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.
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.
Huge congratulations JP!!! What a fantastic, balance, and honest post. Loved reading it and couldn't agree more. Though my Substack is in its infancy, I am feeling much happier when I am here than somewhere else online 💙
Hi JP, I'm completely new to SubStack ( a bit of a dinosaur in the social media world in general) and just wrote my first article. No idea what I'm doing and so happy I found your article. I doubt I'll every get to - or even am not sure I have the desire to - reach the lofty heights as you or others on here. I just had a great need to write and share thoughts. I have no idea if it will gain traction.
Your post gave generously - both advice and encouragement. It clarified what Substack is and what it can be.
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.
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!
Huge congratulations JP!!! What a fantastic, balance, and honest post. Loved reading it and couldn't agree more. Though my Substack is in its infancy, I am feeling much happier when I am here than somewhere else online 💙
It’s definitely a happier place. Keep going Tats. X
Very interesting. I agree - I’d like a deal for about 5 subscriptions - I’m on the fence with signing up to a handful atm
Yep, I totally get that Nikki.
Hi JP, I'm completely new to SubStack ( a bit of a dinosaur in the social media world in general) and just wrote my first article. No idea what I'm doing and so happy I found your article. I doubt I'll every get to - or even am not sure I have the desire to - reach the lofty heights as you or others on here. I just had a great need to write and share thoughts. I have no idea if it will gain traction.
Your post gave generously - both advice and encouragement. It clarified what Substack is and what it can be.
Thank you
Suzi
You are most welcome Suzi.
Needed to hear this today - thank you!!
Omg I read the ENTIRE thing. I like you. 😍
Well, thank you very much!