Lately I’ve been questioning my relationship with email, with my connection to technology in general. I love my iPhone and I’ve had the same one for about 7 years (I refuse to upgrade, just because it costs like a thousand dollars 🤨), and I check my email every day. Like most people I crave some kind of validation from the world, and yet at the same time I want to be left alone. I don’t want any more marketing emails (there’s just too many!), and as for newsletters….well, correct me if I’m wrong but there are tons of talented writers whose newsletters I would love to read BUT there just isn’t enough time in the day to do so, given that I also want to read BOOKS way more. Books are important to me, because it’s a commitment, rather a quick hit of dopamine, or an excuse to scroll. Besides, I love immersing myself in a story or learn something new from a nonfiction book that someone has spent countless hours on.
All of which is to say—I don’t want you all to think I’ve disappeared off the earth. I’m thinking about shortening this newsletter. Less text, more images. Perhaps a few of my (awfully awkward) drawings? A dose of inspiration? Something to ponder for the weekend?
Let me know what you think by taking the poll below!
It is sad to see how so many have made bad use of email. As email addresses are compiled and sold we then get unwanted messages. I get over 100 messages a day that I just delete without reading.
I get it. I feel inundated by so many good newsletters that it’s just becoming noise in my head. I really need to step back and let some light and space in, and a few good books:-)
Hi there Hoang! I've been thinking a lot about your post and wanted to encourage you to do whatever brings you joy. One of the great things about having a newsletter is that you can do whatever you like. Keep in mind that it often takes a lot more work to be concise, so sending out something shorter could easily take more time.
You bring up a good point Marg. I do find that it can be difficult to reduce my word count than not, so perhaps shorter isn’t always better…. But it’s something I keep seesawing back and forth, knowing that everyone’s time is valuable including mine so it may not be good to always do longer posts because they do take more time! I will have to keep thinking about this and your advice in mind, and try to think of a happy medium 😊
It is sad to see how so many have made bad use of email. As email addresses are compiled and sold we then get unwanted messages. I get over 100 messages a day that I just delete without reading.
I get it. I feel inundated by so many good newsletters that it’s just becoming noise in my head. I really need to step back and let some light and space in, and a few good books:-)
Thanks for your comment Susan. Perhaps you might be interested in this previous post about books ? ☺️ https://hoangsamuelson.substack.com/p/a-year-of-reading
Hi there Hoang! I've been thinking a lot about your post and wanted to encourage you to do whatever brings you joy. One of the great things about having a newsletter is that you can do whatever you like. Keep in mind that it often takes a lot more work to be concise, so sending out something shorter could easily take more time.
You bring up a good point Marg. I do find that it can be difficult to reduce my word count than not, so perhaps shorter isn’t always better…. But it’s something I keep seesawing back and forth, knowing that everyone’s time is valuable including mine so it may not be good to always do longer posts because they do take more time! I will have to keep thinking about this and your advice in mind, and try to think of a happy medium 😊