Craft Chat Not Quite a Pyramid Scheme

[BrianY]

I have noticed a sharp increase personal replies to my pitches and proposals. Not because they're better in some way, but rather, because these agents and editors want me to buy subscriptions to their Substack pages. I'm reminded of the days when people would pollute every conversation with pleas to join the "downline" (or whatever they called it) for one of those multi-level marketing schemes.

These sorts of sales pitches make me ask what I'm paying for. As a subscriber, do I have more access? Am I more likely to make a deal? It reeks of sleaze.

After all, how many agent, editor, or even writer newsletters can I read? Do I need to read about the deals made by agents who never had any intention of repping me, but are happy that they've gotten a few bucks from me?

Is Substack anything more than a shakedown? Is there any potential at all?

 

[Sedayne]

I find myself subscribed to a few Substacks but just the free versions. I can't remember how or why I came to be signed up to them. They are mildly interesting, but I haven't been tempted to fork out for any paid content because I'd rather be writing than wasting my time reading endless blogs by people I don't know and am not especially interested in.
It's never occurred to me that it might be some kind of scam. I've always taken Substack to be what it says it is - a bit of free content and more for those who pay to subscribe.
I'd be interested to know if those who do have paid subscriptions feel they get any value.