
The Golden era of Substack is over. Now what?


Once you go viral, the temptation is to decipher the formula for how to do it again. Unfortunately, what’s interesting is not always popular. Furthermore, trying to manufacture virality is a surefire way to create saccharine writing and, eventually, cull your own creative vision. Too often, I think we sacrifice slow, chewy art for attention.
About ... See more
About ... See more
I've coined a new theory of the Internet in 2025.
It’s the basis for my new company.
I call it the "Boutique Impact" Theory.
Five years ago, audience was king. Make content, build audience, profit. I know this firsthand. I served 7,000+ Write of Passage and Second Brain students, many of whom wanted to build an audience. Most people sharing on the Int... See more
It’s the basis for my new company.
I call it the "Boutique Impact" Theory.
Five years ago, audience was king. Make content, build audience, profit. I know this firsthand. I served 7,000+ Write of Passage and Second Brain students, many of whom wanted to build an audience. Most people sharing on the Int... See more
Scott Stillman • Will Mannon on Substack
- I didn’t pick a niche . I have often admired and envied people who have their one thing —whether it’s literature, urban planning, art history, sociology, mathematics, architecture, software—because I have never been able to commit like that. The usual advice is to “niche down” if you want to build an audience for your newsletter, but trying to pic