Why I’m on Substack

Reposting a note that got me thinking

There was a challenge going around the last few days on Notes to share “why Substack,” and I shared my thoughts. I wanted to also send it out as a newsletter, as I’ve been pondering this lately:

I used to have a blog way back in the day, and I shared my thoughts on books, music, and other cultural happenings. But I always felt solitary on blogger, assuming some interaction with my writing but not really knowing. When I started reviewing the “500 Greatest Albums of All Time,” it was for myself and a couple of friends, as I didn’t think there would be an appropriate platform that would work for me. But in 2025 Substack proved to be that platform, and I’m happily sharing my reviews, still for myself and my friends, as well as family, but now also for other music fans and writers. The interaction is tangible and meaningful, and I am enjoying all aspects of my Substack experience.

Just a short one today - for the first time I am feeling like a hit a wall. Perhaps it’s the enormity of the 400+ albums to review coming up on the list, or perhaps it’s the fact that there is so much great, interesting writing going on out there that some days I just don’t know what I can add. I read a newsletter a little while ago on Kurt Vonnegut’s first rule of writing, which is, essentially, don’t waste your reader’s time (thanks Hello, Writer!). Make it worth their while. But with Substack, for now, this is also about making it worth my time, and when it feels like a chore, or like I owe someone else something, I’ll take a pause so that I can reset my own motivation for writing.

In the meantime, I’ll read some great writing about great music, and I’ll listen to some great music. And then I’ll write about it.