Yet Substack is launching a TV platform...this is why the written word, on paper, is the only way to ultimately be free of algorithms and data harvesting.
In this age of AI, the ability to express ideas clearly and precisely has become a genuine advantage. Those who can communicate their thinking with sharpness and articulate their thoughts with clarity are far better equipped to engage with the world.
“The limits of my language mean the limits of my world.”- Wittgenstein
The 'squirting dish soap on an idea' metaphor is genius. Text forces clarity in ways that speaking or thinking alone never will, and thats exactly why podcasts inform but books transform. I've definitely felt that soul-expanding sensation after finishing a great book, and you're right that nothing else replicates it. The permanence of text gives ideas weight that ephemeral media just cant match.
The problem with digital text is the medium it is recorded on, all of which deteriorate or become obsolete, and you need a device on which to read it whereas a book needs no power supply, does not become extinct or deteriorate and is reproducible and if you drop a book it doesn’t break.
I think much of this is beautifully written and that text has affordances that other mediums lack…but the part about podcasts gives me pause. It suggests that language-based narratives in other mediums are always comparatively impoverished. I agree the “reel” is no replacement…but oral traditions are vital across human history and present in many contemporary cultures, and the idea that a person listening to an audiobook or podcast is doing less than someone holding a book doesn’t fit my understanding of accessibility. It diminishes the intellectual and aesthetic labor and engagement of disabled readers and those who come from cultures with strong oral traditions.
There are many awful examples in every medium—including books—and also many stunning ones. I would argue it is the quality of the narrative and its telling that matters most. I think there’s just not enough room in a TikTok for most people to generate a meaningful narrative, and the viewer has little control over what they see—profitable algorithms take the driver’s seat. But language exceeds the page. And I say that as a person who loves writing more than just about any other form of artistic expression. ❤️
We joined Substack exactly because of the power of text and the lack of toxicity, in comparison to what we experienced on other platforms. If we wanted toxic texts or short videos we would have stayed on X, IG or YT.
So, fingers crossed. Do your miracle, Substack community. I believe in you. 🤞
Again, it is well documented that Americans have an extremely high rate (> 80%) of drier ownership, due to convenience, relatively cheap electricity and technology enthralment.
Bfa.org please read footnotes in Ephesians 1 and 1 Timothy 1 to see God’s economy and its importance and significance for His eternal economy. This will give you the best going on to maturity.
Words inspire not only ideas, but worlds, and I say this as both a writer and an artist.
The thing I don't get, especially in fiction, is why I would hand off creating a world and characters and not get the joy of experiencing myself firsthand. There is no substitute for that, as well as the joy of being immersed in that universe. And when you see really good fiction, well-written fiction, this is why there is fan fiction of it, because it is a place that inspires others not only to consume, but participate in it.
Yet Substack is launching a TV platform...this is why the written word, on paper, is the only way to ultimately be free of algorithms and data harvesting.
Haha yes its odd the substack post published the above.
True...
In this age of AI, the ability to express ideas clearly and precisely has become a genuine advantage. Those who can communicate their thinking with sharpness and articulate their thoughts with clarity are far better equipped to engage with the world.
“The limits of my language mean the limits of my world.”- Wittgenstein
Substack writers: the written word must be protected
Substack: yeah anyway here’s another fuckin tv app
The fact that we all enjoyed this enough to comment tells you reading is not dead.
The 'squirting dish soap on an idea' metaphor is genius. Text forces clarity in ways that speaking or thinking alone never will, and thats exactly why podcasts inform but books transform. I've definitely felt that soul-expanding sensation after finishing a great book, and you're right that nothing else replicates it. The permanence of text gives ideas weight that ephemeral media just cant match.
The problem with digital text is the medium it is recorded on, all of which deteriorate or become obsolete, and you need a device on which to read it whereas a book needs no power supply, does not become extinct or deteriorate and is reproducible and if you drop a book it doesn’t break.
Books deteriorate, just not as fast as other media.
And yet Substack is hellbent on ruining its USP by letting in battalions of yapping video content narcissists.
I think much of this is beautifully written and that text has affordances that other mediums lack…but the part about podcasts gives me pause. It suggests that language-based narratives in other mediums are always comparatively impoverished. I agree the “reel” is no replacement…but oral traditions are vital across human history and present in many contemporary cultures, and the idea that a person listening to an audiobook or podcast is doing less than someone holding a book doesn’t fit my understanding of accessibility. It diminishes the intellectual and aesthetic labor and engagement of disabled readers and those who come from cultures with strong oral traditions.
There are many awful examples in every medium—including books—and also many stunning ones. I would argue it is the quality of the narrative and its telling that matters most. I think there’s just not enough room in a TikTok for most people to generate a meaningful narrative, and the viewer has little control over what they see—profitable algorithms take the driver’s seat. But language exceeds the page. And I say that as a person who loves writing more than just about any other form of artistic expression. ❤️
I agree, unless the audio is AI generated. Then it no longer represents "strong oral traditions".
Absolutely! And (actual human) narrators rock.
I don’t watch or listen to podcasts. If you don’t post the text, I won’t see it.
And yet, Substack is foisting on its writers every possible method for talking heads to entertain with spectacle, just like mainstream media. Sheesh.
We joined Substack exactly because of the power of text and the lack of toxicity, in comparison to what we experienced on other platforms. If we wanted toxic texts or short videos we would have stayed on X, IG or YT.
So, fingers crossed. Do your miracle, Substack community. I believe in you. 🤞
Americans will always sacrifice quality for convenience. Convenience often translates to time savings.
I was aghast when I learnt thst Americans use tumble driers even when it's sunny, so wasteful.
Surely you jest! How much sun can you dry with, in a city apartment, or in winter?
Please. Americans’ obsession with driers even when air drying is feasible is well documented.
Define feasible. I hung clothes on a line in the yard until I realized passing trains’ exhaust was making them stink! C’mon, man!
Again, it is well documented that Americans have an extremely high rate (> 80%) of drier ownership, due to convenience, relatively cheap electricity and technology enthralment.
Ultimately, dryers are great. It’s a shame that electricity is expensive in places that hamstring their energy sources.
🤣🤣
That is why God’s written word or speaking is so important.
Bfa.org please read footnotes in Ephesians 1 and 1 Timothy 1 to see God’s economy and its importance and significance for His eternal economy. This will give you the best going on to maturity.
Agree 100%. Beautifully written, thank you:)
100% Start collecting now before they all ((( Disappear ))) Ray Bradbury Fahrenheit 451 🔥🔥
Words inspire not only ideas, but worlds, and I say this as both a writer and an artist.
The thing I don't get, especially in fiction, is why I would hand off creating a world and characters and not get the joy of experiencing myself firsthand. There is no substitute for that, as well as the joy of being immersed in that universe. And when you see really good fiction, well-written fiction, this is why there is fan fiction of it, because it is a place that inspires others not only to consume, but participate in it.