I realize most of Substack’s “Bestsellers” are White, but I still aspire to transcend the obvious void of diversity and reach a top spot on that list as a Black Revolutionary Writer.
Thank you for reading! I felt like I could’ve explained with more than 3 reasons, but I would’ve ran out of room. My last article before that almost maxed out the available space lol didn’t want keep expanding and not be able to finish the whole idea.
Those who deny **anything** you so eloquently have stated are either overt, interpersonal racists, or they are privileged, yt skinned people who have never taken the time to educate themselves-to understand every form of racism and face the ugly truths about themselves.
I have done and continue to do this work, because I cannot call myself hardcore leftest, and say i prioritize human rights, if I have refused to understand all forms of racism, and be honest with myself, deconstructing all my ugly demons. I do not deserve a pat on the back for simply living my beliefs. And I’m sorry that I took the focus off your words, in trying to explain why so many virtue signaling morons deny reality.
I cannot begin to imagine the exhaustion, frustration, hopelessness and anger you and every member of the global majority feel and deal with, in this country. I know apologizing is a form of virtue signaling. But I have not learned what I should say to validate you.
Actually, it is far from new. It is when racist turn their beliefs into actions. Doing things like using racial slurs, committing violence against non white people, discriminating against them, bullying and harassing black and brown people, committing hate crimes.
Oh. I’m extremely sorry. I sometimes fail to recognize irony, as I’m neurodivergent. I feel really bad because I honesty thought you were being serious.
Substack, while marketed to writers as a way to "build community with these cool features such as podcasts, paid subscription tiers, and chat options", it functions to operate alongside social media. You have to promote your work outside of the platform. The platform pushes the works of journalists with large followings, we see the email promotions in our inboxes.
The company has entire teams dedicated to on boarding these people, surely pushing their content via the algorithm as well. But we're not about to pretend like there isn't bias in the algorithm itself. The fact that the algorithm caters to notes and not your actual work is another indication of your reservations regarding the platform.
As you mentioned, the best sellers list is a clear example of bias. Who gets on the list vs the so called "criteria" they claim is what prioritizes who gets featured on it.
I need to find the study someone did on LinkedIn where they found that certain content on the platform performed better for various reasons.
Anything challenging systems or political were shadow banned, posts that were considered "light hearted", were favored by the algorithm. Content that included strategy, design, or thought leadership in certain subjects were also shadow banned.
Thanks for pointing out the tendency of platforms and people to discount or discredit people of color. I subscribed and supported you in part because I know the platform will NOT put this kind of content in front of me unless I explicitly ask for it. Your essay helps me see why I have to work so hard to get what I want in my feeds.
Thanks for speaking up despite the obstacles. Thanks for setting goals depsite the barriers. I look forward to seeing you rise.
You are appreciated and people like you make the world a better place. Thanks for your awareness and willingness to be supportive. It truly does make a difference ✌🏾
If anyone can break into that Bestsellers list, it’s you. You have far more drive than anyone else I’ve ever spoken with on SubStack. You can do this.
Last things. Academia is unbalanced. I don’t know that that can be fixed as long as the laws are still full of systemic racism. My favorite professor was black. Earl Braggs. He was also a civil rights activist and a helluva poet. He had a huge impact on my writing.
As I look back in that time in my life(under 22yo), a lot of black teachers had far more influence on how I thought and how I learned.
Thanks for reading and your analysis. I also appreciate you believing in my potential. As far as the racism in academia, I agree that won’t change until systemic racism is dissolved at the root. Until then, it infects all areas of people activity.
I wonder if the Algorithm goes as far as how we use substack and post our work. Like does it control features such as access to photo galleries, spell check. Like if your Black do you get more glitches?If that makes any sense. On another note we have lost many revolutionary writers such as Francess Cress Wilson, Chancellor Williams. Nice to know there is still someone fighting the good fight.
What an insightful well thought out and strategic and professionally written article and I thank you for writing it.
And I thank you for reading it, one love 🖤✊🏾
Very well thought out, researched and articulated. Thanks for posting this!
Thank you for reading! I felt like I could’ve explained with more than 3 reasons, but I would’ve ran out of room. My last article before that almost maxed out the available space lol didn’t want keep expanding and not be able to finish the whole idea.
Those who deny **anything** you so eloquently have stated are either overt, interpersonal racists, or they are privileged, yt skinned people who have never taken the time to educate themselves-to understand every form of racism and face the ugly truths about themselves.
I have done and continue to do this work, because I cannot call myself hardcore leftest, and say i prioritize human rights, if I have refused to understand all forms of racism, and be honest with myself, deconstructing all my ugly demons. I do not deserve a pat on the back for simply living my beliefs. And I’m sorry that I took the focus off your words, in trying to explain why so many virtue signaling morons deny reality.
I cannot begin to imagine the exhaustion, frustration, hopelessness and anger you and every member of the global majority feel and deal with, in this country. I know apologizing is a form of virtue signaling. But I have not learned what I should say to validate you.
“Interpersonal racist” now that's a new one
Actually, it is far from new. It is when racist turn their beliefs into actions. Doing things like using racial slurs, committing violence against non white people, discriminating against them, bullying and harassing black and brown people, committing hate crimes.
It is the oldest form of racism.
I was being ironic. But that's okay. I've been on the receiving end of racism for almost 65 years....so definition is NOT needed here.
Oh. I’m extremely sorry. I sometimes fail to recognize irony, as I’m neurodivergent. I feel really bad because I honesty thought you were being serious.
Also, I rarely delete my posts because I need to accept my mistakes, but I can delete it since I made such an egregious, ignorant error.
You're good, Val. Enjoy the day ❤️
I understand, thank you for reading!
You. Know. Why.
Yeah we all do, but it’s better to articulate than speculate ✊🏾
Substack, while marketed to writers as a way to "build community with these cool features such as podcasts, paid subscription tiers, and chat options", it functions to operate alongside social media. You have to promote your work outside of the platform. The platform pushes the works of journalists with large followings, we see the email promotions in our inboxes.
The company has entire teams dedicated to on boarding these people, surely pushing their content via the algorithm as well. But we're not about to pretend like there isn't bias in the algorithm itself. The fact that the algorithm caters to notes and not your actual work is another indication of your reservations regarding the platform.
As you mentioned, the best sellers list is a clear example of bias. Who gets on the list vs the so called "criteria" they claim is what prioritizes who gets featured on it.
I need to find the study someone did on LinkedIn where they found that certain content on the platform performed better for various reasons.
Anything challenging systems or political were shadow banned, posts that were considered "light hearted", were favored by the algorithm. Content that included strategy, design, or thought leadership in certain subjects were also shadow banned.
I agree with the “bring your own subscribers”… many of my original subscribers followed me on other platforms.
Nonetheless, racial bias in the algorithm or not, I will prevail.
✊🏾
Exactly, we definitely always fund a way!
This is such a well written piece. Thoughtful, intelligent, & spot on. I wish you the best.
Thank you, you as well 🖤🙏🏾
Thanks for pointing out the tendency of platforms and people to discount or discredit people of color. I subscribed and supported you in part because I know the platform will NOT put this kind of content in front of me unless I explicitly ask for it. Your essay helps me see why I have to work so hard to get what I want in my feeds.
Thanks for speaking up despite the obstacles. Thanks for setting goals depsite the barriers. I look forward to seeing you rise.
You are appreciated and people like you make the world a better place. Thanks for your awareness and willingness to be supportive. It truly does make a difference ✌🏾
Thanks so much. I feel very seen. Literally tears welling up a bit.
Looking forward to making the world a better place together. You truly make a difference, too.
Right on my friend. One love ✌🏾
Couple things. Not criticisms. lol.
If anyone can break into that Bestsellers list, it’s you. You have far more drive than anyone else I’ve ever spoken with on SubStack. You can do this.
Last things. Academia is unbalanced. I don’t know that that can be fixed as long as the laws are still full of systemic racism. My favorite professor was black. Earl Braggs. He was also a civil rights activist and a helluva poet. He had a huge impact on my writing.
As I look back in that time in my life(under 22yo), a lot of black teachers had far more influence on how I thought and how I learned.
Thanks for reading and your analysis. I also appreciate you believing in my potential. As far as the racism in academia, I agree that won’t change until systemic racism is dissolved at the root. Until then, it infects all areas of people activity.
Need off their platforms.
Definitely could use a platform WITHOUT a racially biased algorithm for sure
I wonder if the Algorithm goes as far as how we use substack and post our work. Like does it control features such as access to photo galleries, spell check. Like if your Black do you get more glitches?If that makes any sense. On another note we have lost many revolutionary writers such as Francess Cress Wilson, Chancellor Williams. Nice to know there is still someone fighting the good fight.