I’ve been thinking a lot about newsletters lately, after reading CJ Chilvers’ e-book, Principles for Newsletters (here’s a Cliff Notes version to get you started, but it’s worth the $5. Also, a shoutout to
for turning me onto it!), and it made me wonder mostly why there aren’t more good newsletters when so many interesting people have so much to say.One of my favorite tips of Chilvers’ is such a good reminder.
Only one person is opening this email. You are not a broadcaster. Crowds are not gathering around a single screen to read your email. Write to one reader.
Photography is what we do, but it’s not who we are. So, this week I’ve tried to encourage a few friends to start their own newsletters. They’re all amazing photographers, but they have other aspects of their lives that are worth sharing — things other people can learn from, things that can create conversation and community (thinking of one friend [nudge, nudge] in particular who’s on a personal journey of understanding — from guided mushroom trips to what to look for in a new talk therapist to breathwork to art therapy to and what he’s learned about himself through it all). It’s fascinating and I think we can all relate to wanting to see and do things differently while craving growth and connection.
I have another friend who could write about all the coffee he tries on his trips. Another could write about the crazy snack foods flavors she tries and rates. Another on all the cool tech and toys he’s incorporated into his photography. Another who could write about painting and her dreams of doing more with that. I’d read them all. I love niches, passions, and creativity on all levels.
(Side note: You want a good dinner party question? Ask someone new what they know more about (or are more passionate about) than anyone else at the table, and watch them light up.)
But I get how vulnerable it is to put yourself out there. I understand how scary it is to write something you think no one will read, and how much scarier it is to write knowing people actually ARE reading. But, weirdly I miss the old days of Livejournals and personal blogs. And I’m so tired of this polished facade that is social media, where everyone’s lives are perfect and well… so Instagrammable.
I long for real again. Authentic. Imperfect. And I want to be real with you.
It’s made me think about what I want to do with my own Substack —personal rants and long-form essays are always the most popular things I write and they get the most engagement and so many thoughtful responses (Or as Chilvers would say: “The best metric is replies.”). And I’m glad they resonate. I’m glad they encourage people to share their thoughts or simply share the post. So I’m making a goal to aim for more of those. Any suggestions on topics, I’m all ears.
But… sharing links that are fun and inspiring is a lot less work. And I do actually have a job that’s not Substack (kind of!). So it’ll likely be a mix of both. Maybe there’ll be some subscriber content, maybe not. Is it even worth paying for, in your eyes? Sound off in the comments, I’m open to suggestions on where to take this thing and what it should be.
So for now, here are 5 things I was looking at and loving this week:
Shameless self-promotion: if you’re in the Boston area, on 2/28, please come listen to me talk about dismantling white supremacy, one statue at a time.
John Stewart is back. He has been missed.
Photos That Capture the Soul of 1960s Dublin: I esp. love the portraits.
Eminem’s notes are somewhere between madman and genius. Love it.
10/10 will watch In The Know an animated series about public radio.
Great read Melissa, thank you! I just checked the link to see where you are speaking. I am not sure if I will be able to attend, but might. I got my M.A. in Creative Writing at Salem State, just finished it in 2019.
Nudge, nudge. :) Great stuff, M.