I just published my first note on Substack Notes.
A few weeks ago there was a ban on Substack from Twitter. I don’t exactly know why- though it most likely has a great deal to do with a change in Twitter’s operation in an increasingly competitive market in the writing and creative space. Substack is a new-ish contender within that market and are still in their infancy, trying to find their way.
I think many writers and creatives on Substack use Twitter for more engagement with a broad audience, since Twitter is used by about a gazillion users every day. I like the idea that a creator can use both interchangeably, by researching topics, getting more followers, engaging with like-minded people who enhance and grow their knowledge and bodies of work. In my brain both should be able to work together and hold hands while frolicking through the often turbulent and radioactive sunflower fields of the interwebs. But I also know that different platforms have different motivations.
Our world is shaped by a multitude of divergent and contrasting motivations by individuals and corporations. Some by greed, some by collaboration, others by competition, others by increase in revenue, fame, or casual interest, control, or an increase in revenue. None of these approaches are wrong. All have their place within their relative direction of what they are trying to accomplish.
I am not sure if Substack Notes will ever be able to compete with Twitter on a grand scale. But the idea of competition of any kind is a great thing. It keeps the market lean and robust. Each side is trying to improve upon some perceived or real flaw they see in the other. Improvements are made. Holes are patched. Unknown avenues are discovered, uncovered, and ultimately the users of these technologies are the real winners.
If Substack Notes allows more information to be freely spread, more creatives to engage with other creatives, and more accessibility to a wide-range of topics, then it is ultimately a good thing. To me there is no real competition between Twitter and Notes, they can both be used for the same reasons AND different reasons. No need to choose sides.
Notes is a new space on Substack for us to share links, short posts, quotes, photos, and more. I plan to use it for things that don’t fit in the newsletter, like work-in-progress or quick questions.
How to join
Head to substack.com/notes or find the “Notes” tab in the Substack app. As a subscriber to The Cannon Dispatch, you’ll automatically see my notes. Feel free to like, reply, or share them around!
You can also share notes of your own. I hope this becomes a space where every reader of The Cannon Dispatch can share thoughts, ideas, and interesting quotes from the things we're reading on Substack and beyond.
If you encounter any issues, you can always refer to the Notes FAQ for assistance. Looking forward to seeing you there!