Why I'm winding down my Substack.
To the offline world go I.
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I love writing — but have never regretted leaving social media.
Once I gave up social media — though you could argue that Substack is a form, even if I don't utilize Notes — it was as if I could breathe again. I’ve written several posts as to why I made the outwardly questionable choice to give up social media as an entrepreneur, so I won’t repeat it here. However, I’ve never regretted closing/deleting my accounts years ago, as my nervous system could reset and heal from the constant barrage of the endless . . . endless.
Substack reminds me of old blog formats and I appreciate the ability to long-form. It’s just time to move away from the job of an online presence.
The more I meditate, the more I wish to be silent. I’ll always write — I’m compelled to do so — but written enough in the public eye about all kinds of topics over the years. I’ve had my fill and because I don’t wish to engage in short-form content, videos or continuous commenting, that makes it easier to step away into an offline life.
My books will continue to be published on Amazon and my guess is that there will be a few new ones written in the coming years — but I will not open social media accounts.
What I don’t like about Substack.
Substack was great until they opened Notes — their version of Twitter/X — and that is where I see the majority of writer energy flowing now. I didn’t join this platform for a social media account but Substack is well aware of short-content trends, not to mention the era of AI writing which is already starting to dominate all forms of communication.
It will be a far, far different world in five years. Write your book now. :)
Substack and Stripe also take a big chunk of change from each subscription — and though I appreciate another avenue to create passive income, I grow weary of providers like Stripe, Square, PayPal, etc nickel and diming writers to death with steady fee increases.
As they say, comme ci comme ça. Time to make life simple. That’s the ongoing experiment. What I need verses what I hold onto for whatever reason is the question I ponder.
My ultimate goal is the simplest life possible — offline.
I remember the time when I was not tethered to a computer — or even have one. Now, I don’t wish to return to days of old but there is a freedom that comes with no online presence. No social media accounts. No need to create content. There will soon come a time that I will shut my website, retire and be completely offline — with the exception of my books.
It all began when I unhooked myself from social media but it is a careful process that takes time and consideration, especially if you are an entrepreneur.
The irony is that I’m a natural communicator. I adore the Internet. I’m just not willing to pay to play the online game anymore and that includes Substack, the gentler cousin.
Less obligation, less need to be something.
I’ll write posts until June — and then step away from Substack.
The Reluctant Tarot Reader archives will remain after I stop writing fresh content, which means 125+ posts will continue to be paywall free to access and I’ll continue to write until June 2025. I appreciate all of your support over this two year experiment!
I feel so tempted to do that all the time. I don’t pay to play, and I post basically whenever I feel like it, and yes, gaining a following for me is like watching grass grow, but I am not in total bondage to it. You will be missed. I have enjoyed reading your posts. You won’t miss a thing being offline.