5,000 subscribers!

I’ve reached a milestone with this Substack. Perhaps it’s not a huge one, but it’s a meaningful one for me: 5,000 subscribers.

Lest anyone gets too excited, these aren’t PAID subscribers, so I’m not rich rich rich quite yet! (Alas, rather far from it, as you can see by the lack of badge, I’ve yet to cross even 100 paid subs, though I still hope to, especially since it will give me access to live video). Still, this number represents individuals who have chosen to give one of the greatest currencies there is: their time and attention. If you’re reading this: You’re one of them. Thank you!

When I first started this newsletter, it was after a tiny blog I had kept on WordPress was deleted by my host due to a technical issue. I lost a few essays I really loved and was able to rescue a few others. That’s around the time I had discovered Substack and figured I’d move them here.

Back then my life was rather different, and I wrote these essays primarily for myself—like a journal. I had like 7 readers then (one of whom turned out to be rather famous!)

Once I moved to Substack, I had decided I’d continue writing. Back then, I was still discovering my voice. I’ve been a life-long writer, but outside of the creative type, most of my journalistic pieces (for outlets like WIRED, The Washington Post, Variety, Guardian, Esquire, etc) were written in third person, were not opinion-based, and often involved a lot interviews. They were also completely uncontroversial. I loved that kind of writing. But I’ve also discovered over the past few years that I’m interested in other types of writing too. The kind that put me at risk—stating opinions that not everyone will agree with. Sharing personal experiences or feelings that expose me at time.

At the same time, I’ve always looked to ground my work in rationality. I wanted to write in a conversational manner, while “showing my work.” I don’t want to hit people over the head with my opinions, I simply want them to understand how I got to the conclusions I did. Often, I’m figuring them out as I type.

I don’t have an overly set direction. Things here are a bit…random. But I like to explore the world and our place in it, whether culture, politics, or technology.

Honestly, I assumed I’d give this up a long time ago. I’m sort of lazy…especially without deadlines and pay. But I’ve kept this up, and I’m proud of having kept a promise to myself…and you.

I’ll continue to do so, though I have to balance my labour of love here, with paying the bills, of course. I plan to continue covering topics that helps us think more clearly and critically, explore issues around freedom of speech (which is critical, but also comes with its challenges and negatives), technology like AI, and some lyrical musings here and there. You know, I like to keep things a little bit…random here.

I always appreciate all your comments, they make think & I hope that my writing is useful to you in some way!

📚

Speaking of writing, in case you haven’t heard, I published a book this year: No Apologies: How to Find and Free Your Voice in the Age of Outrage―Lessons for the Silenced Majority.

I also have a podcast: FORBIDDEN CONVERSATIONS.

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☕️ You can support my work with a one-time donation by buying me coffee(s): Here’s how.

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Thank you!