JP! You are one of my absolute favourite substackers - I love your idiosyncratic mix of expert design insight and irreverent humour. It’s like nothing else. And I am SO touched and honoured to warrant a mention. Thank you.
I nodded so vehemently along with these points that I fear I looked like Churchill the dog in that insurance advert. I love reading and writing on here - it’s a pure joy. And it’s nice additional income stream but I shall not be retiring from the day job (err, also writing) any time soon!
I find it a bit crushing when I am chastised by people on Instagram for the paywall. Content for either platform, as you say, takes AGES to produce - and we’ve been doing it gratis for years. But someone once told me that if you don’t value your work, why should anyone else? And it has really stuck with me. And I also value your work and cannot wait to read, review and shout from the hills about that book of yours!
I had a dreadful DM on insta the other day from a long-time follower about the paywall. She was complaining like I was some form of public service that she had a right to. I do find it a very strange attitude. I think sometimes people forget that writers/creators are real people too that have bills to pay.
Agree, the assumption that everything should be served willingly on a platter is bizarre, happens to me too. Also, a paid Substack attracts such snark in a way that a book never would. They're the same thing – you're paying a writer for their work!
Precisely Eleanor. It’s considered greedy to ask for payment, but there’s no way in a million years they’d go to work for even a week for free, let alone years.
Seems to be a problem generally if you're a creative. Having made an entire promo video for a coach - that's filming with a crew of 3, sound, editing, grade.- I found out his bill for hiring the large TV he had in the room was more than he paid me. It was a 'mates' rates' sort of job, but still. I think so many business owners assume that if you enjoy writing or making videos, you can live on fresh air.
Mmmm? I’m not sure which I prefer, Sunday mornings or mid week musings? I look forward to both. Mid week musings with a cuppa and a piece of cake and expectations of you joining me, Sunday mornings before I get out of bed and start the day? Both a must! Well done JP. ❤️
So glad you like the new Midweek Musings. Videos can show so much when it comes to a renovation. I’ll do doing one from the garden soon when I crown lift the Holly.
Also, you are SPOT ON about the AI - I can see one account which clearly uses it - lots of ‘flowers nodding and dancing daintily’, ‘verdant’ - do they think we came up on the down train?! I just popped in ‘write about going out in the garden first thing in the morning in the style of Jo Thompson’ and look what came out: NOTHING like my style - I hope to God - but you can see it in other accounts : “Stepping out into the morning garden feels like entering another world, where the air is laden with dew and the quiet hum of nature's slow awakening. The sun, just beginning to rise, casts a soft, golden light that dances across the petals of roses and delphiniums, turning them into delicate works of art. Every plant seems to be holding its breath, waiting for the day to begin. The fragrance of freshly unfurling leaves mingles with the earthy scent of soil, a reminder of the life that pulses beneath the surface.
The garden is a symphony of greens, each shade more vibrant than the last, from the deep, shadowy tones of the ivy-clad walls to the bright, almost luminous hue of new growth. As you walk along the gravel path, the crunch underfoot is a satisfying counterpoint to the gentle rustle of leaves stirred by a soft breeze. Bees are already beginning their diligent work, flitting from bloom to bloom, their buzz a steady, calming rhythm that echoes the heartbeat of the garden itself.
A solitary bench, half-hidden beneath a canopy of wisteria, beckons for a moment of stillness. Sitting there, you are enveloped by the serenity of this secret world. Time slows, and the garden, in all its morning glory, reveals itself as a sanctuary of peace and renewal, where the worries of the day have yet to intrude.” - See what I mean? SYMPHONY???!!
I was shown an AI app this week by a friend who asked the app to write a gardening article about autumnal foliage in the style of Mike Palmer from Amateur Gardening magazine. It incorporated a child’s handful of words I might use, but most importantly, my fingerprint, my humour, my ‘voice’ were clearly not to be seen.
I agree with you, AI is cheating readers of artistry, creativity and talent. Let’s hope that this is not the way forward.
I fear for the future Jo. Real writers will naturally bypass AI, but will we see an army of ‘bots’ taking to the keyboard, and more importantly, will readers know?! My friend thought this AI app was the ‘answer to his prayers’ and couldn’t understand my complete reluctance to ‘give it a go’.
I've not had any engagement yet with the written AI , or am I fooling myself. At the moment from Jo's example it looks quite obvious. Images though ,to my mind, are so easy to spot and they're horrible, I disengage rapidly if anyone I follow uses that. AI is like showing us a plastic world covered in glossy shrink-wrap but equally as horrible in the written word too.
ALSO – my third comment on this post and can't promise it will be the last – for the love of god, please can we get a homes and gardens or homes and lifestyle category! It's wild being ranked against UX designers who know as little about homeware as I do about coding!
JP you were born for this. Your words and posts are my favourite on here. You are such an inspiration. I will be the first person to buy your book, please write one! And thank you for all of your support behind the scenes. Xxx
Oh JP ❤️ thank you so so much for the mentions - that brought a little tear to my eye. I can’t believe it’s been a year - where did that go?! It’s been so much fun, and you make such good points - this a real Substack 101 - yes it’s hard work but my goodness it’s fun, and you make it funner! 💕🙏💕
Also, great to find a fellow Surrey Hills dweller on here. 😃
If you fancy a spot of co-working in our gorgeous pubs, there a growing group of us (mainly Substackers) tip-tapping away near you, would love for you to come along. 🤓
What an insightful piece, it hits home with a good ol’ slap of truth.
I love the way you cut to the chase but in a humorous, knowing, humble way, to entertain while offering the support of your experience and knowledge.
As for AI, yes, it might be able to emulate broadly, but will never replace the personal touch, which includes feelings, opinions and the mood you happen to be in! Perhaps more importantly, where’s the creative satisfaction in AI, anyway? An aide but never a replacement; that’s what I would deem lying to yourself and the readers.
Talking of the personal touch, I too have noticed how a creative can open up with a very personal and vulnerable piece, only for the comments to say “‘ere, where d’ya get that shirt?” Rude.
Anyhow, so much to think about in this piece, I love it. Keep on keeping on x
🤣🤣 That comment about the shirt is so indicative of the state of people’s minds these days. They’ve totally forgotten why they are reading the post, or indeed who the creator/writer is. They just want what they want at that precise moment. Btw - Hey Tina. Nice to see ya! X
Thanks for this insight. My old way of supporting bloggers was to click their links a lot and occasionally buy things that I thought I needed. Not wholly satisfactory, a fair few white elephants. And I waited until they found a publisher and bought the book. A lot of stuff I already knew ….and come to think of it, they all went to the Cancer Research shop! Now you are the first on my Substack list. Looking forward to great entertainment and education.
Classy! What a fabulous substack- wow! Anyway, absolutely delighted to have found you and by the time I have absorbed some of your articles hopefully our home will look less like a skip covered in glitter. Plus you are Surrey Hills! Woo-hoo, Greeting from slushy Godalming and finally- do please excuse my ignorance- what is a hort? Aha - horticulture?! I've just realised that means I have two almost unachievable goals for Jan - get body AND house in shape. Did show up to the gym, (why don't they have New Year's fattie hour?) and did the window boxes yesterday - it's a start!
Thank you for this, relatively new to this so just finding my way round and the article was very handy. I agree with the need of a home and garden section, they are both very big sectors for lots of different content and ability to find others.
I just wanted to say, JP, please, please, please don’t be crushed when people unsubscribe. I can only speak for myself but there are ten substacks I’d love to subscribe to but my current financial circumstances mean I can’t. I LOVE yours and as soon as I can I’ll be back, happily paying. Also, with the very greatest respect, I’m on Substack as a consumer; I’ve no interest whatsoever in producing my own. I’m almost hesitant to write this as Substack is such a kind, affirmative place but I’ve noticed many authors recently complaining about people complaining about paywalls. I 110% agree that authors should charge for their work and I can see the hours that go into many. The other side of that coin is that some writers produce very little content and charge the same as people like yourself, who are fully engaged with their readership. Very early on, I paid for an annual subscription earlier this year to a well known writer who has produced close to nothing and is still highly present on IG.
Hi Moira, thank you so much for writing this. It’s incredibly important that we’re able to all be honest and up front about things. I don’t very often take someone unsubscribing personally. There are so many reasons why someone might and a lot of the time it’s just finances, or they fancy a change, that’s all. But, we’re all human and you can’t help but wonder just that little bit if it’s something you did. All of us only have so much money to pay for these things and subscribing even to a few is expensive, hence why I talked about a new model of perhaps being able to pay one fee and then get 5-10 choices. For me, anyone paying for even a month to read my work is such a blessing and I’ll never ever take it for granted. Thank you x
Hello …. So glad I just found your post :) It's really helpful for a newbie learning and navigating around the forum, as I've just joined Substack this week! Comparisons between the two between Substack and Insta really helpful for breaking down what they're about. I'm about to send out my first post and you have given me the confidence to get on and do it!
As you say crazy there is no Lifestyle category, as that's where I belong and so that's a tricky one to decide which category most relates! Look forward to reading more of your posts :)
I started my Substack about 3 weeks ago, and I'm still trying to find my groove. This post, and your knowledge and enthusiasm that shine through the words have really inspired me! I think I'll save this post as a reminder not to put as much pressure on every word that I write! ♥
There’s pressure enough without adding to it yourself. I truly believe if it’s fun and you enjoy it, then that’s the best way to success, whatever success is.
Great article Mr Clark. It has opened my eyes and am tempted to sign up. Fully support that work by Substack needs to be done on the pricing model.
£45 x various authors soon mounts up. The Economist - which is still on weekly news reporting - has just launched a really detailed survey on what their readers want and how much they are prepared to pay for what when and how. I’ve contributed in detail hoping they will act. Substack take note.
Thank you JP for the time and effort you've put into a super informative post. As a Substack newbie, I welcome any advice I can get. I too loved Insta but knew it would decline once Facebook, now disguising itself as Meta took over. I'm totally jealous of your talents, a great writer, interiors and gardening whiz. Keep up the good work and may you earn a good living from your craft. I get so totally peeved that creativity is seen as a free-for-all when it is medicine for our hearts and souls. Cheers from down under. 😁 🦘
You're very welcome JP. I can sense your kindness through your writing and website. I think we need to cheer on the good people of the world. It's easy to feel swamped by the sad and unkind souls out there. I was born in Melbourne but now live in sub-tropical Brisbane. My partner was born in Tassie, in New Norfolk. He hates the cold but I'd move to Tassie in a heartbeat. I miss the changing seasons, especially wintery days, log fires and hot chocolates! There's also nothing better than writing while it's raining outside. ☺️
JP! You are one of my absolute favourite substackers - I love your idiosyncratic mix of expert design insight and irreverent humour. It’s like nothing else. And I am SO touched and honoured to warrant a mention. Thank you.
I nodded so vehemently along with these points that I fear I looked like Churchill the dog in that insurance advert. I love reading and writing on here - it’s a pure joy. And it’s nice additional income stream but I shall not be retiring from the day job (err, also writing) any time soon!
I find it a bit crushing when I am chastised by people on Instagram for the paywall. Content for either platform, as you say, takes AGES to produce - and we’ve been doing it gratis for years. But someone once told me that if you don’t value your work, why should anyone else? And it has really stuck with me. And I also value your work and cannot wait to read, review and shout from the hills about that book of yours!
xx
I had a dreadful DM on insta the other day from a long-time follower about the paywall. She was complaining like I was some form of public service that she had a right to. I do find it a very strange attitude. I think sometimes people forget that writers/creators are real people too that have bills to pay.
Agree, the assumption that everything should be served willingly on a platter is bizarre, happens to me too. Also, a paid Substack attracts such snark in a way that a book never would. They're the same thing – you're paying a writer for their work!
Precisely Eleanor. It’s considered greedy to ask for payment, but there’s no way in a million years they’d go to work for even a week for free, let alone years.
My theory is that Instagram has led to many people being accustomed to free content….
You could have stopped writing after ‘real people’!!
True!
Seems to be a problem generally if you're a creative. Having made an entire promo video for a coach - that's filming with a crew of 3, sound, editing, grade.- I found out his bill for hiring the large TV he had in the room was more than he paid me. It was a 'mates' rates' sort of job, but still. I think so many business owners assume that if you enjoy writing or making videos, you can live on fresh air.
Nice post by the way, JP.
Hear hear to ALL!
AND to yours - notably re AI. I find it utterly soul destroying!
It is, isn't it? BUT, it can't do personality!
Mmmm? I’m not sure which I prefer, Sunday mornings or mid week musings? I look forward to both. Mid week musings with a cuppa and a piece of cake and expectations of you joining me, Sunday mornings before I get out of bed and start the day? Both a must! Well done JP. ❤️
So glad you like the new Midweek Musings. Videos can show so much when it comes to a renovation. I’ll do doing one from the garden soon when I crown lift the Holly.
Yes I love the mid week musings , it's like the garden canopy talk but not 😂 , 🥂🍾 to you x
Also, you are SPOT ON about the AI - I can see one account which clearly uses it - lots of ‘flowers nodding and dancing daintily’, ‘verdant’ - do they think we came up on the down train?! I just popped in ‘write about going out in the garden first thing in the morning in the style of Jo Thompson’ and look what came out: NOTHING like my style - I hope to God - but you can see it in other accounts : “Stepping out into the morning garden feels like entering another world, where the air is laden with dew and the quiet hum of nature's slow awakening. The sun, just beginning to rise, casts a soft, golden light that dances across the petals of roses and delphiniums, turning them into delicate works of art. Every plant seems to be holding its breath, waiting for the day to begin. The fragrance of freshly unfurling leaves mingles with the earthy scent of soil, a reminder of the life that pulses beneath the surface.
The garden is a symphony of greens, each shade more vibrant than the last, from the deep, shadowy tones of the ivy-clad walls to the bright, almost luminous hue of new growth. As you walk along the gravel path, the crunch underfoot is a satisfying counterpoint to the gentle rustle of leaves stirred by a soft breeze. Bees are already beginning their diligent work, flitting from bloom to bloom, their buzz a steady, calming rhythm that echoes the heartbeat of the garden itself.
A solitary bench, half-hidden beneath a canopy of wisteria, beckons for a moment of stillness. Sitting there, you are enveloped by the serenity of this secret world. Time slows, and the garden, in all its morning glory, reveals itself as a sanctuary of peace and renewal, where the worries of the day have yet to intrude.” - See what I mean? SYMPHONY???!!
Oh my word! Case in point.
I was shown an AI app this week by a friend who asked the app to write a gardening article about autumnal foliage in the style of Mike Palmer from Amateur Gardening magazine. It incorporated a child’s handful of words I might use, but most importantly, my fingerprint, my humour, my ‘voice’ were clearly not to be seen.
I agree with you, AI is cheating readers of artistry, creativity and talent. Let’s hope that this is not the way forward.
Here endeth the lesson!
Thanks again JP!
Let’s hope not Mike. There’s a lot of laziness around these days, I can see for some it could be tempting.
Hear hear Mike and not preachy at all! AI will never emulate the personality, the humour (and my typos too)
I fear for the future Jo. Real writers will naturally bypass AI, but will we see an army of ‘bots’ taking to the keyboard, and more importantly, will readers know?! My friend thought this AI app was the ‘answer to his prayers’ and couldn’t understand my complete reluctance to ‘give it a go’.
This is exactly my fear Mike.
I've not had any engagement yet with the written AI , or am I fooling myself. At the moment from Jo's example it looks quite obvious. Images though ,to my mind, are so easy to spot and they're horrible, I disengage rapidly if anyone I follow uses that. AI is like showing us a plastic world covered in glossy shrink-wrap but equally as horrible in the written word too.
You’re so right. You r probably witnessed written AI without realising it. It can be convincing.
Wow really Mike? Thats so scary!!
AI wrote that???? I haven’t so much as glanced at it and don’t even know where to find it, but wow.
ALSO – my third comment on this post and can't promise it will be the last – for the love of god, please can we get a homes and gardens or homes and lifestyle category! It's wild being ranked against UX designers who know as little about homeware as I do about coding!
Hallelujah!
JP you were born for this. Your words and posts are my favourite on here. You are such an inspiration. I will be the first person to buy your book, please write one! And thank you for all of your support behind the scenes. Xxx
Always Reena and thank you for yours. X
Oh JP ❤️ thank you so so much for the mentions - that brought a little tear to my eye. I can’t believe it’s been a year - where did that go?! It’s been so much fun, and you make such good points - this a real Substack 101 - yes it’s hard work but my goodness it’s fun, and you make it funner! 💕🙏💕
Flown by! You’ve been such a great help Jo, thank you.
What a refreshing read, well said! 👏
Also, great to find a fellow Surrey Hills dweller on here. 😃
If you fancy a spot of co-working in our gorgeous pubs, there a growing group of us (mainly Substackers) tip-tapping away near you, would love for you to come along. 🤓
https://coworkhub.substack.com/p/welcome
Alas, I no longer live in the area, but agree with Jo, perhaps a gathering at some point.
Am also thinking of organising a Substack Geek-Out in central London, perhaps that’s not too far?
I’m up for this!
Awesome, will keep you posted! 🤓
Fabulous!
I LOVE this! Wish this was nearer - but maybe we could have a gathering there....
Am also thinking of organising a Substack Geek-Out in central London, perhaps that’s not too far?
What an insightful piece, it hits home with a good ol’ slap of truth.
I love the way you cut to the chase but in a humorous, knowing, humble way, to entertain while offering the support of your experience and knowledge.
As for AI, yes, it might be able to emulate broadly, but will never replace the personal touch, which includes feelings, opinions and the mood you happen to be in! Perhaps more importantly, where’s the creative satisfaction in AI, anyway? An aide but never a replacement; that’s what I would deem lying to yourself and the readers.
Talking of the personal touch, I too have noticed how a creative can open up with a very personal and vulnerable piece, only for the comments to say “‘ere, where d’ya get that shirt?” Rude.
Anyhow, so much to think about in this piece, I love it. Keep on keeping on x
🤣🤣 That comment about the shirt is so indicative of the state of people’s minds these days. They’ve totally forgotten why they are reading the post, or indeed who the creator/writer is. They just want what they want at that precise moment. Btw - Hey Tina. Nice to see ya! X
Thanks for this insight. My old way of supporting bloggers was to click their links a lot and occasionally buy things that I thought I needed. Not wholly satisfactory, a fair few white elephants. And I waited until they found a publisher and bought the book. A lot of stuff I already knew ….and come to think of it, they all went to the Cancer Research shop! Now you are the first on my Substack list. Looking forward to great entertainment and education.
I feel truly honoured Susan. Thank you so much.
Classy! What a fabulous substack- wow! Anyway, absolutely delighted to have found you and by the time I have absorbed some of your articles hopefully our home will look less like a skip covered in glitter. Plus you are Surrey Hills! Woo-hoo, Greeting from slushy Godalming and finally- do please excuse my ignorance- what is a hort? Aha - horticulture?! I've just realised that means I have two almost unachievable goals for Jan - get body AND house in shape. Did show up to the gym, (why don't they have New Year's fattie hour?) and did the window boxes yesterday - it's a start!
Yes, often wishing I hadn’t chosen the ‘hort’ part. Most people think it’s a jolly fat Italian man named Hortensius. Hello, welcome and thank you.
Hi JP,
Thank you for this, relatively new to this so just finding my way round and the article was very handy. I agree with the need of a home and garden section, they are both very big sectors for lots of different content and ability to find others.
Here’s hoping they create one for us.
I just wanted to say, JP, please, please, please don’t be crushed when people unsubscribe. I can only speak for myself but there are ten substacks I’d love to subscribe to but my current financial circumstances mean I can’t. I LOVE yours and as soon as I can I’ll be back, happily paying. Also, with the very greatest respect, I’m on Substack as a consumer; I’ve no interest whatsoever in producing my own. I’m almost hesitant to write this as Substack is such a kind, affirmative place but I’ve noticed many authors recently complaining about people complaining about paywalls. I 110% agree that authors should charge for their work and I can see the hours that go into many. The other side of that coin is that some writers produce very little content and charge the same as people like yourself, who are fully engaged with their readership. Very early on, I paid for an annual subscription earlier this year to a well known writer who has produced close to nothing and is still highly present on IG.
Hi Moira, thank you so much for writing this. It’s incredibly important that we’re able to all be honest and up front about things. I don’t very often take someone unsubscribing personally. There are so many reasons why someone might and a lot of the time it’s just finances, or they fancy a change, that’s all. But, we’re all human and you can’t help but wonder just that little bit if it’s something you did. All of us only have so much money to pay for these things and subscribing even to a few is expensive, hence why I talked about a new model of perhaps being able to pay one fee and then get 5-10 choices. For me, anyone paying for even a month to read my work is such a blessing and I’ll never ever take it for granted. Thank you x
Hello …. So glad I just found your post :) It's really helpful for a newbie learning and navigating around the forum, as I've just joined Substack this week! Comparisons between the two between Substack and Insta really helpful for breaking down what they're about. I'm about to send out my first post and you have given me the confidence to get on and do it!
As you say crazy there is no Lifestyle category, as that's where I belong and so that's a tricky one to decide which category most relates! Look forward to reading more of your posts :)
Hopefully there’ll be a new category soon!
I started my Substack about 3 weeks ago, and I'm still trying to find my groove. This post, and your knowledge and enthusiasm that shine through the words have really inspired me! I think I'll save this post as a reminder not to put as much pressure on every word that I write! ♥
There’s pressure enough without adding to it yourself. I truly believe if it’s fun and you enjoy it, then that’s the best way to success, whatever success is.
Great article Mr Clark. It has opened my eyes and am tempted to sign up. Fully support that work by Substack needs to be done on the pricing model.
£45 x various authors soon mounts up. The Economist - which is still on weekly news reporting - has just launched a really detailed survey on what their readers want and how much they are prepared to pay for what when and how. I’ve contributed in detail hoping they will act. Substack take note.
Sage advice there!
Thank you JP for the time and effort you've put into a super informative post. As a Substack newbie, I welcome any advice I can get. I too loved Insta but knew it would decline once Facebook, now disguising itself as Meta took over. I'm totally jealous of your talents, a great writer, interiors and gardening whiz. Keep up the good work and may you earn a good living from your craft. I get so totally peeved that creativity is seen as a free-for-all when it is medicine for our hearts and souls. Cheers from down under. 😁 🦘
What an incredibly lovely comment thank you so much Silvana. Where abouts in Australia? I lived there for a few years as a child, but mainly Tasmania.
You're very welcome JP. I can sense your kindness through your writing and website. I think we need to cheer on the good people of the world. It's easy to feel swamped by the sad and unkind souls out there. I was born in Melbourne but now live in sub-tropical Brisbane. My partner was born in Tassie, in New Norfolk. He hates the cold but I'd move to Tassie in a heartbeat. I miss the changing seasons, especially wintery days, log fires and hot chocolates! There's also nothing better than writing while it's raining outside. ☺️
It was New Norfolk for me too!
No way! What a small world. 🌏😁