The hottest Substack Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Technology Topics

What Do You Guys Want This Thing to Be?

Freddie deBoer • 4579 implied HN points • 14 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Substack
  1. Subscriber numbers are dropping as tastes change and there are more writers out there. It's tough to keep attracting new readers.
  2. The rise of video and podcasts has hurt written content, making it harder for writers to reach audiences. Traditional writing seems less popular these days.
  3. Finding out what readers want is tricky because everyone has different preferences. It’s a challenge to balance writing what feels right with what might attract new subscribers.

Why are famous writers suddenly terrible when they write on Substack?

The Intrinsic Perspective • 7343 implied HN points • 07 Mar 23
📚 Literature Substack
  1. When famous writers switch to Substack, their writing often changes in quality and style.
  2. Traditional publishing involves a pipeline of manuscript workshops, agent and editor contributions that can shape a writer's work.
  3. Writing online on platforms like Substack demands more frequent and authentic output compared to industry standards.

How I write...

Development Hell • 612 implied HN points • 08 Sep 23
🎭️ Culture Substack
  1. The author received feedback from readers about their content and what topics they want to see covered.
  2. There are many resources available on Substack for growing subscriber numbers and improving content quality.
  3. Readers can access the full content and post archives with a 7-day free trial and subscription.

Goodbye Twitter, Hello Notes

The Lund Loop • 353 implied HN points • 16 Oct 23
🕹 Technology Substack
  1. The author decided to leave Twitter due to personal reasons and a negative experience.
  2. Moving forward, the author will be posting exclusively on Substack Notes.
  3. Some posts will still be auto-posted on Twitter, but it will be a one-way relationship.
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I'm going to try to write again

afternoon walk • 79 implied HN points • 10 Apr 24
📚 Literature Substack
  1. The author is resuming writing after a break by starting a new Substack, with no set commitments or promises
  2. The author expresses uncertainty about the longevity of the new Substack but is taking it step by step
  3. Despite not writing publicly for a year, the author has been working on occasional reports and op-eds

Economics Links, 2/15/2025

In My Tribe • 243 implied HN points • 15 Feb 25
💰 Finance Substack
  1. The European Union may have created a big, slow government that doesn't serve its people well. Some believe smaller countries manage their affairs better.
  2. Importing goods doesn't always harm jobs; a trade deficit can actually mean a strong economy. More spending and demand can lead to more jobs, not fewer.
  3. Becoming successful on platforms like Substack is tough. It often takes a large existing following or writing about popular subjects to grow your audience.

Open Letter: Substack Needs an AI Category

The Algorithmic Bridge • 509 implied HN points • 27 Feb 24
🕹 Technology Substack
  1. Substack should have a category for AI to benefit the writers and interested readers.
  2. AI presence on Substack is significant and growing, with many exclusive AI newsletters in the top 100.
  3. An AI category would both help enthusiasts find relevant content and allow those uninterested in AI to easily avoid it, improving user experience on Substack.

Get Wise Or Die Trying, Part 2

Weekly Wisdom • 99 implied HN points • 23 Nov 23
📚 Literature Substack
  1. The author released their first book 'Get Wise Or Die Trying: Musings & Memoirs On Mortality, Meaning & The Mystery Of Being Alive', available for purchase now.
  2. The book is pay-what-you-want with a minimum of $5, compiled from the author's first year of writing on Substack, featuring essays and poems.
  3. The author expresses gratitude to friends, writing group, and Substack subscribers for their contributions and support in completing the project.

June 2023 Update

Mind & Mythos • 139 implied HN points • 02 Jun 23
🎭️ Culture Substack
  1. There is now a paid subscription option available for access to certain content.
  2. Main posts will still be free, but older personal updates will require a subscription for privacy.
  3. The goal of this change is to offer something special for new paid subscribers and maintain some privacy.

Reader mail

The Watch • 437 implied HN points • 09 Oct 23
📰 News Substack
  1. Investigative journalism requires patience and may not always result in a story.
  2. Finding stories involves tips from various sources like public defenders and casual conversations.
  3. Keeping content free can be rewarding in terms of subscriber support and belief in your work.

Join me on Notes

Science Forever • 79 implied HN points • 12 Apr 23
🕹 Technology Substack
  1. Notes on Substack is a new space for sharing various content like links, short posts, quotes, and more that may not fit in newsletters.
  2. As a subscriber to Science Forever, you can easily access and engage with the Notes section by visiting substack.com/notes or using the Substack app.
  3. Readers of Science Forever are encouraged to share their own notes on the platform, making it a community space for sharing thoughts, ideas, and quotes.

Two years of Artificial Ignorance

Artificial Ignorance • 92 implied HN points • 11 Feb 25
🕹 Technology Substack
  1. Consistency in publishing is key. Writing regularly helps build your voice and keeps your audience engaged.
  2. Feedback from readers is really important. It's tough to improve without knowing what your audience enjoys or wants.
  3. Trying new things is a part of the journey. Some experiments, like podcasts or workshops, might not go as planned, but they teach valuable lessons for the future.

Join me on Notes

Knowledge Problem • 58 implied HN points • 11 Apr 23
🕹 Technology Substack
  1. There's a new space called Notes on Substack for sharing various content like links, short posts, and more.
  2. As a subscriber to Knowledge Problem, you can automatically see the author's notes where you can like, reply, or share them around.
  3. Readers can also share their own notes on this platform and it's envisioned as a space for sharing thoughts and ideas.

Import AI - coming soon to Substack

Import AI • 79 implied HN points • 16 Jan 23
🕹 Technology Substack
  1. Import AI is transitioning to Substack, with the first issue planned for Monday the 6th.
  2. Jack Clark will be the author behind Import AI on Substack.
  3. Readers can subscribe to Import AI on Substack to stay updated on AI-related content.

A Quick Substack Notes Update: How I will use Notes going forward.

OSINT & Analysis by Oliver Alexander • 222 implied HN points • 11 Apr 23
🕹 Technology Substack
  1. Substack Notes will be used for OSINT work that doesn't need a full article.
  2. For some writers, Substack Notes may not add much value, but for OSINT community members like Oliver, it's very beneficial.
  3. Twitter's recent decisions have pushed Oliver to utilize Substack Notes for sharing content he would have previously posted on Twitter.

Welcome to AI Log

ailogblog • 19 implied HN points • 22 Nov 23
🕹 Technology Substack
  1. Incorporating generative AI into education is crucial.
  2. The blog "AI Log" aims to explore and understand the latest developments in AI in an educational context.
  3. Engagement and sharing are encouraged on the blog to foster discussion and learning.

Join me on Notes

The Outpost • 19 implied HN points • 12 Apr 23
🎭️ Culture Substack
  1. Notes provides a new space on Substack for sharing links, posts, quotes, photos, and more.
  2. Subscribers to The Outpost can automatically access the author's notes and engage with them.
  3. Readers can also share their own notes, creating a community space for exchanging thoughts and ideas.

VFD But Make It Bite-Size

Very Fine Day • 21 implied HN points • 12 Apr 23
🕹 Technology Substack
  1. The author has published a note on Substack Notes similar to Twitter for sharing short posts and more.
  2. Notes on Substack can include links, quotes, photos, work-in-progress content, or quick questions.
  3. Subscribers to Very Fine Day automatically see the author's notes and can interact by liking, replying, or sharing them.

Join my new subscriber chat

Rough Diamonds • 3 implied HN points • 06 Nov 24
🕹 Technology Substack
  1. There's a new chat space just for subscribers that allows for real-time discussions and updates.
  2. To join the chat, you'll need to download the Substack app and turn on push notifications.
  3. Once you're in the app, you can easily find and join the chat to connect with others and share your thoughts.

Opt out message on your Substack's Welcome Page: Help out your first time visitors

Next Big Newsletter • 10 implied HN points • 13 Mar 23
🕹 Technology Substack
  1. Consider improving the opt-out message on your Substack's Welcome Page to be more welcoming and informative.
  2. Explore changing the default 'No thanks' link to something more engaging and helpful for visitors who are not ready to subscribe immediately.
  3. Customize the opt-out message in your Substack settings to provide a better experience for your potential subscribers.

Joxley Reads 07.01.24

Joxley Writes • 0 implied HN points • 07 Jan 24
📰 News Substack
  1. Joxley is sharing web picks every Sunday for paying subscribers.
  2. One noteworthy pick was an article from Emma Burnell.
  3. You can get a 7-day free trial of Joxley Writes to read the full post.

A quick note on Notes.

The Snap Forward • 0 implied HN points • 18 Apr 23
🕹 Technology Substack
  1. Substack Notes is a new tool for short content on Substack.
  2. Subscribers of The Snap Forward automatically see the author's notes.
  3. Registration for Crash Course in Personal Ruggedization closes on April 25th.