UPDATE: Things changed... sorta
NOTE: This is an older post about my views on Substack when they had some less-than-thoughtful ideas on free speech and financially benefiting from extremist voices.
I’ve since softened my view mainly because Substack declared some accountability, and with all social platforms also in the murk and mire of extremist voices, there aren’t a lot of places to escape those bad actors.
Also, because I am an amateur researcher at heart, I wanted to get back here to experience all the benefits and features of Substack while it still remains a secret to most of the world.
Perhaps it’s an opportunistic view, but I’m tired of constantly shooting myself in the foot for issues that seem to be inescapable. At the very least, I get to be a voice for empowerment and positivity and perhaps drown out those other less savory ones.
It’s no big secret that Substack allows some shady individuals to post controversial and harmful content. However, it was easy not to tread into those areas if you didn’t want to see them.
After the Atlantic released an article talking about the prevalence of white nationalist and pro-nazi rhetoric, Substack’s co-founder, Hamish McKenzie, came out with an official statement claiming that the platform’s stance is not to hinder free speech. the
I just want to make it clear that we don’t like Nazis either—we wish no-one held those views. But some people do hold those and other extreme views. Given that, we don't think that censorship (including through demonetizing publications) makes the problem go away—in fact, it makes it worse. -
Except it’s not really about free speech, but about money because some of these white nationalist accounts operate a paid membership-only approach, which Substack is profiting from.
If Substack wishes to give all people a voice, even the bad actors, that’s their choice. Still, those controversial types should not automatically get to monetize their hateful views.
Because McKenzie has decided to ignore the calls from many publishers to recant their decision and develop a better plan, I will no longer publish on this platform.
I will keep my content on the platform for the duration because it is helpful to anyone who might stumble upon it, but I will not add to it after this post.
This is a difficult decision for me for a couple of reasons. First, I am a micro-investor in the platform. I decided to invest in their public round because I believe in the product. Because of this situation, I’m actively trying to see if I can get my investment back.
Second, Substack is fantastic as a technological tool. Although it’s no longer my main email publishing app, I believe it to be highly valuable, especially to new publishers looking to explore how writing can improve their lives and work.
Unfortunately, the company is helmed by some who can’t see past their revenue numbers, and I will not be privy to that.
Finally, as much as I want to support other artists and publishers on this platform, I will cancel all my subscriptions. I don’t like taking money out of people’s pockets, but I refuse to let any of my money going to support a company that supports divisive and racist views.
If things change, perhaps you’ll see me in the future, but for now, I’ll spend all my time on TheHungry.art.
Thank you to those who have supported me in the past, and I hope I get to see you again soon.
Best Regards,
Dave Conrey