Substack is Becoming the New Medium
And bringing the writing critics with them
As writers, we're used to criticism of our work. It's one thing to offer constructive criticism to someone about their work. It's something else entirely to rip apart a writer for making a mistake posting, insulting them by saying their work is too depressing, and then playing psychiatrist when the writer fires back.
It's okay for them to tear apart another writer and their work. But when the writer attempts to explain or respond to their nastiness, the critic is suddenly an expert psychiatrist who flings accusations and diagnoses the writer, not knowing them or anything about them and inaccurately, wrongly, and ignorantly destroys the writer and their work, not caring about the potential consequences their words might have on the writer, without any consideration about why the work is so depressing.
But that's not enough for them.
They then take it upon themselves to print cruel, adversarial, unfavorable, and insulting things about the writer, some dedicating an entire post to dissecting, criticizing, and lambasting them and their work.
It's inappropriate, childish, and petty.
Worst of all, it's also stupid and dangerous.
Instead of being supportive, kind, compassionate, and empathetic, they add another reason for the writer to publish depressing posts.
Everyone raves about the Substack writers being supportive, friendly, encouraging, and caring, which are the majority of the writers.
But, many writers don't lift, support, or encourage other writers - instead, they tear them down.
They are arrogant, critical writers with delusions of grandeur and believe they are better than others. They know more, write better, and are more talented than everyone else. They are smug, entitled, and vain, mocking and criticizing the writings of others they deem less qualified.
Back when the platform was becoming more popular, the writers on Substack were all sweet, supportive, and encouraging towards one another. It was a warm and safe space.
Not so much anymore.
It's turned into another version of Medium’s - "follow for follows" (“subscribe” for “subscribe”) and an increasing number of "how to earn more money writing on Substack."
I don't want to read about how to make a few more dollars or how much other writers earn.
I seek a connection with the writers who write for the love of it, not just to earn a few bucks.
I don't want to see any more "Psychiatrist Writers" tearing down other writers.
Others will accuse me of being jealous (and who knows what else) because I’m expressing my thoughts.
It won't stop me from still posting pieces they’ll complain about.
It's my outlet. They're my thoughts and opinions.
There's no reason to be mean.
If someone doesn't doesn't like my writing, they can keep scrolling.