As someone who has just been thinking about all of this and what I want to write about, this couldn’t be better timed! Thanks for giving me some different and better questions to be asking myself so that I can really make the most of getting back into writing
Just recently discovered your writing and have spent the last half hour reading through some of your pieces and it has been SO refreshing! This line really resonated with me "They’re asking branding questions to solve developmental uncertainty"
Been here since July last year. The idea of writing for 3-6 months without the pressure of monetising, positioning or growth resonated. I felt that’s what most of my early writing was. Helpful to read back and see what the throughline was.
And this is another piece that I appreciated; resonated deeply with what I've been thinking. I've been lately really noodling about this idea of "producing uniqueness" which in terms of scarcity really may be one of the things not touched by the coming productivity boom from AI and robotics.
This was one of the best articles I’ve ever read on Substack. You demonstrated your own argument through the post: you talked about psychology, self-knowledge, Carl Jung, and Frankl, all through the lens of your niche. Very inspiring.
What you have written here has touched my Heart and Soul! I have been always feeling restricted on writing strictly within niche and sub niche topics. In one of my YouTube channels, I started creating videos on one topic, that got popular, then, I felt bored with it and tried doing something different, and people are rejecting me for it, as they want the same topic niche over and over again. Really feels like being bullied by my followers over this thing.
I think people who have multiple interests need a different operating system. Niching down will lead to misery in the long run. Thanks you for you rkind words. I appreciate it
The word niche makes want to puke. All the more beautiful it is to see how your brought in the ideas of Jung and Frankl. Two of my favorite thinkers. What a delightful read.
I always find your writing so helpful! You often touch on the exact themes I've been processing. Recently wrote a piece on finding my niche (or not), called "What If I'm Not Meant to Have Just One Thing."
Thank you. Just checked it out. That’s quite a journey. I think people tend to forget that weight loss is not just about the physical aspect but important psychological factors at play as well
Benjamin, I am a career editor and writer for large and small traditional publishers, and am writing a memoir. I rarely pay attention to writers who are writing advice for other writers, however this post is spot on and you have put into words so clearly what is absolutely necessary if one wants to find an audience. Fantastic and much-needed post. Thanks!
Another helpful article. My biggest problem is always getting ahead of myself and not letting the process let the result emerge of its own. Thanks for helping me clarify this
Your niche is how you see, not what you write about." Needed to hear this in week 2. I started The Curiosity Lab to test creator advice publicly and already felt pressure to define exactly what I am.
This reframes it — the niche reveals itself through the writing. The Jung and Frankl references are
a nice touch in a space that usually stops at "pick a topic and post consistently.
What I find fascinating is that I've been organically doing this, which, at times, felt quite frustrating so I thoroughly enjoyed reading this affirming what I've done. Not that I need validation. haha Great read, thanks. It also speaks to the wisdom of elders.
Insightful and helpful. There is a large commercial element of teaching Substack fundamentals, which is great, because as a writer, we have to start a platform sometime, and need to know how to do it; but there are questions you broach that must be running through everybody's head, such as how to present yourself in a genuine way, long-term, once you have some engagement when people start to find you. Substack really is unique, helping contributors share their thoughts and talents with others. You're bringing good stuff to the table!
As someone who has just been thinking about all of this and what I want to write about, this couldn’t be better timed! Thanks for giving me some different and better questions to be asking myself so that I can really make the most of getting back into writing
So glad the timing worked out. I find it always helpful to take time and reflect on this at least once a month
Just recently discovered your writing and have spent the last half hour reading through some of your pieces and it has been SO refreshing! This line really resonated with me "They’re asking branding questions to solve developmental uncertainty"
Thanks Jennifer, I appreciate that. How long have you been on Substack?
Been here since July last year. The idea of writing for 3-6 months without the pressure of monetising, positioning or growth resonated. I felt that’s what most of my early writing was. Helpful to read back and see what the throughline was.
And this is another piece that I appreciated; resonated deeply with what I've been thinking. I've been lately really noodling about this idea of "producing uniqueness" which in terms of scarcity really may be one of the things not touched by the coming productivity boom from AI and robotics.
This was one of the best articles I’ve ever read on Substack. You demonstrated your own argument through the post: you talked about psychology, self-knowledge, Carl Jung, and Frankl, all through the lens of your niche. Very inspiring.
Thanks Douglas that is what I was attempting to do
What you have written here has touched my Heart and Soul! I have been always feeling restricted on writing strictly within niche and sub niche topics. In one of my YouTube channels, I started creating videos on one topic, that got popular, then, I felt bored with it and tried doing something different, and people are rejecting me for it, as they want the same topic niche over and over again. Really feels like being bullied by my followers over this thing.
I think people who have multiple interests need a different operating system. Niching down will lead to misery in the long run. Thanks you for you rkind words. I appreciate it
The word niche makes want to puke. All the more beautiful it is to see how your brought in the ideas of Jung and Frankl. Two of my favorite thinkers. What a delightful read.
Thank you my man! Yes the world needs a drastic reframing of the term Niche!
I always find your writing so helpful! You often touch on the exact themes I've been processing. Recently wrote a piece on finding my niche (or not), called "What If I'm Not Meant to Have Just One Thing."
Thank you. Just checked it out. That’s quite a journey. I think people tend to forget that weight loss is not just about the physical aspect but important psychological factors at play as well
Benjamin, I am a career editor and writer for large and small traditional publishers, and am writing a memoir. I rarely pay attention to writers who are writing advice for other writers, however this post is spot on and you have put into words so clearly what is absolutely necessary if one wants to find an audience. Fantastic and much-needed post. Thanks!
Another helpful article. My biggest problem is always getting ahead of myself and not letting the process let the result emerge of its own. Thanks for helping me clarify this
This hit home. My niche is 'testing what creators claim works' — but I catch myself writing like every other growth newsletter sometimes.
The difference between choosing a niche and actually SOUNDING different is the hard part nobody talks about.
Your niche is how you see, not what you write about." Needed to hear this in week 2. I started The Curiosity Lab to test creator advice publicly and already felt pressure to define exactly what I am.
This reframes it — the niche reveals itself through the writing. The Jung and Frankl references are
a nice touch in a space that usually stops at "pick a topic and post consistently.
What I find fascinating is that I've been organically doing this, which, at times, felt quite frustrating so I thoroughly enjoyed reading this affirming what I've done. Not that I need validation. haha Great read, thanks. It also speaks to the wisdom of elders.
Insightful and helpful. There is a large commercial element of teaching Substack fundamentals, which is great, because as a writer, we have to start a platform sometime, and need to know how to do it; but there are questions you broach that must be running through everybody's head, such as how to present yourself in a genuine way, long-term, once you have some engagement when people start to find you. Substack really is unique, helping contributors share their thoughts and talents with others. You're bringing good stuff to the table!
okay but isn't "you sound like everyone else" also... what everyone else is saying lol
This makes a lot of sense - thank you! 💫🙏🏽