If "Substack becomes like the other platforms," the "freedom movement" will have suffered a major loss in a key battle in this war - perhaps similar to the South losing at Gettysburg.
Funny how so many in our community of readers are dreading the moment that the last lights of truth are winkled out. Anyone notice how nervous the censors have gotten lately? I think it's also likely that journalism on Substack is going to influence other platforms.
I would like to hear more too. Substack has been a relief for me as a writer because I can reach my audience without the dreadful gatekeepers who are worried about trigger warnings and sensitivity readers.
Substack's contrarian authors - real journalists - are hitting way too close to far-too-many vulnerable targets.
The world's Shadow Rulers have to do something about this "threat." It would not fit their m.o. to just shrug their shoulders and say, "What the heck? Let's allow free speech to exist on Substack."
Exactly. They will strike down all opposition to their narrative, starting with the sites they deem most dangerous, due to either popularity or closeness to the target.
I've read elsewhere that there is a push from DOJ to spread the notion that substack is a haven for Nazi Klansmen intent on inciting domestic terrorism. It begins by delegitimizing the leading voices.... like members of Congress calling Taibbi and Shellenberger "so-called journalists".
Those labels come from “so-called public servants” so it’s a badge of honor, but when those self-serving traitors to their country and species have the power to regulate our “so-called journalist” it is a bit worrisome.
Love (sort of) NPR labeling the guy who went to Moscow recently to interview Putin "propagandist Tucker Carlson." Not "journalist." Not even "former Fox personality." Well, at least they demonstrate that Pravda-style news is as ubiquitous in this country as it used to be in Russia.
10-4. Jeff. I wrote about this effort to save Substack from the Nazis a couple of months ago. But I linked to another author who has done a deep dive into this initiative. His work shows us who is behind this program - and the Nazi tactics these people use.
Read your posted link and found it a good assessment. I've only been reading articles on Substack for a year, But I've yet to run across a Nazi. Guess the liberal Nazis don't post on here.
I'm a subscriber of "Simplicius' garden of knowledge", a prolific war-analyst (on Ukraine). He's clearly pro-Russian, but he elaborates his points thoroughly with facts and videos. He also admits when he doesn't know the answer...
Some weeks ago the usual suspects startet to smear him.
They also tried to hit on the soft spot of every journalist (and every men): They wanted "stripe" to cancel its financial relations to Simplicius. It's clear that if you can't earn any money with your work you're dead. Why hiring an assassin when you can silence someone by destroying his (or her) financial base? It worked very well in Canada against the Truckers...
Simplicius had to prove that he wasn't breaking any rules of "stripe", but it's a clear sign that deep state would love to stop his work.
By the way: "Substack" was not involved in it, the founders were always committed to their ideals.
But I'm sure that some deep-state-people love to see "Substack" fail. It too much real journalism for them.
“If you want me to get into it, I will, but essentially I’m trying to find ways to get around certain new forms of digital pressure that have me worried about the site’s independence.”, if this is something you are comfortable sharing more about it would be interesting to understand. Considering that this is your blog, what are the independence issues that you are contending with?
I would certainly tant to know about this too. I truste you, what you allure to is too important a point to be let aide. So tes tell un more about your sorties.
Matt, just wanted you to know that your work is profoundly important at this moment in time. You're one of a very few that can be trusted to tell the truth and to illuminate the far corners of a story. To you and Walter - Thanks!
“Get into it” - please. We need to know what you’re facing as our paid subscriptions support not just you but the Substack service. If they’re exerting pressure that limits independence we need to know.
Matt, you and your family have been incredibly generous TO US. You have worked tirelessly to find truth and to bring it to us overnight. The live video of you and Walter commenting while Biden gave that rosary press conference was epic. Matt, you’re a hero.
Not surprising that there would be "pressure" coming as we enter a big election year, but it would be interesting to know what form it is taking. Both of the megaparties are facing serious problems with both their bases and with independents, so they will clearly want as much information control as possible.
They are doing it with the payment processors - Stripe. But also probably Pay-Pal. Ko-fi is another way Substack authors earn "tips" for their writing. Ko-fi has just announced changes to their "terms" of participation. These new terms seem to deal with keeping Ko-fi a "safe" place for users and the fight against - you guessed it .... disinformation.
Thanks for the info. This is why one of the most effective ways of combatting online speech policing is demanding anti-trust enforcement and eliminating regulations that have been more effective at creating monopolies than protecting consumers. It doesn’t matter what legislation we put in place if consumers do not have viable alternatives when companies start caving to the eyes in the sky.
I tell you Matt, after watching Hillary "My Jowls Are Sociopaths" Clinton being interviewed on MSNBC last week about Carlson & Putin I've learned a new level of appreciation for journalists who aren't fawning lapdogs to power.
The MSNBC hack gave Hillary such an amazing tongue bath I was left wondering why she didn't just drop to her knees & cunning Hillary's lingus for a while.
Then I started imagining an actual journalist conducting the interview. In that scenario, after Hillary blathers on windily about "useful idiot" Carlson and the nefarious evil of Vlad the Impaler, the journalist would eschew the usual slobbery licking & segue nicely with, "Speaking of Russia Mrs. Clinton, can we talk a bit about all of those Russiagate lies we now know you either invented with your staff or paid for with campaign funds?"
The look on Hillary's smirking puss would most definitely be "must see TV."
Hey, maybe it would actually blow up like a cartoon mushroom cloud.
I also saw Pfizer's Superbowl ad last night about the jaw dropping wonders of "the science."
Mysteriously they left out the part about the $3.5 billion in fines they paid for subverting "the science," lying about "the science," bribing doctors & regulators to lie & subvert "the science" & censoring any other scientists who didn't agree with Pfizer's version of "the science."
You know Bill studied in Moscow right? I am not saying there is anything wrong with that but Hillary's vitriol strikes me as thou doth protest too muchish.
You are not dumb. I am.old and remember it from his resume when he ran for President originally. I was so thrilled to have a member of my generation as President. But the thrill did not last long. In part because of the lack of character and in part because I found Hillary so very off-putting.
"...new forms of digital pressure that have me worried about the site’s independence"
Is this something you're able to elaborate on?
If Substack becomes like the other platforms I will save a lot of money. Sad.
If "Substack becomes like the other platforms," the "freedom movement" will have suffered a major loss in a key battle in this war - perhaps similar to the South losing at Gettysburg.
But . . . we will still be here, looking for truth, and the truth will still be out there, waiting to be discovered.
Funny how so many in our community of readers are dreading the moment that the last lights of truth are winkled out. Anyone notice how nervous the censors have gotten lately? I think it's also likely that journalism on Substack is going to influence other platforms.
Totally agree. I would love to hear more about what this pressure is. I am a Substack refugee precisely to enjoy journalism without pressure.
I would like to hear more too. Substack has been a relief for me as a writer because I can reach my audience without the dreadful gatekeepers who are worried about trigger warnings and sensitivity readers.
Ditto that. I would love to know more ... when Matt feels it's okay to say more.
Meantime, thanks for the heads-up, Matt.
This jumped out at me too. Matt, we want to know more about this. Email us away from Substack if you must, you can download your subscribers's list.
Never comment here but yes, this is what I came to ask about.
Substack's contrarian authors - real journalists - are hitting way too close to far-too-many vulnerable targets.
The world's Shadow Rulers have to do something about this "threat." It would not fit their m.o. to just shrug their shoulders and say, "What the heck? Let's allow free speech to exist on Substack."
Exactly. They will strike down all opposition to their narrative, starting with the sites they deem most dangerous, due to either popularity or closeness to the target.
I've read elsewhere that there is a push from DOJ to spread the notion that substack is a haven for Nazi Klansmen intent on inciting domestic terrorism. It begins by delegitimizing the leading voices.... like members of Congress calling Taibbi and Shellenberger "so-called journalists".
Those labels come from “so-called public servants” so it’s a badge of honor, but when those self-serving traitors to their country and species have the power to regulate our “so-called journalist” it is a bit worrisome.
Love (sort of) NPR labeling the guy who went to Moscow recently to interview Putin "propagandist Tucker Carlson." Not "journalist." Not even "former Fox personality." Well, at least they demonstrate that Pravda-style news is as ubiquitous in this country as it used to be in Russia.
Some government agencies aren't above partnering with NGOs to start up their own phony Nazi and/or racist Substacks, in order to discredit Substack.
Exactly right. That seems to be the case with the FBI and social media censorship.
10-4. Jeff. I wrote about this effort to save Substack from the Nazis a couple of months ago. But I linked to another author who has done a deep dive into this initiative. His work shows us who is behind this program - and the Nazi tactics these people use.
https://billricejr.substack.com/p/and-so-it-begins?utm_source=profile&utm_medium=reader2
Read your posted link and found it a good assessment. I've only been reading articles on Substack for a year, But I've yet to run across a Nazi. Guess the liberal Nazis don't post on here.
Thanks, Bill!
Seems like being called a "so-called journalist" is a badge of honor when it's a member of Congress calling you that!
Especially by "so-called Representative" Plaskett (USVI-D).
I'm a subscriber of "Simplicius' garden of knowledge", a prolific war-analyst (on Ukraine). He's clearly pro-Russian, but he elaborates his points thoroughly with facts and videos. He also admits when he doesn't know the answer...
Some weeks ago the usual suspects startet to smear him.
They also tried to hit on the soft spot of every journalist (and every men): They wanted "stripe" to cancel its financial relations to Simplicius. It's clear that if you can't earn any money with your work you're dead. Why hiring an assassin when you can silence someone by destroying his (or her) financial base? It worked very well in Canada against the Truckers...
Simplicius had to prove that he wasn't breaking any rules of "stripe", but it's a clear sign that deep state would love to stop his work.
By the way: "Substack" was not involved in it, the founders were always committed to their ideals.
But I'm sure that some deep-state-people love to see "Substack" fail. It too much real journalism for them.
Yes, please elaborate.
Agreed, ESPECIALLY as a fellow Substack writer. I’d really like to know what your concerns are. Huge red flag for me.
I would very much like an explanation just to know what is going on. And your work sells itself.
“If you want me to get into it, I will, but essentially I’m trying to find ways to get around certain new forms of digital pressure that have me worried about the site’s independence.”, if this is something you are comfortable sharing more about it would be interesting to understand. Considering that this is your blog, what are the independence issues that you are contending with?
I would certainly tant to know about this too. I truste you, what you allure to is too important a point to be let aide. So tes tell un more about your sorties.
Likely it's through the payment system. I heard there was something going on with Stripe.
I'm a Substack author. I can confirm that strange things are happening to people who are TRYING to become paid subscribers at my newsletter.
Matt just posted an update to clarify.
Matt, just wanted you to know that your work is profoundly important at this moment in time. You're one of a very few that can be trusted to tell the truth and to illuminate the far corners of a story. To you and Walter - Thanks!
Couldn’t agree more! Thank you for all you do. Your conversations with Walter are a highlight of my week!
“Get into it” - please. We need to know what you’re facing as our paid subscriptions support not just you but the Substack service. If they’re exerting pressure that limits independence we need to know.
More legitimate journalism in more places is beneficial to everyone.
We're with you, Matt, and we trust your judgement. Thanks for the heads-up.
Matt please explore additional platforms as it increases your reach to new audiences
Love your work and efforts to right the ship
Give 'em hell, Matt. ✌️
Matt, you and your family have been incredibly generous TO US. You have worked tirelessly to find truth and to bring it to us overnight. The live video of you and Walter commenting while Biden gave that rosary press conference was epic. Matt, you’re a hero.
💯
If Substack is caving, I’m out. I can’t support “independent writers” on a compromised platform.
Not surprising that there would be "pressure" coming as we enter a big election year, but it would be interesting to know what form it is taking. Both of the megaparties are facing serious problems with both their bases and with independents, so they will clearly want as much information control as possible.
They are doing it with the payment processors - Stripe. But also probably Pay-Pal. Ko-fi is another way Substack authors earn "tips" for their writing. Ko-fi has just announced changes to their "terms" of participation. These new terms seem to deal with keeping Ko-fi a "safe" place for users and the fight against - you guessed it .... disinformation.
Thanks for the info. This is why one of the most effective ways of combatting online speech policing is demanding anti-trust enforcement and eliminating regulations that have been more effective at creating monopolies than protecting consumers. It doesn’t matter what legislation we put in place if consumers do not have viable alternatives when companies start caving to the eyes in the sky.
Et tu, Substack?
Please elaborate.
“I’m trying to find ways to get around certain new forms of digital pressure that have me worried about the site’s independence.”
Yes, we would like you to get into it :)
Keep it up -- shoot the juice to the moose and TURN IT LOOSE!
Worth every penny. Mafeesh faloos!
I tell you Matt, after watching Hillary "My Jowls Are Sociopaths" Clinton being interviewed on MSNBC last week about Carlson & Putin I've learned a new level of appreciation for journalists who aren't fawning lapdogs to power.
The MSNBC hack gave Hillary such an amazing tongue bath I was left wondering why she didn't just drop to her knees & cunning Hillary's lingus for a while.
Then I started imagining an actual journalist conducting the interview. In that scenario, after Hillary blathers on windily about "useful idiot" Carlson and the nefarious evil of Vlad the Impaler, the journalist would eschew the usual slobbery licking & segue nicely with, "Speaking of Russia Mrs. Clinton, can we talk a bit about all of those Russiagate lies we now know you either invented with your staff or paid for with campaign funds?"
The look on Hillary's smirking puss would most definitely be "must see TV."
Hey, maybe it would actually blow up like a cartoon mushroom cloud.
I also saw Pfizer's Superbowl ad last night about the jaw dropping wonders of "the science."
Mysteriously they left out the part about the $3.5 billion in fines they paid for subverting "the science," lying about "the science," bribing doctors & regulators to lie & subvert "the science" & censoring any other scientists who didn't agree with Pfizer's version of "the science."
Weird, eh?
Probably just a minor oversight.
You know Bill studied in Moscow right? I am not saying there is anything wrong with that but Hillary's vitriol strikes me as thou doth protest too muchish.
Ha! No. I'm dumb. I didn't know that.
Also fits in with the Dem's favorite hobby of projection.
You are not dumb. I am.old and remember it from his resume when he ran for President originally. I was so thrilled to have a member of my generation as President. But the thrill did not last long. In part because of the lack of character and in part because I found Hillary so very off-putting.
I voted for Bilbo for his 1st term. Only winning vote I've ever cast. Quickly grew to regret it though. Passed on his 2nd term.