MOVING FORWARDS + NOW HERE's A THOUGHT + TIP SHEET-
THIS CREATIVE JOURNEY #2.
Authors Note:
According to an Ancient Legend the Lost City of Orolandus, depicted in the banner above, was so named as a centre for Enlightenment… Knowledge FREELY given and discussed for it’s Truths - as the Ultimate Treasure. Etymologically, the name translates to Golden Lantern, from which is derived the modern Scandinavian word “Ore” for Gold. In other tongues it mean the natural state of other metals. We find English variations in Oral and FolkLore connecting with French… L’or, Spanish Oro, Dutch Guilder… from the (Trade) Guilds that Withheld Valuable Information to enrich themselves…… OIL is known as Black Gold. The connotations are endless…
“When you scratch the surface, every one of us has something that we deeply want to contribute to the World” Jack Canfield.
Moving Forwards.
My first nine months on Substack convinced me that this is the platform that’s right for me. (I’d been looking at others for a while) - Right for two reasons…. ONE: The pitch was “This is the platform for authors not savvy with I.T. - All you have to do is write !!” Hmmm…. TWO: I’d read articles about some Substack writers making a five / six figure incomes !! Hmmm…..
Let’s take a look …. ONE: in my previous incarnation I didn’t need to understand I.T., I just paid others to do it for me. The results were rarely better than just reasonable - - - And anyway I’d get around to that learning curve later. In fact I had to wait until semi retirement, and am now - enjoying - that - curve, particularly in relation to Substack; EVEN though (and like for many other newbies here) it ain’t anything like I initially believed. Never mind, Substack brings new friends. Lovely.
TWO: It did not take long to realise that a lot of folk had entertained high expectations of the Cash Cow. But Eggs ain’t chickens… Their clear disappointment has been something of a self doubt shock, Yet - they - persevere, probably because of those lovely supportive friends. So we choose for the long haul, wondering how to up our game, n’est-e pas ? We see some of the more successful are publishing frequently, so we attempt to emulate, even to the point of burnout. And - we - wonder - Again…
That’s where I was by last December, as I dug for knowledge I kept coming across a lot of interesting thoughts and tips from established writers who are willing to teach, sometimes for free, sometimes for a fistfull. One thing stood out as a probable useful route, even tho’ I didn’t find much evidence of it’s use. In February I used it to extremes, to support Suzanne Taylor’s Campaign. After a few weeks it bumped her new subscriber rate way up - and it helped my own too. So now I am experimenting with a few more, and will publish the results….
Now Here’s a Thought. ON GOING PAID…..
I came across this a couple of times… Substack only makes money when you do. Ergo :- it is in the Platform’s interest to promote Paid Authorships over Free. Whilst I cannot vouch for the truth of this concept, It - does - make - sense. So that’s the direction I am heading in with Some of my work, slowly, gently, no haste. It’s a compromise between my need to generate a part-time extra income and my belief that Knowledge is not a Commodity. My preference is for community collaborations, rather than intensive courses, and will let you know when I have worked out greater detail.
AND ON GAINING NEW SUBSCRIBERS…..
We are constantly informed that “Notes” is the best channel to create awareness of one’s output. It’s true, it can work well, but since the introduction of “Following” - my own experience is that I get a lot more Followers than Subscribers - and the New Subscriber rate has slowed down. I am not on my own. Digging into this conundrum, I perceive a more effective, targeted way to use “Notes” and a better way Than “Notes”. More on this another day.
THIRD THOUGHT….
The Creative Skills you have already developed are not that that different to the Business Skills you may be wary of, nor do they vary much from the Basic Concepts of Self Development. I have been busy with these three sides to one coin for over fifty years. How do I relate them to the Substack Learning Curve ? Would you like me to share this further ? Then please subscribe to my Regular Posts to get it all, because the platform only shows a limited amount to Followers.
TIP SHEET…..
i). This one I am thinking of trying - from Linda Carrol, who suggests that unless you are already of renown, then you would stand a better chance of getting noticed if you gave your stack a more pertinent name than your own. She started a second stack using this concept and was surprised at the positive difference it made….. Worth a try methinks…… Just need to work out a name that is relative to my writings…. Watch this space.
ii). Less is More. Don’t push for volume, it’ll really burn you out. Try shorter posts and concentrate on Quality. Read everything you can on upskilling your Wordkraft, absorb, tryout. Keep your readers happy. Substack is full of tips on the theme. I like Nina Schuyler’s Academic approach. Bought two of her books - even more intriguing than Stephen King…..
APROPOS…
“Find your Voice and Inspire Others to find Theirs” ANON.
Where do you want to go with your words, your literary adventure / mission ? If your ambition is huge, then perhaps you should consider a huge cash or time spend. But if such a huge cash spend is currently out of the question, then perhaps you should spend just Wordkraft time. OR - are you looking for a part time income ? Either way perhaps I can help you move forward - perhaps we can collaborate, or even cross mentor. No course fees involved. KNOWLEDGE IS NOT A COMMODITY.
ERROR IN THIS CREATIVE JOURNEY #1, pub May 28th-
The final paragraph of which was the initial unedited draft. It should have read as follows - - - “This Creative (Learning) Journey” will initially be posted on the Last Friday of each month except December. More related posts will presently appear on other Fridays. To cope with all the extra work - my Storytelling will stick with some, but not every Wednesday. I am always open for conversations, questions, collaborations. Just Direct message me using the button below, giving me a private email to respond to. Best Wishes, Maurice.
NeXt Inspirational Episode #6, Weds 3rd July. Scots Andy “He’s a lovely Chap”
NeXt t’Otherwith Soldier #8, Weds 10th July. Des & Paddy, a Military Punishment.
NeXt Ancient Legend #12, Weds 17th July. Naraga’s Gehengeled People.
NeXt This Creative Journey #3. Friday 26th July. T.B.A.
Hallo Suzanne, thankyou for this kind comment. My apologies for omitting the link, which I am now putting on Notes. I frequently mention you (and a few other inspirational campaigners) in my posts. Sometimes I deliberately omit direct links - for research reasons into why U.S. marketing techniques appear to be less effective outside of the U.S.
You make a fair point about making an impact on Substack being a full time job, but there IS a solution, which I am developing under "This Creative Journey"
I checked out the other link you provided, to the Salutary work of Mr D.E., already a Hero of mine.
Your Cause is Massive, you already have an Army of Individual Influencers to promote each other and the Cause itself.
More Soon, Maurice
This is a fantastic endeavour. I admire the extraordinary progress you have made. Sometimes it's good to look back and admire what you have already achieved and how it fits into the larger scheme of your life.