What a lovely conversation. I’ve (perhaps shamefully) never paid an awful lot of attention to our dear leaders, so I was a bit surprised and totally delighted to find that Hamish is such an absolute love. I wish I’d paid attention sooner because after watching this I feel like we’re all in the most incredible hands! So grateful to Hamish’s wife for ensuring the whole thing fell into place! Thanks, E. These talks are a gift ❤️
I also appreciated the interview as it felt very authentic and intimate. Not only did we see behind the scenes at Substack, but we got a glimpse of a leader that was quite self reflective about his role. I think the point you made about ‘growing up’ was relevant. It speaks to maturity, in one sense, but also evolutionary growth and potentiality. There is a potential to change the hearts and minds of people when you're operating within a relatively self regulated system. I hadn’t considered, nor appreciated, the Substack subscriber model within that context. Initially, I joined Substack to learn more about the psychedelic world. It was about my own psychoeducation. But, now I'm beginning to appreciate the way that Substack is rooted in connection or relatedness.
I also like the comment related to mission: supporting independent artists. We can reframe the understanding of conventional monetary compensation. Not everyone here is hoping to make a million dollars. But, at the same time, the idea that when a person subscribes to my Substack, “they're investing in my world.” That is suggestive of an appeal to higher values such as respect, trust, loyalty, commitment and support of an artist’s endeavors.
Ditto. It feels thrilling to be on the ground of a revolution in publishing which is led by us and what we need to thrive, be happy and create. This conversation confirmed all I had been feeling in my bones about the essence of this place and why it works.
Thanks for conducting the discussion with Hamish - as a grizzled Substack veteran of nearly five years, I appreciate the thoughtfulness he and the other founders have invested in the platform - it's proven to be a positive experience for me, albeit with a tiny (free) subscriber base - ah, that's just numbers. . .says the accountant.
What is this substack thing? It’s the thing that cannot be replicated. (Which is also a riposte to the inherent misogyny of the Elizabethan jokes that I have recently come across (in Shakespeare) about ‘no-thing’ (and which are not funny anymore!)
The (new) universe is "the coupling between math /tech and story-telling." Accord. (The unfortunate pun is, well, just a pun. They have to make a living too ...)
Google (Reading, UK, part of ‘Silicon Valley on the Thames)’s
reaction to ideas that I once had, to build a ‘substack-type’ platform,
and I quote: “the people at Google have pretty big brains, but they just
don’t get, don’t understand, what you’re trying to do.” (They wouldn't, would they?)
Substack / Metalabel are precisely "social media for grown-ups who refuse
to allow the distinction, the ‘algorithmic sorting’ (that’s a ‘polite’ swearword)
that differentiates between ‘grown-ups’ and ‘children.’"
Attribution: somewhere between you (Eleanor) and Hamish (McKensie.)
Q: (no. 9?) Is 'childhood' just another 'disciplinary trope?'
(My Montessori background kicks in here.)
As someone who ‘grew up’ through story telling (and shoes – that’s a
long story) I just love what you do. “They’re buying into my world” Great.
I love this conversation, thank you Eleanor and Hamish. I know why I am here in this (relatively) freshly established garden but it is great to hear from one of the founders of this space how and why it exists and what is allowing it to thrive so beautifully.
I spent a long time as a reader, sensing how the land lay, and as a barely broken from my seed shell sprout in the garden, I am loving the freedom to express myself online in a far more natural and organic way than before (even as an early blogger).
Unlike so many other constricting, conflict obsessed and competitive spaces, Substack feels like a permaculture designed space, wild, free, supportive and nurturing. Long may it continue!
Re Twitter now X I just ignore what I think is nasty bullying and just comment or post more about my beliefs than engage with others whose intent is just to be sarcastic idiots! I love Substack because if people reply to my writing in that way I just ignore their existence. I’m sensitive about my writing and can accept intelligent criticism but abhor any judgment especially because you don’t know me. I try to be nice as I can be on SUBSTACK because I want to encourage others as Substack has always encouraged
It feels like watching a FaceTime conversation very similar to TV. Substack was super great as a writer’s heavenly area and it’s still great for reach and connection if you are established and known. Notes, Lives are great avenues to explore and to grow. Substack Posts is very new for me yet. However the latest Music Sounds on Substack is an area I believe is more geared toward individual music tastes than a general appeal. Having said all this my favorite part of SUBSTACK is the Written word and the opportunity to connect with readers who might be touched by what we write.
I love Substack, but this conversation seems to start in the middle. I watched 10 minutes and never got any idea of the topic. What were you two talking about?
What a generous conversation to share with us all. Substack has changed my writing life, which means Hamish by extension. Eleanor, too, is a major reason why I'm still so inspired to be on this space. Thank you for your generosity, wisdom, and general vibe, good sir and madame
What a lovely conversation. I’ve (perhaps shamefully) never paid an awful lot of attention to our dear leaders, so I was a bit surprised and totally delighted to find that Hamish is such an absolute love. I wish I’d paid attention sooner because after watching this I feel like we’re all in the most incredible hands! So grateful to Hamish’s wife for ensuring the whole thing fell into place! Thanks, E. These talks are a gift ❤️
I had the same response - oh look, he’s really lovely! Which in hindsight, and logically, of course he is because otherwise this place wouldn’t work.
I also appreciated the interview as it felt very authentic and intimate. Not only did we see behind the scenes at Substack, but we got a glimpse of a leader that was quite self reflective about his role. I think the point you made about ‘growing up’ was relevant. It speaks to maturity, in one sense, but also evolutionary growth and potentiality. There is a potential to change the hearts and minds of people when you're operating within a relatively self regulated system. I hadn’t considered, nor appreciated, the Substack subscriber model within that context. Initially, I joined Substack to learn more about the psychedelic world. It was about my own psychoeducation. But, now I'm beginning to appreciate the way that Substack is rooted in connection or relatedness.
I also like the comment related to mission: supporting independent artists. We can reframe the understanding of conventional monetary compensation. Not everyone here is hoping to make a million dollars. But, at the same time, the idea that when a person subscribes to my Substack, “they're investing in my world.” That is suggestive of an appeal to higher values such as respect, trust, loyalty, commitment and support of an artist’s endeavors.
Thanks for a wonderful interview.
So agree re the life-changing qualities of Substack for writers. It is rejuvenating my career in an otherwise hopeless landscape.
Ditto. It feels thrilling to be on the ground of a revolution in publishing which is led by us and what we need to thrive, be happy and create. This conversation confirmed all I had been feeling in my bones about the essence of this place and why it works.
Thanks for conducting the discussion with Hamish - as a grizzled Substack veteran of nearly five years, I appreciate the thoughtfulness he and the other founders have invested in the platform - it's proven to be a positive experience for me, albeit with a tiny (free) subscriber base - ah, that's just numbers. . .says the accountant.
Some responses ... in no particular order.
What is this substack thing? It’s the thing that cannot be replicated. (Which is also a riposte to the inherent misogyny of the Elizabethan jokes that I have recently come across (in Shakespeare) about ‘no-thing’ (and which are not funny anymore!)
The (new) universe is "the coupling between math /tech and story-telling." Accord. (The unfortunate pun is, well, just a pun. They have to make a living too ...)
Google (Reading, UK, part of ‘Silicon Valley on the Thames)’s
reaction to ideas that I once had, to build a ‘substack-type’ platform,
and I quote: “the people at Google have pretty big brains, but they just
don’t get, don’t understand, what you’re trying to do.” (They wouldn't, would they?)
Substack / Metalabel are precisely "social media for grown-ups who refuse
to allow the distinction, the ‘algorithmic sorting’ (that’s a ‘polite’ swearword)
that differentiates between ‘grown-ups’ and ‘children.’"
Attribution: somewhere between you (Eleanor) and Hamish (McKensie.)
Q: (no. 9?) Is 'childhood' just another 'disciplinary trope?'
(My Montessori background kicks in here.)
As someone who ‘grew up’ through story telling (and shoes – that’s a
long story) I just love what you do. “They’re buying into my world” Great.
Thank you so much, Roy. This conversation meant so much to me. I woke up feeling different, lighter, better.
I love this conversation, thank you Eleanor and Hamish. I know why I am here in this (relatively) freshly established garden but it is great to hear from one of the founders of this space how and why it exists and what is allowing it to thrive so beautifully.
I spent a long time as a reader, sensing how the land lay, and as a barely broken from my seed shell sprout in the garden, I am loving the freedom to express myself online in a far more natural and organic way than before (even as an early blogger).
Unlike so many other constricting, conflict obsessed and competitive spaces, Substack feels like a permaculture designed space, wild, free, supportive and nurturing. Long may it continue!
Thank you! Great to hear your response.
I loved this! What a beautiful interview between two obvious friends! Thank you so much for sharing the personality inside both of you!
Yes Hamish! I see you represent Substack the company brilliantly! I would love to read your essays that are not political
I want to get paid but I need Apple Pay instead of the current money system on Substack
Re Twitter now X I just ignore what I think is nasty bullying and just comment or post more about my beliefs than engage with others whose intent is just to be sarcastic idiots! I love Substack because if people reply to my writing in that way I just ignore their existence. I’m sensitive about my writing and can accept intelligent criticism but abhor any judgment especially because you don’t know me. I try to be nice as I can be on SUBSTACK because I want to encourage others as Substack has always encouraged
Yep! Coolest guys on earth! ❤️💙❤️💙
It feels like watching a FaceTime conversation very similar to TV. Substack was super great as a writer’s heavenly area and it’s still great for reach and connection if you are established and known. Notes, Lives are great avenues to explore and to grow. Substack Posts is very new for me yet. However the latest Music Sounds on Substack is an area I believe is more geared toward individual music tastes than a general appeal. Having said all this my favorite part of SUBSTACK is the Written word and the opportunity to connect with readers who might be touched by what we write.
I love Substack, but this conversation seems to start in the middle. I watched 10 minutes and never got any idea of the topic. What were you two talking about?
What a generous conversation to share with us all. Substack has changed my writing life, which means Hamish by extension. Eleanor, too, is a major reason why I'm still so inspired to be on this space. Thank you for your generosity, wisdom, and general vibe, good sir and madame
😊