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Frederick Fullerton's avatar

Community means different things to many people, but Substack feelsore like a community than most social media venues. The only other place that had similar vibes on a much smaller scale was the now-defunct ello, which I still miss.

I understand why some people monetize, but I'm among those who don't. Instead of asking folks to subscribe for x $/mo., I'm happy that people read my poems, stories, and enjoyy posts. At the same time, I occasionally plug my two books, which for are for sale.

In sum, I'm thankful for Substack and the community of other creatives who share their work and support for others. I'm also thankful for the many people I've got to know here. It feels like home.

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Brandon Westlake's avatar

The concept of community is difficult for me. A big part of me believes it's needed if we're to make anything out the current state of the arts, but you're not wrong about the brand often getting in the way of things.

I try to do my part of liking and sharing the work I like and even speaking with the artists on here I most admire and want to encourage and want to get to know. Sometimes I never know if their own responses are the same issue you brought up, numbers and brands, looking at me as a potential boost in subscribers. I'm worried I've slipped into this trap at times as well. However, I do get this sickly feeling when it happens and quickly try to back away from that line. Maybe that's a good sign, but I'm not sure.

I still feel a community is important, but it's not something I'm bending over backwards for. Even before I came to Substack I've been more committed of striving to build life itself as a piece of art, and seeking out a brand isn't the end all be all of doing that. When I come to moments of doubt such as these for various reasons, I remind myself to just keep writing and be real. Whoever comes there way will come, whether it's here or somewhere else.

Good article, really got me thinking even if my thoughts are a ramble.

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