EVERYTHING I'VE LEARNED FROM STARTING AN ALT SUBSTACK

A virtual AMA

Sup fam!

It has come to my attention that many of you are interested in (or at least munching whimsically at the idea of) starting your own Substack and would like some advice. When I launched Rave New World in 2019, all I knew is that trad media was dying and I needed a new platform to write about raving and drugs—in my own crazy gonzo style. Over the years, it’s become a lifeline, opening up horizons that I couldn’t even imagine—and at the same time, presenting all kinds of challenges and annoying shit I’ve had to work around.

So many writers (and non-journalists) are now flocking to Substack, which has moved from the periphery to the center of the media ecosystem; as the space gets more saturated, I think it’s important to consider whether this is really right for you.

While this newsletter is such a powerful tool for reporting on subcultural subjects, I think starting your own platform is a big shift that requires new ways of thinking about engagement and the dissemination of (sub)cultural information—especially if you’re interested in writing about the underground. This Friday, I’ll be hosting our next virtual hang for subscribers, where I’ll do a brief presentation on my journey as a Substacker writing about “alt” subjects, and then take any of your questions.

The meeting will last about an hour, and is open to all paid subscribers. Everyone is welcome, even if you’re just curious or bored and want to gab. The video link is after the paywall—hope to see you at the hang!