Navigating Online Platforms: Lessons from a Substack Ban Experience
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Chapter 1: My Unexpected Substack Experience
As an online creator, I was aware that bans from writing platforms occurred, but I never anticipated it would happen to me. The shock was even greater knowing it was Substack, a platform known for its 'hands-off' approach to writer-reader connections. They do not enforce stringent rules regarding algorithms or require external publications, aiming to create a direct link between writers and their audiences.
However, I found myself in a situation where their AI mistakenly flagged my publication as spam, leading to an immediate review process. During this review, I had to reach out to their technical support team to clarify my position. Fortunately, Substack's team was supportive, making the ordeal relatively manageable, though any review process can be frustrating.
Before I could talk to someone who reinstated my account, I had to navigate the same AI system that initially flagged me, which required a considerable amount of time and patience. Ultimately, this issue consumed an entire month, a significant period lost in my writing journey.
The Importance of Diversification
One major lesson I gleaned from this experience is the lack of security in relying solely on one platform. Investors often advocate for a diversified portfolio to safeguard against economic downturns and other unpredictable events, a principle that applies to online creators as well. Wealthy individuals often have multiple income streams, adhering to the "don't put all your eggs in one basket" philosophy.
I had previously overlooked this concept in my writing endeavors. Thankfully, at the time of the ban, Substack was not my primary income source, minimizing the financial impact. Over the past year and a half, Substack served more as a supplementary project alongside my full-time work on Medium.
Medium has significantly transformed my life, enabling me to pursue writing full-time and generate a stable income. However, it's crucial to acknowledge that it's a platform owned by someone else, which means they have the authority to ban users at their discretion. This reality instills a certain degree of caution and motivates me to protect my interests.
Recognizing the potential consequences of a single platform shutting down has prompted me to diversify my online presence. By doing so, I aim to ensure that if any unforeseen issues arise, my overall impact will be minimized.
My Strategic Approach
Despite the ban, I intend to keep Substack as an integral part of my strategy moving forward. Additionally, I plan to engage with others on Twitter, invest in stocks, explore cryptocurrencies, and enhance my content creation efforts on Medium. I am also working on completing my next book this year, which will serve as another income stream, and I might even develop an online course based on it.
This marks the start of a new phase for me—one that provides the freedom to write without constant worry about potential setbacks. Ultimately, my goal is to establish multiple income streams that can contribute to my financial success.
Final Reflections
I share my experience not to criticize Substack or any other platform with specific guidelines, but as a reminder of the challenges we can face in the online realm. These platforms are not inherently adversarial, but unexpected situations can arise, making it essential for us to take proactive measures to safeguard our interests.
Creating a buffer through diversification has been a crucial lesson for me. By sharing my insights, I hope to foster a sense of community and encourage others to learn from both successes and mistakes. Together, we can strengthen our collective experience and avoid common pitfalls.
What strategies are you implementing to protect your online presence?
This video provides insights on the author's journey over the past year and a half on Substack, as well as the motivations behind their decision to leave the platform.