Another lovely Monday post. I don’t feel like I’ve got a community yet - but I certainly have a growing number of regular readers and commenters - and I’m grateful for every one of them.
Hmmm, this is an excellent question. I have deliberately not read any other answers before posting my reply, so apologies if I’ve repeated someone else’s comments. I truly haven’t thought about this before. My definition of a community is a group of people with a shared interest. Our shared interest creates connection, but also broadens our horizons as we learn and understand from our differences.
I think the shared interest bit is really the key isn't it. Otherwise you are just a group of people with nothing in common. You need that initial connection, that interest to make people curious enough or care enough to want to find out more.
Thanks so much for your comment (Louise - also quite shy)
It's interesting. When watching knitting podcasts I hear that word a lot. The podcaster is so thankful for the community. They started the podcast to join the conversation and be part of the community. It's very attractive. Sometimes I can feel left out of that aspect of online knitting community, where you're actually making friends with knitters. I started a podcast with that in mind but didn't have the equipment or time to make it something people would enjoy. You would have to really like me --no, already love me--to keep watching and put up with audio issues etc. And now I don't have the time to record new episodes. I haven't joined an online community because I don't have funds for that but hope to one day. But even then, sure I'll comment and engage but is that how friends are made.... I definitely think the word community is over used. Honestly these feel more like clubs centered around a person and hobby we all enjoy. There is potential for community but it's not a given. That's my two cents.
I like the chance to reflect on things without the fear of attack. I have communities linked by knitting, by reading but above all through choral singing and at sometime I’d like to be in an online group where I can discuss choral music with like-minded amateur performers in auditioned choirs. There are increasingly more community choirs being created which is fantastic as singing is a fantastic vehicle for positive mental health but somewhere between community choirs and the many professional groups lies where I am. Here’s to finding them!
The comment about the poor soul and their fiver looking for a home made me properly chuckle out loud. As a reader, I sometimes find Substack a bit difficult to use but I do enjoy reading and commenting on...posts? Is that what they’re called? Articles?
Community - means being with people and knowing you will be accepted and welcomed. Everyone has ‘their tribe’ and community is where they find it. Disparate people connected by a shared interest.
I love the community I've found on Notes, and I'm hoping that my newsletter and those who subscribe will form its own little community that brings people joy, too.
Here I am, hitting the button as suggested in the email. 👋🏼 I find I’ve had more ‘real’ conversations that matter to me with total strangers on here and Threads more than any other platform for years. Facebook and Instagram are more for my family and friends I trust; X more for stars and public figures - oh, and blocking oddballs! Still a novice on Substack but I might just post rather read in future...
It feels like a place where people want genuine connection and conversations doesn't it. Here and Threads are streets ahead of the other platforms and show how much people really value the community side of social media
Thank you for this note, Louise! I agree.Posting on instagram feels like shooting in the dark and waiting, nowadays. I have been here only for a few weeks and have had much more meaningful, warm conversations.
I agree with this! I haven’t had another platform where I can talk with others about deeper thoughts like this one on substack. And with people I don’t know in real life! That’s the kicker. I also think people just tend to be more kind and open hearted here.
Thank you for this piece! The older I get, the more wary I am about commenting on or participating in any sort of social platform. Here lately, though, I’ve noticed myself feeling much more comfortable with opening up here on Substack. It definitely feels more reminiscent of real-life community in that there’s a smaller crowd of people, who chose to be there, having a conversation. As opposed to IG, where it just feels like a shouting match of hostile people and scam bots.
That's such a good point, thank you. Like you I find that anything on Instagram has the potential to attract a lot of unwanted attention (either in the form of spam or people who enjoy drama. Here seems like much more of a "safe space" in as much as anything can be on the internet.
It feels like coming home to this old school blogger. There are comments, recommendations are like our old blog rolls, Notes are like trackbacks before the spammers arrived.
I just posted this on Threads actually, a lovely book detailing a correspondence club some mothers set up in the 30s. They 'met' through the letters page of a magazine when one woman wrote in to say that she was lonely and frustrated and "Can any mother help me?" - the title of the book.
It was like a postal service Discord with letters forwarded around the group, and mutual support. Some members also used phone calls, and had meetups, but for those living in rural poverty the post was a life and sanity saver.
Worth a read - it's by Jenna Bailey. A good reminder of how resourceful we can be.
Thank you for the prompt Louise. I'm loving learning about the people who also create with fiber. I already feel part of a community of makers here. To me it's about being seen and be able to share with an open heart and mind without judgement.
Absolutely agree, I think Substack is pretty unique in the way it manages to create a community feel, but yet remains open to all. It feels pretty special.
It's incredible how much more thought people put into their comments.
It really is. I love how deep people go. It's like the polar opposite of Instagram 😂
Yes, the best you get is not one but 3 hearts. Oh and not red ones, green ones.
Another lovely Monday post. I don’t feel like I’ve got a community yet - but I certainly have a growing number of regular readers and commenters - and I’m grateful for every one of them.
A bit like home - community is where the heart is.
And you put so much heart into your posts - no-one could fail to be moved by them.
Hmmm, this is an excellent question. I have deliberately not read any other answers before posting my reply, so apologies if I’ve repeated someone else’s comments. I truly haven’t thought about this before. My definition of a community is a group of people with a shared interest. Our shared interest creates connection, but also broadens our horizons as we learn and understand from our differences.
Ann (usually shy 😉)
I think the shared interest bit is really the key isn't it. Otherwise you are just a group of people with nothing in common. You need that initial connection, that interest to make people curious enough or care enough to want to find out more.
Thanks so much for your comment (Louise - also quite shy)
It's interesting. When watching knitting podcasts I hear that word a lot. The podcaster is so thankful for the community. They started the podcast to join the conversation and be part of the community. It's very attractive. Sometimes I can feel left out of that aspect of online knitting community, where you're actually making friends with knitters. I started a podcast with that in mind but didn't have the equipment or time to make it something people would enjoy. You would have to really like me --no, already love me--to keep watching and put up with audio issues etc. And now I don't have the time to record new episodes. I haven't joined an online community because I don't have funds for that but hope to one day. But even then, sure I'll comment and engage but is that how friends are made.... I definitely think the word community is over used. Honestly these feel more like clubs centered around a person and hobby we all enjoy. There is potential for community but it's not a given. That's my two cents.
I like the chance to reflect on things without the fear of attack. I have communities linked by knitting, by reading but above all through choral singing and at sometime I’d like to be in an online group where I can discuss choral music with like-minded amateur performers in auditioned choirs. There are increasingly more community choirs being created which is fantastic as singing is a fantastic vehicle for positive mental health but somewhere between community choirs and the many professional groups lies where I am. Here’s to finding them!
I totally agree, it feels like a very thoughtful, considerate space here doesn't it
The comment about the poor soul and their fiver looking for a home made me properly chuckle out loud. As a reader, I sometimes find Substack a bit difficult to use but I do enjoy reading and commenting on...posts? Is that what they’re called? Articles?
Posts or articles - either works fine ❤️
Community - means being with people and knowing you will be accepted and welcomed. Everyone has ‘their tribe’ and community is where they find it. Disparate people connected by a shared interest.
That's such a great way of putting it
I love the community I've found on Notes, and I'm hoping that my newsletter and those who subscribe will form its own little community that brings people joy, too.
Here I am, hitting the button as suggested in the email. 👋🏼 I find I’ve had more ‘real’ conversations that matter to me with total strangers on here and Threads more than any other platform for years. Facebook and Instagram are more for my family and friends I trust; X more for stars and public figures - oh, and blocking oddballs! Still a novice on Substack but I might just post rather read in future...
It feels like a place where people want genuine connection and conversations doesn't it. Here and Threads are streets ahead of the other platforms and show how much people really value the community side of social media
Thank you for this note, Louise! I agree.Posting on instagram feels like shooting in the dark and waiting, nowadays. I have been here only for a few weeks and have had much more meaningful, warm conversations.
Totally agree. Making new connections here feels totally different to other places online
I agree with this! I haven’t had another platform where I can talk with others about deeper thoughts like this one on substack. And with people I don’t know in real life! That’s the kicker. I also think people just tend to be more kind and open hearted here.
I think that's very true. There's a genuine warmth here that I haven't found anywhere else
Thank you for this piece! The older I get, the more wary I am about commenting on or participating in any sort of social platform. Here lately, though, I’ve noticed myself feeling much more comfortable with opening up here on Substack. It definitely feels more reminiscent of real-life community in that there’s a smaller crowd of people, who chose to be there, having a conversation. As opposed to IG, where it just feels like a shouting match of hostile people and scam bots.
That's such a good point, thank you. Like you I find that anything on Instagram has the potential to attract a lot of unwanted attention (either in the form of spam or people who enjoy drama. Here seems like much more of a "safe space" in as much as anything can be on the internet.
It feels like coming home to this old school blogger. There are comments, recommendations are like our old blog rolls, Notes are like trackbacks before the spammers arrived.
Oh yes Linda, I feel that too - I loved my blog feed so much, like a good catch up with my favourite sharers at the end of the week - bliss 🩵
It really does. I never got over the loss of Google Reader and Substack seems to have filled this niche - and more
And without having to sign up for a different commenting platform on every blog! I love it.
Oh heavens yes. That was always my biggest bugbear with WordPress and Blogger - I could never remember my logins so I never bothered to comment
I just posted this on Threads actually, a lovely book detailing a correspondence club some mothers set up in the 30s. They 'met' through the letters page of a magazine when one woman wrote in to say that she was lonely and frustrated and "Can any mother help me?" - the title of the book.
It was like a postal service Discord with letters forwarded around the group, and mutual support. Some members also used phone calls, and had meetups, but for those living in rural poverty the post was a life and sanity saver.
Worth a read - it's by Jenna Bailey. A good reminder of how resourceful we can be.
Oh my goodness, that sounds amazing. I'll definitely check that out, thank you
Agree! I love the comments and discussions on the substack app. 🙂❤️
It feels like such a genuine, supportive place doesn't it.
Yes it does! It's just delightful
Thank you for the prompt Louise. I'm loving learning about the people who also create with fiber. I already feel part of a community of makers here. To me it's about being seen and be able to share with an open heart and mind without judgement.
Absolutely agree, I think Substack is pretty unique in the way it manages to create a community feel, but yet remains open to all. It feels pretty special.