Subscribed -- though a fairly recent free subscriber -- at 68 I am horrified at how the backlash which started in the 1990s in the US has gained so much momentum. I want to support those fighting back.
I've been a subscriber since early March and often recommend your newsletter to people. I was very sad to see Jezebel shut down - I've read a lot of great pieces on that site over the years. A lot of "traditional" media outlets seem to have shifted to the right over the last 5-10 years so I've pretty much stopped reading most of them. I'm spending a lot more on Substack than I ever spent on "traditional" media subscriptions because I'm getting a lot more value from independent journalists like yourself, writing about our world, free of corporate filters. Thank you!
But from my view, if you’re unable to sell ads on a beloved 16-year-old feminist website with great name recognition during a time when women’s rights are under an unprecedented threat, that says a whole lot more about your business acumen than it does about the quality and importance of the site’s journalism.
It’s not just fickle women(although that might play a small roll). The whole media model and culture is crashing , as it no longer fills its role of informing. Now , it “ influences”, and people sense it and are starting to rebel. Also, the younger generation almost never reads more than in short bursts(think tweets). Anything longer than 50 words takes too long..... their brains are programmed for short, dopamine inducing bursts. All else is boring. Women seem more susceptible to these currents in the culture, and are easily swept on to the next thing.
Very sad to hear. It’s one more bit of evidence for-profit journalism is going the way of the dinosaur, with this news and watching the New York Times pretend its polls have meaning and all but begging for a horse race, and the Washington Post assigning 17 reporters to a Republican debate which will have no effect on the 2024 election whatsoever.
Marisa welcome to Substack. Leave your handwringing Nazi accusations and barren woke harridan school marm tactics at the door before you walk in thanks.
I welcome any content that breathes life into outlets such as Substack, irrespective of how diametrically opposed I may be to some of the positions they may espouse. The free market needs independent, honest and intelligent discourse as the only viable antidote to the corporate/government/academic censorship cabal. I will not support any form of censorship. When ideas that I may abhor are protected then ideas that I adore are secured. Whether either flourish will be determined in the marketplace of free choice.
Your line "Women are tricky" seems to say it all...sadly. Thank you for being a champion of women and media and the local news scene. Here us roar big and small. Subscribed since Kansas got icky...
Thank you for this honest appraisal about the state of media...particularly media focused on women's voices and women's issues.
Independent media has never been more important.
Subscribed! Long time free rider, finally putting my money where it belongs.
thank you!!
Subscribed -- though a fairly recent free subscriber -- at 68 I am horrified at how the backlash which started in the 1990s in the US has gained so much momentum. I want to support those fighting back.
thanks so much!!
I was a newspaper journalist for most of my career. After my layoff, I knew better than to try to work in newspapers ever again.
I have to congratulate you on your great name. When I was still in a newsroom, I frequently said, "What this place needs is a good handbasket!"
Thank you so much for this. I share your outrage and am grateful for the beautiful way you distilled the essence of this disgusting situation.
I've been a subscriber since early March and often recommend your newsletter to people. I was very sad to see Jezebel shut down - I've read a lot of great pieces on that site over the years. A lot of "traditional" media outlets seem to have shifted to the right over the last 5-10 years so I've pretty much stopped reading most of them. I'm spending a lot more on Substack than I ever spent on "traditional" media subscriptions because I'm getting a lot more value from independent journalists like yourself, writing about our world, free of corporate filters. Thank you!
thanks for the kind words and your support!
I mean, seriously all of this:
But from my view, if you’re unable to sell ads on a beloved 16-year-old feminist website with great name recognition during a time when women’s rights are under an unprecedented threat, that says a whole lot more about your business acumen than it does about the quality and importance of the site’s journalism.
It’s not just fickle women(although that might play a small roll). The whole media model and culture is crashing , as it no longer fills its role of informing. Now , it “ influences”, and people sense it and are starting to rebel. Also, the younger generation almost never reads more than in short bursts(think tweets). Anything longer than 50 words takes too long..... their brains are programmed for short, dopamine inducing bursts. All else is boring. Women seem more susceptible to these currents in the culture, and are easily swept on to the next thing.
Very sad to hear. It’s one more bit of evidence for-profit journalism is going the way of the dinosaur, with this news and watching the New York Times pretend its polls have meaning and all but begging for a horse race, and the Washington Post assigning 17 reporters to a Republican debate which will have no effect on the 2024 election whatsoever.
Thanks for your work.
Lol
Marisa welcome to Substack. Leave your handwringing Nazi accusations and barren woke harridan school marm tactics at the door before you walk in thanks.
I welcome any content that breathes life into outlets such as Substack, irrespective of how diametrically opposed I may be to some of the positions they may espouse. The free market needs independent, honest and intelligent discourse as the only viable antidote to the corporate/government/academic censorship cabal. I will not support any form of censorship. When ideas that I may abhor are protected then ideas that I adore are secured. Whether either flourish will be determined in the marketplace of free choice.
Your line "Women are tricky" seems to say it all...sadly. Thank you for being a champion of women and media and the local news scene. Here us roar big and small. Subscribed since Kansas got icky...
Great Reporting! Look forward to more of your independent interesting writing !
So important that we highlight Women's voices !
You apparently are not familiar with Jezebel if this is a question for you.