are motivated not by the financial aspect of potential “paid subscribers,” but because they have a story to tell and they want to share it.
I’ve seen it even more on previous blogging platform, but I guess as Substack will grow more and more it’ll happen more and more. Sorry for shorter replies, having huge headache after my run.
I've noticed that too. And what's more, many famous writers don't seem to bother to write good posts: they take their followers for granted. Despite the much-vaunted progressive values of most writers, the whole game remains immensely hierarchical. I used to be a creative writing professor, so I've met many of the biggest names, who came to our university as writers in residence. Some were openly standoffish and arrogant. Others made an effort to be personable. Almost none were kind enough to read a book of mine--I always offered one--and only a couple gave me blurbs. But I am very grateful to those kind souls. There's much talk of literary citizenship, but the reality is that it's just networking for most people. My considerable experience has convinced me that few writers are generous. Thank God for those who are!
YOU explained things so much more eloquently than I. Thank you Garry, I didn’t think I was the only one to notice this phenomenon; it just doesn’t get called out much. “Standoffish and arrogant.” Yep. And I’m discovering many of them have staffs that help them write—so one cannot truly tell if their words are their words alone.
Thanks, Kert. You're right about the staff: they're called 'researchers'. Sometimes full-time. They also often have university jobs that amount to sinecures, with almost no duties. They get paid for adding the lustre of their name to the university. Toni Morrison was an example at Princeton.
Oh, THAT’s a HUGE point Alexander! AI is not a friend to creatives; it will definitely be employed by others who will take credit for something an algorithm produced. This is intellectual laziness and fraud. It’s already happening.
One well-known intellectual, new to Substack, arrogantly spent his first few posts explaining his “standards of engagement” and the reason why he was going virtually all in on 100% paid subscriptions as if WE were the lucky ones to be able to read his work here, and for only $80 a year at that! One way he justified that was so that he could help subsidize his team of 20…TWENTY!!!… staff who help him produce his work. HE doesn’t need me as an audience. So, I stopped him. His loss, but he’ll never know it. He’d never care. There is ZERO evidence he engages with the writing of anyone else.
A real big shot! But the people I revere, like Tolstoy, Dostoyevsky, and Kafka, worked alone. Sometimes in appalling conditions, too. Hemingway was often hungry in Paris. But he was lucky with his friends.
Absolutely agree. I myself have a bad habit of feeding on negative energy; I can be very argumentative and if someone isn't polite to me then I fall for not being polite back instead of just walking away. And the problem with that is it literally makes you dumber. Not only are you less likely to run into useful information in a petty argument online, not a disagreement where someone is exposing you to a viewpoint you might not have thought of, but a stupid argument where you're not even running into new information so you lose time progressing, but it floods the brain with adrenaline and cortisol which impedes your mental faculties by limiting your creativity and memory. I've learned to harness the negativity I run into and turn that into inspiration for my writing, but it's so nice to not even deal with it in the first place.
While I don't like to see toxic positivity either, true positivity is wonderful to see. When people actually support each other with kind words that they actually mean, well it's like the saying "If saying nice things to plants helps them grow, imagine what it does with people."
Hi! I don’t know your work yet, but based on this one video, I know I’m going to be a fan!
I like to think that the people in power you mention are part of the old guard. I love the idea that as we move forward and grow, we can do things our own way. Let’s support and help each other whether we are at the top or the bottom, and keep doing it! Let’s avoid wasteful political rants that help no one, do nothing but waste energy and time, and instead focus on how we can enhance our network by seeing the people and appreciating them.
A soft answer turns away wrath. Speaking harshly is easy, hurtful, and common. But speaking kindly is better, helpful, and rare.
And, the older (wiser, mature, successful) are to teach or help the younger.
So, your excellent idea of successful writers saying a kind thing to some other writer who's article they liked, aligns with these Biblical truths. In this way, both benefit.
You motherfucker, I went the lazy way and watched your post instead of reading one. Sorry.
Yes. I have found so much help from people's kindness on here. It's really remarkable. My entire life is basically being treated like garbage by everybody I know in real life (I mean as a person; even if they're nice, they treat me like I'm worthless garbage that they look down on), and here, it's been different.
I absolutely agree. Thanks Alexander, you were first publisher to give me a chance. When I am trying to settle for the night, I take time to read and comment. I believe that is as important as writing. I also do this in early morning sometimes. Keep up good work!!
YES! Thank you so much for sharing this! That's exactly what has been on my heart and mind for some time now. I am a new writer. I've started on Substack this year. One of my natural gifts and passions is to support others, so I did. When I read something that I like, it is normal for me to like, comment, encourage or whatever I feel led to. Unfortunately, what I experienced so far is that many writers are caught up in the content creating hamsterwheel and on a selfish route... taking but not giving...
I am a big fan of cooperation instead of competition and believe that we do better together which is one of the slogans of my Substack.
I have to admit that recently I have been discouraged and a bit frustrated with some things... I have to go within, pray and reflect to find out what I need to change...
I am thankful for your post, Alexander. It came in perfect divine timing. I needed to read this now. It shows me that I am not alone thinking like this and that there are other like-minded people like you out there. That's encouraging and so great to know! :-) Thank you!
Keep going :-) I love your Substack! It's always great to receive your newsletters!
Thank you so much, Alexander! Thank you for your kind and encouraging words! And thank you so much for your support! It keeps me going :-) You see how true your post is?!? One kind word or act can mean the world to a person in need. Wow! Love your post! Thank you! Have an awesome weekend! Abundant Blessings to you and your family! :-)
Words of kindness are so important. Words of inspiration is so uplifting. Words from the heart is so so healing... Bless you Alexander for reminding us to support, share and be KIND...What a lovely lovely person you. You are the lighthouse...shining your light and safely encouraging us to do the same. Bless you. 🙏
So true. Just one comment can make a significant difference. I've had my discouraged moments here and there, wondering if anyone really reads or cares about what I share. And in those moments, often someone will pop into my comment section or inbox with a kind word. That keeps me going!
Thank you for writing this, Alexander. It wasn't until recently, that I met 8 writers here. I did not know them before I read their works. I wrote responses to the works that I was moved, and connected.
They may not be my friends--yet--but I am on my way to connecting with them more.
*Here's what I learned this past week in light of what you've shared:*
1. The "big" writers who like connection will write a response back.
The ones who don't acknowledge their readers and have built in jadedness, aren't appealing anymore. I've left 19 chats of such writers. I won't buy any of their books anymore. I won't mention their names. I won't review them. They've gone into the toilet bowl of my mansion of emotional investment. By profession, I'm the biggest book pimp ever: a librarian.
If a writer has lost their sense of humanity and connection, they've lost their ability to write.
I talk about the importance of readers/listeners in my podcast about my poetry. If no one reads my poetry, it's just beautifully formed words.
When a reader reads my poetry, it becomes poetry.
2. I tend to share things that stick out for me and, I've made it a point to write to most elegant responses to writers. I offer my best since they have offered me the best.
3. I stay connected so as long as they want to be.
4. I am here for the connection.
5. I think, Alexander, some writers are shy--like it is hard for them to take a compliment. I notice 60% of writers will shrug nice words off. Some people don't know how to hold a compliment because a) they've got internal harsh critics or b) they may be plagued with negative people in their lives.
6. There are some people who are a-holes. They are not supportive. They are not supportive because they don't know how to be. They may live with other people who are just as negative--if not worse than them. I feel sorry for their support system.
This morning, I expressed frustration and anger in a Substack WhatsApp channel and I was met with rudeness with one person so much so I had to block him. I thanked the person for his time, but I did not welcome his feedback...so:
When you write/speak this? It was as if you erased that negative person away.
Later, on the same channel, I got constructive feedback--it didn't sound charged. It didn't have to be flowery. It didn't have to be kind. It was sobering. He basically said, "Comparison is the thief of joy," because I said earlier, "I don't mean to compare and despair here."
7. I don't compliment or encourage if I cannot back it up with my time and attention. If I know another writer is struggling, I have to create a lot of space for them.
8. There is no give to get. There's give. Then there's tending to my own body and mind.
9. You running is a good idea for me to go swimming. I think a lot too when I'm swimming. You and Murakami are on to something.
10. Thank you for posting a video of you. This adds to the dimension of who you are. I don't think I would have read your work if I didn't see you. Also, by posting a video, you're also helping deaf audiences who can read lips!
Another thing about accessibility: I don't think it's fair for authors to "paywall" audio or voice notes because that's not making work accessible to the blind.
I think some Substack articles are very insensitive and ableist. When Substack writes stuff like, "Paywall your audio content" it's very much like saying "make disadvantaged people pay for your work."
I really like the video format! It’s nice to hear your voice. You are right. The best thing a more successful writer can do is to lend a hand to someone less well known. You’ve certainly done that for me by featuring me on Lighthouse and it’s made a huge difference in my life. I’m hoping as I grow I’ll be able to do the same for someone else someday.
Btw, are you gonna do a story this month for Lighthouse as well?
Yes working on it now!
Amazing!
I very much appreciate these comments, NOT to promote, in any way, my own writing, but to affirm the observation that the more famous writers here on Substack (I won’t name them, as they are obvious! They are famous afterall!), rarely if ever engage with, or comment on, other people’s writing. This is sad as Substack, I believe, is meant to be a community of engaged collaborators. So I question their motives even as I know their motives: to gain financially from others only by using Substack as a means to publishing their own work. Period.
One known writer, whom I already admire, is an exception as I’ve seen @shermanalexie respond and comment on other’s posts. That person was PUMPED he notice and affirmed her writing! So you’re right Alexander, it does make a difference. Provided that kind of recognition is important to you.
Nowadays, I’m less inclined to subscribe to well-known writers (more and more of whom put their stuff behind their paywalls); the wisdom from “ordinary” people who write simply to tell their stories, I have found to be more genuine and authentic. And sincere—they are motivated not by the financial aspect of potential “paid subscribers,” but because they have a story to tell and they want to share it.
I’ve seen it even more on previous blogging platform, but I guess as Substack will grow more and more it’ll happen more and more. Sorry for shorter replies, having huge headache after my run.
Don’t apologize, please. You ran 10K today!!! Hydrate my man!!!
I've noticed that too. And what's more, many famous writers don't seem to bother to write good posts: they take their followers for granted. Despite the much-vaunted progressive values of most writers, the whole game remains immensely hierarchical. I used to be a creative writing professor, so I've met many of the biggest names, who came to our university as writers in residence. Some were openly standoffish and arrogant. Others made an effort to be personable. Almost none were kind enough to read a book of mine--I always offered one--and only a couple gave me blurbs. But I am very grateful to those kind souls. There's much talk of literary citizenship, but the reality is that it's just networking for most people. My considerable experience has convinced me that few writers are generous. Thank God for those who are!
YOU explained things so much more eloquently than I. Thank you Garry, I didn’t think I was the only one to notice this phenomenon; it just doesn’t get called out much. “Standoffish and arrogant.” Yep. And I’m discovering many of them have staffs that help them write—so one cannot truly tell if their words are their words alone.
Thanks, Kert. You're right about the staff: they're called 'researchers'. Sometimes full-time. They also often have university jobs that amount to sinecures, with almost no duties. They get paid for adding the lustre of their name to the university. Toni Morrison was an example at Princeton.
And there is AI now too…I’ve seen some writers style completely change and become very dry, no personality, I think it might be AI.
Oh, THAT’s a HUGE point Alexander! AI is not a friend to creatives; it will definitely be employed by others who will take credit for something an algorithm produced. This is intellectual laziness and fraud. It’s already happening.
I recently read that AI even writes some TV shows now.
One well-known intellectual, new to Substack, arrogantly spent his first few posts explaining his “standards of engagement” and the reason why he was going virtually all in on 100% paid subscriptions as if WE were the lucky ones to be able to read his work here, and for only $80 a year at that! One way he justified that was so that he could help subsidize his team of 20…TWENTY!!!… staff who help him produce his work. HE doesn’t need me as an audience. So, I stopped him. His loss, but he’ll never know it. He’d never care. There is ZERO evidence he engages with the writing of anyone else.
That’s pretty crazy, 20 people!
A real big shot! But the people I revere, like Tolstoy, Dostoyevsky, and Kafka, worked alone. Sometimes in appalling conditions, too. Hemingway was often hungry in Paris. But he was lucky with his friends.
Absolutely agree. I myself have a bad habit of feeding on negative energy; I can be very argumentative and if someone isn't polite to me then I fall for not being polite back instead of just walking away. And the problem with that is it literally makes you dumber. Not only are you less likely to run into useful information in a petty argument online, not a disagreement where someone is exposing you to a viewpoint you might not have thought of, but a stupid argument where you're not even running into new information so you lose time progressing, but it floods the brain with adrenaline and cortisol which impedes your mental faculties by limiting your creativity and memory. I've learned to harness the negativity I run into and turn that into inspiration for my writing, but it's so nice to not even deal with it in the first place.
While I don't like to see toxic positivity either, true positivity is wonderful to see. When people actually support each other with kind words that they actually mean, well it's like the saying "If saying nice things to plants helps them grow, imagine what it does with people."
Yes, great point, I love that example comparing to the plants.
Alas, so many entertainers became talking heads for politicians. There's much better use of time, like indeed helping an aspiring writer.
Yes!
Hi! I don’t know your work yet, but based on this one video, I know I’m going to be a fan!
I like to think that the people in power you mention are part of the old guard. I love the idea that as we move forward and grow, we can do things our own way. Let’s support and help each other whether we are at the top or the bottom, and keep doing it! Let’s avoid wasteful political rants that help no one, do nothing but waste energy and time, and instead focus on how we can enhance our network by seeing the people and appreciating them.
Geez I’m stoked now
Totally agree, thank you for this commentary!
Two things come to mind from your video:
A soft answer turns away wrath. Speaking harshly is easy, hurtful, and common. But speaking kindly is better, helpful, and rare.
And, the older (wiser, mature, successful) are to teach or help the younger.
So, your excellent idea of successful writers saying a kind thing to some other writer who's article they liked, aligns with these Biblical truths. In this way, both benefit.
I like that thought, thank you for pointing that out.
You motherfucker, I went the lazy way and watched your post instead of reading one. Sorry.
Yes. I have found so much help from people's kindness on here. It's really remarkable. My entire life is basically being treated like garbage by everybody I know in real life (I mean as a person; even if they're nice, they treat me like I'm worthless garbage that they look down on), and here, it's been different.
I’m sorry that it’s been tough. When we are not given proper love we deserve it can be so hard to be motivated. You are welcome to message me anytime.
Thank you, I really appreciate it. Thank you for being out there and being open.
Do you run without music?
No music yeah, but I run on nature trail, so nice sounds of the wind, birds, water of the creeks. Been rough with this heat tho, giving me headaches
Salt your water before and after. 1/8 of a tsp or even 1/4 if you plan to drink more - and drink it in one cup fell swoop. You should see a difference
Thank you, my wife likes to do that as well, I gotta start being more consistent with these safety procedures
I like the video ones. I get tired of Reading and can do other things while
Listening
I absolutely agree. Thanks Alexander, you were first publisher to give me a chance. When I am trying to settle for the night, I take time to read and comment. I believe that is as important as writing. I also do this in early morning sometimes. Keep up good work!!
Thank you! And thank you for your support!
YES! Thank you so much for sharing this! That's exactly what has been on my heart and mind for some time now. I am a new writer. I've started on Substack this year. One of my natural gifts and passions is to support others, so I did. When I read something that I like, it is normal for me to like, comment, encourage or whatever I feel led to. Unfortunately, what I experienced so far is that many writers are caught up in the content creating hamsterwheel and on a selfish route... taking but not giving...
I am a big fan of cooperation instead of competition and believe that we do better together which is one of the slogans of my Substack.
I have to admit that recently I have been discouraged and a bit frustrated with some things... I have to go within, pray and reflect to find out what I need to change...
I am thankful for your post, Alexander. It came in perfect divine timing. I needed to read this now. It shows me that I am not alone thinking like this and that there are other like-minded people like you out there. That's encouraging and so great to know! :-) Thank you!
Keep going :-) I love your Substack! It's always great to receive your newsletters!
Love & Blessings
You’re such a wonderful person, there are more great things coming your way, I’m sure. Thank you for always supporting me!
Thank you so much, Alexander! Thank you for your kind and encouraging words! And thank you so much for your support! It keeps me going :-) You see how true your post is?!? One kind word or act can mean the world to a person in need. Wow! Love your post! Thank you! Have an awesome weekend! Abundant Blessings to you and your family! :-)
Words of kindness are so important. Words of inspiration is so uplifting. Words from the heart is so so healing... Bless you Alexander for reminding us to support, share and be KIND...What a lovely lovely person you. You are the lighthouse...shining your light and safely encouraging us to do the same. Bless you. 🙏
Thank you so much, Samantha. That is so kind, see, you made my morning! Haha. God bless!
So true. Just one comment can make a significant difference. I've had my discouraged moments here and there, wondering if anyone really reads or cares about what I share. And in those moments, often someone will pop into my comment section or inbox with a kind word. That keeps me going!
Yes, so helpful! Hope things are going well, God bless
What a lovely message; and is quite genuine coming from you. Thank you for adding kindness and caring for people to this community.
Thank you!
Thank you for writing this, Alexander. It wasn't until recently, that I met 8 writers here. I did not know them before I read their works. I wrote responses to the works that I was moved, and connected.
They may not be my friends--yet--but I am on my way to connecting with them more.
*Here's what I learned this past week in light of what you've shared:*
1. The "big" writers who like connection will write a response back.
The ones who don't acknowledge their readers and have built in jadedness, aren't appealing anymore. I've left 19 chats of such writers. I won't buy any of their books anymore. I won't mention their names. I won't review them. They've gone into the toilet bowl of my mansion of emotional investment. By profession, I'm the biggest book pimp ever: a librarian.
If a writer has lost their sense of humanity and connection, they've lost their ability to write.
I talk about the importance of readers/listeners in my podcast about my poetry. If no one reads my poetry, it's just beautifully formed words.
When a reader reads my poetry, it becomes poetry.
2. I tend to share things that stick out for me and, I've made it a point to write to most elegant responses to writers. I offer my best since they have offered me the best.
3. I stay connected so as long as they want to be.
4. I am here for the connection.
5. I think, Alexander, some writers are shy--like it is hard for them to take a compliment. I notice 60% of writers will shrug nice words off. Some people don't know how to hold a compliment because a) they've got internal harsh critics or b) they may be plagued with negative people in their lives.
6. There are some people who are a-holes. They are not supportive. They are not supportive because they don't know how to be. They may live with other people who are just as negative--if not worse than them. I feel sorry for their support system.
This morning, I expressed frustration and anger in a Substack WhatsApp channel and I was met with rudeness with one person so much so I had to block him. I thanked the person for his time, but I did not welcome his feedback...so:
When you write/speak this? It was as if you erased that negative person away.
Later, on the same channel, I got constructive feedback--it didn't sound charged. It didn't have to be flowery. It didn't have to be kind. It was sobering. He basically said, "Comparison is the thief of joy," because I said earlier, "I don't mean to compare and despair here."
7. I don't compliment or encourage if I cannot back it up with my time and attention. If I know another writer is struggling, I have to create a lot of space for them.
8. There is no give to get. There's give. Then there's tending to my own body and mind.
9. You running is a good idea for me to go swimming. I think a lot too when I'm swimming. You and Murakami are on to something.
10. Thank you for posting a video of you. This adds to the dimension of who you are. I don't think I would have read your work if I didn't see you. Also, by posting a video, you're also helping deaf audiences who can read lips!
Another thing about accessibility: I don't think it's fair for authors to "paywall" audio or voice notes because that's not making work accessible to the blind.
I think some Substack articles are very insensitive and ableist. When Substack writes stuff like, "Paywall your audio content" it's very much like saying "make disadvantaged people pay for your work."
Lots of great points. I like how you breaking down into various possibilities. The loss of humanity, shyness, being mean.
I do wish I could swim better, such a great exercise! Big thanks for this break down of the topic, I hope more people see your comment.
Beyond my comments was your message--it really touched me. And if you were thinking after your run, I was thinking after your post!
It was the antidote for my earlier experience and very appreciated.
Thank you for the video. I am so glad you did.
I hope @Substack creates a subscription subsidy program to make this platform more accessible to the blind/deaf community.
Thank you so much, and yes, I think that would be awesome, we could tag them in notes, give the idea.
As writers successful we should understand the power and significance of words. It is a choice though to support other writers.
Very true! By the way, I know you are in South Africa, but do you have Dutch ancestry?
I am Coloured so a very mixed heritage although I'm not quite sure. With SA's history its likely.