Hi Simon - Thanks for the great videos, I've recommended them on my page since right now, most of my subscribers are direct, non-substackers and are looking for info on the platform.
I'm 3 months into being on Substack (4th website) still navigating & optimising esp. best uses for Notes, Threads and Chat. - like CK Steefel's comment
I've avoided starting a Chat myself because I see it as a moderated discussion that you need to be present for - like a whatsapp group chat with your own invited group (free or paid subscribers - depending on how you've set it up)...I think I read somewhere on the 'support' page that you need to 'be present & responding for at least 30mins to optimise its use' ...not poss for me BUT I have participated in chats. So Reactive vs proactive use.
Thanks for the Thread example that helps - so is it always used as a Q-discussion, I've a few ideas for a thread a day to serialise or link or build on an idea...
Notes is where I've been most active - I like how we can share our comments on an article-post as a note, so the author and responder are 'seen' I'm still figuring out how to optimise its use...
I've just realised how different the desktop and mobile app experiences are. E.g. sections. Everything morphs into one long scroll of posts on the app! Can you share tips on how to ensure 'Sections' are distinct in the mobile app..I thought the 'Section title' would be in the headers.
Could you, in a future video or article, decipher best uses of Notes, Threads, Chats with examples? I can't find a simple table.
For now I'm focused on Notes before experimenting with Threads
Hope you don't mind the long asks and questions! I've done a few laps of the support pages without much clarity.
Hey Simon. Well, I have finally sent out my very first post on SubStack. Any backlash, and I will be holding you and your helpful videos responsible. Just a heads up. Seriously though. Much appreciated. Cheers. G.
Thank you! This is my first interaction on this app. Still not sure what this all is or how I feel about trying a new social medium, but appreciate any help figuring it out! You have a great narrator’s voice too. 😎
The core of Substack is being able to publish your own work, be it writing, video or audio. All of the social media stuff is in addition to that and can be safely ignored if it’s not for you.
Excellent overview. I'm getting ready to start my "little media empire" with a series of podcasts and your overviews are helping me decode what Substack does.
Yeah, it took me a while to figure that out. I suspect Chat might change quite significantly over the next 6 months.
The way I see it:
A thread is a special type of post which emphasises community discussion. It gets distributed exactly like a normal newsletter/post.
A Chat exists only in the apps (although you can send an email notification). Again discussion-based, but intended for more immediate back-and-forth. It'd make more sense if it worked a bit more like a moderated WhatsApp group, I think?
So a Chat is an evening concert whereas a Thread is Burning Man or Coachella. A one day type offering vs an ongoing conversation. (If you're in the UK, Burning Man and Coachella are three day concerts that my kids love. Those young people.)
Simon these post are really informative! Please continue to demystify. Looking forward to the next.
Hi Simon - Thanks for the great videos, I've recommended them on my page since right now, most of my subscribers are direct, non-substackers and are looking for info on the platform.
I'm 3 months into being on Substack (4th website) still navigating & optimising esp. best uses for Notes, Threads and Chat. - like CK Steefel's comment
I've avoided starting a Chat myself because I see it as a moderated discussion that you need to be present for - like a whatsapp group chat with your own invited group (free or paid subscribers - depending on how you've set it up)...I think I read somewhere on the 'support' page that you need to 'be present & responding for at least 30mins to optimise its use' ...not poss for me BUT I have participated in chats. So Reactive vs proactive use.
Thanks for the Thread example that helps - so is it always used as a Q-discussion, I've a few ideas for a thread a day to serialise or link or build on an idea...
Notes is where I've been most active - I like how we can share our comments on an article-post as a note, so the author and responder are 'seen' I'm still figuring out how to optimise its use...
I've just realised how different the desktop and mobile app experiences are. E.g. sections. Everything morphs into one long scroll of posts on the app! Can you share tips on how to ensure 'Sections' are distinct in the mobile app..I thought the 'Section title' would be in the headers.
Could you, in a future video or article, decipher best uses of Notes, Threads, Chats with examples? I can't find a simple table.
For now I'm focused on Notes before experimenting with Threads
Hope you don't mind the long asks and questions! I've done a few laps of the support pages without much clarity.
Hey Simon. Well, I have finally sent out my very first post on SubStack. Any backlash, and I will be holding you and your helpful videos responsible. Just a heads up. Seriously though. Much appreciated. Cheers. G.
https://open.substack.com/pub/gregbennett/p/gollum-and-one-internet-to-rule-them?r=2a357b&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web
Hope it goes well!!
Very informative videos for a newcomer. Many thanks.
Thank you Simon! It was super useful 🌱
Many thanks Simon - as a Substack newbie, these intro are very helpful
Hi Ashley! Happy to help.
Thanks! I just downloaded this and I’m trying to figure out what’s going on lol
Thank you! This is my first interaction on this app. Still not sure what this all is or how I feel about trying a new social medium, but appreciate any help figuring it out! You have a great narrator’s voice too. 😎
Thanks, Theresa. :)
The core of Substack is being able to publish your own work, be it writing, video or audio. All of the social media stuff is in addition to that and can be safely ignored if it’s not for you.
Thank you, I'm new to substack and this was very informative to helping me understand this platform.
Thank you for this ridiculously helpful set of instructions. You’ve just held my hand through publishing my first story on here. Cheers!
Excellent overview. I'm getting ready to start my "little media empire" with a series of podcasts and your overviews are helping me decode what Substack does.
Glad to help! Enjoy the spoils of your empire. :)
So helpful! Thank you! However, I still don't quite understand the difference between Thread and Chat except there's an APP in between. Hmmm.
Yeah, it took me a while to figure that out. I suspect Chat might change quite significantly over the next 6 months.
The way I see it:
A thread is a special type of post which emphasises community discussion. It gets distributed exactly like a normal newsletter/post.
A Chat exists only in the apps (although you can send an email notification). Again discussion-based, but intended for more immediate back-and-forth. It'd make more sense if it worked a bit more like a moderated WhatsApp group, I think?
So a Chat is an evening concert whereas a Thread is Burning Man or Coachella. A one day type offering vs an ongoing conversation. (If you're in the UK, Burning Man and Coachella are three day concerts that my kids love. Those young people.)
SO helpful! I now get it!
Thank you Simon! Much appreciated! 😁
You're doing a great job of explaining the Substack Intricacies. Thanks.
I'm hungry for the "how to write good post" video! My students will be making their first official Substack post soon.