A. To just show support (without any input or effort from themselves), which is not a bad thing, just oblique. This is the most likely scenario.
B. To learn and gain insight ( again without input or effort) as they may be creators themselves
C. To support or build a self image or sense of community ( similar to A, but more indulgent)
For those who have never published anything, writing or even commenting publicly can be intimidating. I’m not sure what motivates some to take action, but many are content to just watch the creative process ( kind of like porn).
Other options could include:
- writing ‘contests’ or ‘award points’ for contributors… ( with some sort of “prize” to winners/achievers). I hate such things, but concede they are effective
- providing “swag” to participants- which may be counterintuitive, but one raises the cost of membership to pay for the cost of swag. Swag is slang for promotional items or ‘perks’.
- more clearly separate the writing inputs from the comments by offering “studio sessions” for those who want to contribute/learn/improve their writing craft. The studio sessions would exclusive, unlike the general posts which would be only to entertain and get feedback on your own work. There are many variations in this (other terms are vip sessions, backstage access, and meet/greet sessions).
- allow members to suggest input topics on a regular basis. The issue with that is that your role becomes more of a producer and less of an artist. But it does encourage more participation.
TKG, you're never gonna be everything to everyone. And, thank Betty White that you aren't. My popsicle tells me that to write like I do (and therefore you & Kevin)? It's bloody hard for the average bear. They have to put a lot of thought into what they write. Make drafts. Refine what they're trying to say. Get out of their own way & Imposter Syndrome.
I actually love that some of the feedback sees your prompts as a gauntlet to examine & take on privately. It means that it resonates in a way that nourishes the soul, and doesn't require validation. Which is a baller move. Especially for the introverts. And those who don't have English as their first language.
I don't always have answers to the questions, prompts put forth, which is why I don't always respond.
I really enjoy comments, or responses from you. It makes my week, knowing one of my favorite writers notices when I respond.
I like the ideas Kevin provides. I'm often more nervous to respond if there's a competition, but, it's a good idea. It would be good for me as a poet, in my works, to say a competition has helped me grow, in what I do.
This comment is for the Kindling, up until now I have only commented once, for all the reasons you put under the no section. My goal starting in September was to become involved with the Kindling. I will give it my best effort. Thanks for all that you do 😁
Not knowing the other paid members I can only speak for myself, but sometimes the day just gets away. I typically see the kindling right when I wake up and often ponder the questions as I get up and moving, but the “circling back” to post or engage doesn’t always happen. There have also been a very very small handful of times where I’ve seen existing comments in the forms of poems and feel like my response won’t be as “valid” as I respond like more of a journal prompt, but that was completely on me and my vulnerabilities in those moments. As someone else commented, I do enjoy being here to just show support, as well as engaging when I have the capacity. It’s a beautiful space to witness and to the point of maybe last week’s kindling, I am a quiet observer, but can also be more mindful of my Tuesday mornings and take time to reflect (and comment) on what you send.
Also as a paid subscriber for I’m not sure how long, I only JUST downloaded the Substack app maybe last month. So sometimes my own laziness of having to log in via my phone email browser would hold me back from sharing anything.
Having background supporters is nice, but if you’re looking for more engagement, more response, maybe offering different subscriber levels or categories, or maybe even featuring some of the comments will get people to see that you engage/respond and that you appreciate everyone’s words that they share.
Or maybe feature subscribers- a little bit more personal, I’m an artist and someone in my community started basically a vending machine of miniature art. Every month, 10 or so artists get selected and featured and a post is made about who they are and the art they submitted for the machine. Then we get added to a huge group chat (kind of like this) where people can share upcoming projects or the developer can send out a call for more art.
Personally, I don’t know a single other paid subscriber here, but given the choice of an optional bio/feature, I’d love to learn about them and their life and how they found their way here. Maybe once a bio is submitted to you, they can add their own question or prompt for people to respond to so we can all engage more directly with each other and start building community habits.
Thank you for following my stream of consciousness here, I hope it helps!
Ali this is beautifully said! (Also, Hi - I'm Nic, another paid subscriber, nice to meet you!)
I hope you'll share your journal-entry style writing with us sometime if you feel it is the right fit -- if it helps to provide some context: for me, my brain works in poems, so when I respond to the kindling that way, that essentially is my style of journaling <3
I echo this. I often read in the morning, before I head into work, with the intention of responding later on. “Later on” often slips away and gets lost in the jumble of other things happening that day. Sometimes I do come back, other times I don’t. However, even just reading brings me a sense of peace and grounding.
For me, the value comes from feeling connected to Tyler and his work. Getting to hear his thoughts the way I would a friend’s. I love and own every book he’s ever written, but the blog form provides a sense of intimate relationship that a book cannot. In times I don’t respond, I still really value getting to hear his thoughts. When I do respond, the interaction with him is incredibly meaningful for me.
I greatly enjoy the Kindling posts. I don’t always post because I may be self conscious about my answer, or I just use it as a thought starter for my own musings and private journal. I can def try to post more! But do know even I’m a lurker, I very much enjoy the insightful thought starters
I read religiously. I read people’s responses. I never miss any poetry. I have ordered more than one personal poem.
I suffer from so much mentally and physically. Sometimes reading is SO MUCH for me, even if I cannot always participate. People are so very creative and I appreciate their words-as yours so often-say what I’m feeling. Never get rid of the Kindling.
I agree with what many have voiced here about always reading but not always having the words/capacity/time etc. to add my own response. Regardless of my own engagement on these things I am happy to be a paid subscriber and support your creative endeavours that you share with us. <3
Sometimes I like to just ruminate on your prompt—it’s not that I’m not getting anything out of it, I’m just not always ready to share and I’m betting that’s true for others as well. Love the photography posts as well as the new poetry posts. As I’ve said before, getting a window and connection into your big life is so special. I think I’m already a top tier subscriber and will continue to stay that way. I think you should add what calls you whether that’s video more poems more photos or something else entirely. This is your space after all. We’re just along for the ride.
While I don't SEND or submit my writing, I do use your Kindling prompts to examine, think about, express ideas in my own life. I just don't feel it necessary to share and the idea of you actually expecting to see what others had written (and therefore tagging some level of obligation to it), rather than just excited when someone DID share, had never even crossed my mind.
For me, I will be here regardless of what the perks are. I don’t know what others would be motivated by, but I think the poetry & photography are my personal favorites.
I enjoy everything you send, and I probably missed a few this summer, I look forward to reading them. I don’t need any other perks but here to support you however you go forward!
I have not been shy about telling you that your Kindling prompts have essentially kept my writing spirit alive over the past two years, whether I have the spoons to respond directly or not. So personally, I love them and am grateful to them.
BUT, I do not want to see you put into a space where you are left feeling in any way like there is a void to be putting ideas into, nor for you to feel as though you must facilitate entertainment either. This is a tough spot to be in, and I wish I had some concrete, tangible feedback for you.
I receive so many emails that I just don't have the time and energy to always read what you write. When I had a Facebook account, I found it easier to see your posts as they showed up in my feed and I'd look at them then. So maybe it's just me looking for that non email way of participating. I still need to schedule the time to connect.
Just wanted to say that I also got sick of the Substack email overload, so I turned them off but allowed push notifications so I am encouraged to go to the app instead. It's a much nicer reading experience.
Even though I’m a paid subscriber, I often don’t get to the Kindling messages the day of. Most times they get away from me or I admit some, I can’t think of a good response. By the time I get to them, my brain is done for the day. I’ll stay paid, no matter the perks though!
Some people are members:
A. To just show support (without any input or effort from themselves), which is not a bad thing, just oblique. This is the most likely scenario.
B. To learn and gain insight ( again without input or effort) as they may be creators themselves
C. To support or build a self image or sense of community ( similar to A, but more indulgent)
For those who have never published anything, writing or even commenting publicly can be intimidating. I’m not sure what motivates some to take action, but many are content to just watch the creative process ( kind of like porn).
Other options could include:
- writing ‘contests’ or ‘award points’ for contributors… ( with some sort of “prize” to winners/achievers). I hate such things, but concede they are effective
- providing “swag” to participants- which may be counterintuitive, but one raises the cost of membership to pay for the cost of swag. Swag is slang for promotional items or ‘perks’.
- more clearly separate the writing inputs from the comments by offering “studio sessions” for those who want to contribute/learn/improve their writing craft. The studio sessions would exclusive, unlike the general posts which would be only to entertain and get feedback on your own work. There are many variations in this (other terms are vip sessions, backstage access, and meet/greet sessions).
- allow members to suggest input topics on a regular basis. The issue with that is that your role becomes more of a producer and less of an artist. But it does encourage more participation.
Ah, The Sage has done it again.
TKG, you're never gonna be everything to everyone. And, thank Betty White that you aren't. My popsicle tells me that to write like I do (and therefore you & Kevin)? It's bloody hard for the average bear. They have to put a lot of thought into what they write. Make drafts. Refine what they're trying to say. Get out of their own way & Imposter Syndrome.
I actually love that some of the feedback sees your prompts as a gauntlet to examine & take on privately. It means that it resonates in a way that nourishes the soul, and doesn't require validation. Which is a baller move. Especially for the introverts. And those who don't have English as their first language.
Big love. Always.
I don't always have answers to the questions, prompts put forth, which is why I don't always respond.
I really enjoy comments, or responses from you. It makes my week, knowing one of my favorite writers notices when I respond.
I like the ideas Kevin provides. I'm often more nervous to respond if there's a competition, but, it's a good idea. It would be good for me as a poet, in my works, to say a competition has helped me grow, in what I do.
This comment is for the Kindling, up until now I have only commented once, for all the reasons you put under the no section. My goal starting in September was to become involved with the Kindling. I will give it my best effort. Thanks for all that you do 😁
Depression is a thief of my words, but I am here. And, as long as I am alive, will remain a paid subscriber.
Not knowing the other paid members I can only speak for myself, but sometimes the day just gets away. I typically see the kindling right when I wake up and often ponder the questions as I get up and moving, but the “circling back” to post or engage doesn’t always happen. There have also been a very very small handful of times where I’ve seen existing comments in the forms of poems and feel like my response won’t be as “valid” as I respond like more of a journal prompt, but that was completely on me and my vulnerabilities in those moments. As someone else commented, I do enjoy being here to just show support, as well as engaging when I have the capacity. It’s a beautiful space to witness and to the point of maybe last week’s kindling, I am a quiet observer, but can also be more mindful of my Tuesday mornings and take time to reflect (and comment) on what you send.
Also as a paid subscriber for I’m not sure how long, I only JUST downloaded the Substack app maybe last month. So sometimes my own laziness of having to log in via my phone email browser would hold me back from sharing anything.
Having background supporters is nice, but if you’re looking for more engagement, more response, maybe offering different subscriber levels or categories, or maybe even featuring some of the comments will get people to see that you engage/respond and that you appreciate everyone’s words that they share.
Or maybe feature subscribers- a little bit more personal, I’m an artist and someone in my community started basically a vending machine of miniature art. Every month, 10 or so artists get selected and featured and a post is made about who they are and the art they submitted for the machine. Then we get added to a huge group chat (kind of like this) where people can share upcoming projects or the developer can send out a call for more art.
Personally, I don’t know a single other paid subscriber here, but given the choice of an optional bio/feature, I’d love to learn about them and their life and how they found their way here. Maybe once a bio is submitted to you, they can add their own question or prompt for people to respond to so we can all engage more directly with each other and start building community habits.
Thank you for following my stream of consciousness here, I hope it helps!
Ali this is beautifully said! (Also, Hi - I'm Nic, another paid subscriber, nice to meet you!)
I hope you'll share your journal-entry style writing with us sometime if you feel it is the right fit -- if it helps to provide some context: for me, my brain works in poems, so when I respond to the kindling that way, that essentially is my style of journaling <3
I echo this. I often read in the morning, before I head into work, with the intention of responding later on. “Later on” often slips away and gets lost in the jumble of other things happening that day. Sometimes I do come back, other times I don’t. However, even just reading brings me a sense of peace and grounding.
For me, the value comes from feeling connected to Tyler and his work. Getting to hear his thoughts the way I would a friend’s. I love and own every book he’s ever written, but the blog form provides a sense of intimate relationship that a book cannot. In times I don’t respond, I still really value getting to hear his thoughts. When I do respond, the interaction with him is incredibly meaningful for me.
I greatly enjoy the Kindling posts. I don’t always post because I may be self conscious about my answer, or I just use it as a thought starter for my own musings and private journal. I can def try to post more! But do know even I’m a lurker, I very much enjoy the insightful thought starters
I am the same!
I read religiously. I read people’s responses. I never miss any poetry. I have ordered more than one personal poem.
I suffer from so much mentally and physically. Sometimes reading is SO MUCH for me, even if I cannot always participate. People are so very creative and I appreciate their words-as yours so often-say what I’m feeling. Never get rid of the Kindling.
Thank you for what you add to my life.
I agree with what many have voiced here about always reading but not always having the words/capacity/time etc. to add my own response. Regardless of my own engagement on these things I am happy to be a paid subscriber and support your creative endeavours that you share with us. <3
Sometimes I like to just ruminate on your prompt—it’s not that I’m not getting anything out of it, I’m just not always ready to share and I’m betting that’s true for others as well. Love the photography posts as well as the new poetry posts. As I’ve said before, getting a window and connection into your big life is so special. I think I’m already a top tier subscriber and will continue to stay that way. I think you should add what calls you whether that’s video more poems more photos or something else entirely. This is your space after all. We’re just along for the ride.
While I don't SEND or submit my writing, I do use your Kindling prompts to examine, think about, express ideas in my own life. I just don't feel it necessary to share and the idea of you actually expecting to see what others had written (and therefore tagging some level of obligation to it), rather than just excited when someone DID share, had never even crossed my mind.
For me, I will be here regardless of what the perks are. I don’t know what others would be motivated by, but I think the poetry & photography are my personal favorites.
🧡🧡🧡 (!!!!! Hi. Happy Ocfober 3rd in advance)
🧡🧡🧡🧡 you already KNOW I’m fully swirling into my Swiftie ✨zoomies✨until October 3rd!
My lil no filter face when I clocked the name of Swifty's beloved Track 5. (A song just for the First Pancakes 🥰🧡🧡)
Same! I’m also an eldest daughter so I am so intrigued by that one. 🥲🧡
I also will be here. It’s not the perks; it’s the value of what you say, how you challenge our thinking, and the community.
Agreed!!!
I enjoy everything you send, and I probably missed a few this summer, I look forward to reading them. I don’t need any other perks but here to support you however you go forward!
Hi!
I have not been shy about telling you that your Kindling prompts have essentially kept my writing spirit alive over the past two years, whether I have the spoons to respond directly or not. So personally, I love them and am grateful to them.
BUT, I do not want to see you put into a space where you are left feeling in any way like there is a void to be putting ideas into, nor for you to feel as though you must facilitate entertainment either. This is a tough spot to be in, and I wish I had some concrete, tangible feedback for you.
While I adore you & all your beautiful works, I just don’t have the time/resources to follow the prompts
I receive so many emails that I just don't have the time and energy to always read what you write. When I had a Facebook account, I found it easier to see your posts as they showed up in my feed and I'd look at them then. So maybe it's just me looking for that non email way of participating. I still need to schedule the time to connect.
Just wanted to say that I also got sick of the Substack email overload, so I turned them off but allowed push notifications so I am encouraged to go to the app instead. It's a much nicer reading experience.
Even though I’m a paid subscriber, I often don’t get to the Kindling messages the day of. Most times they get away from me or I admit some, I can’t think of a good response. By the time I get to them, my brain is done for the day. I’ll stay paid, no matter the perks though!