Social media expert and tech writer Renee DiResta recently shared her thoughts on the popular newsletter platform Substack Notes in a tweet. While she initially enjoyed using the platform, she expressed skepticism about one particular aspect of it, calling it a “vanity metric.”
Substack Notes is a feature that allows authors to share short-form thoughts with readers who follow them on the Substack platform. According to DiResta, these notes are increasing in popularity because users have to subscribe to follow an author’s notes.
DiResta went on to express her desire for more short-form content on the platform and less long-form content in her inbox. She also suggested that the popularity of Substack Notes may be artificially inflated by this subscription requirement.
It’s worth noting that Substack has seen explosive growth over the past year as writers look for new ways to monetize their work without relying on traditional media outlets. The company offers tools for writers to create and distribute newsletters, as well as features like paid subscriptions and exclusive content for subscribers.
Substack has become especially popular among journalists and other writers who feel stifled by traditional newsrooms or who have been laid off due to industry-wide downsizing. Many see it as a way to retain editorial control while still earning a living from their writing.
However, some have criticized Substack for its lack of diversity among its top earners – mostly white men – and for allowing controversial figures like Andrew Sullivan and Glenn Greenwald onto the platform.
Despite these criticisms, many continue to flock to Substack in search of creative freedom and financial stability. And while DiResta may not be thrilled with all aspects of the platform, her critique highlights ongoing conversations about how best to use social media platforms for personal branding and audience engagement.