Substack Notes and the Joy Of Interwebbing

Why sharing things of value makes for great Internet

The app formerly known as Twitter was once a source of great discovery and innovation. I used to describe Twitter to people unfamiliar with it as a way to learn about things you never knew existed from people you’ve never met. That was when the tool was about micro-blogging — small updates shared often, sometimes in conversation.

Twitter was where I had substantive conversations on a global scale, albeit in a staccato-style, 140-character format. I met people I liked and became friends, collaborators, and colleagues. Twitter helped me to expand my professional networks. It helped me to learn about the world.

That has long passed. I use X (Twitter) sparingly and less each week. Eventually, I can see it turning into Facebook, where I go on occasionally to see things I can’t see anywhere else from those few people still using the platform. I no longer engage with content or produce anything through it; I use it for birthday greetings, and I enjoy the odd pictures of friends’ kids and travel updates from those still willing to share their adventures.

Enter Notes and Comments

I’ve been researching Substack for a long time. It holds a promise that reminds me of the earlier days of blogging, social media, and online communities.

This newsletter has been live since 2020 and is about to get its first significant upgrade in the coming days as I switch my general newsletter over to here from another platform. Why? There are many reasons, but mostly because I miss the days when I liked and engaged with the Internet.

Of course, the Internet is a giant, multifaceted thing. But there was a time when it felt tighter, more coherent, and useful. We learn from and with others. I don’t want to serve information, I want this to be of service to people. Substack will allow me to do this better.

Notes is a feature on Substack that I’ve been watching. Notes — so far — has managed to emerge as a useful platform for engaging people on topics covered on Substack, which, so far, seem mostly to be informative, useful, and truth-y. That’s what Twitter was to me. (Facebook was never a good source for professional discovery).

Substack also allows you to comment on posts — and engage with other readers. I’ve been publishing Censemaking (my blog) since 2010 and used to get reader comments, suggestions, and new ideas regularly. Now? I will go years without a single comment. On Substack, comments are back to being a ‘thing.’

Will this last? I don’t know. But I do know that I and many others are hungry to get (back) to a place where we can discover, share, and connect on ideas that matter. Substack is a means to do that. At least, that’s my dream.

A New Beginning

Beginning tomorrow, this space will get more interesting, helpful, and engaging. I hope you find that to be true for your interests and needs.

I’m on Notes, I’ve got comments live, and I’m looking forward to engaging with my readers and hoping they find opportunities to connect with each other. Censemaking has always been something I saw as providing a coffee-time break to learn more about the art and science of change-making.

Cafes have been one of the greatest sources of innovation and inspiration in modern times, with ideas, conversation, and inspiration fuelled by a sociable drink. I can’t (literally) serve coffee or tea here, but I can hopefully add a perk.

Thanks for reading. I hope you like what’s coming.