Very nice post, Ronald. The recommendation not to use notes is a good one. I don't use them either, and I don't think we should be finding anything through algorithms. Honestly, finding 1-2 sources (channel, Substack, etc.) is enough. The only reason people go after more is because they have an instinct to seek information that has become maladaptive in a world with informational surplus. But 1-2 sources are easy to find _without_ an algorithm (such as yours, that I found on PL). And that's typically how many you'd find in real life before the internet. So be happy with that and use the remaining time you have for contemplation, I'd say!
Hey Jason, thanks for reading and your thoughtful comment! I don't necessarily think Notes is a bad thing, but I do feel people tend to rely on social networks (as sources for *new* information) too much. I guess a lot of younger people might don't even know better? - they don't know the "good old days" ;-) where you simple could Google stuff and end up on a website like Photography Life to find information on what you were looking for.
Since I found you and found your mega list o’photographers, I took your advice (even before you gave it) and spend some wonderful time each day browsing photographer’s craft.
I love connecting with people that have different specialties but share of love for photography.
Thank you again for the list and for this great article.
Since my posts are about the locations I have been, I try to limit my text and make it more about the photos of these locations, so others can see the beauty all around us whereever we go.
I picked photographers that were sharing photos of their journeys too, rather than those who just talk about photography, (not that I don't have plenty more to learn), because in that way I am sharing in their journeys as well.
You had some really great photos too. My favorites were the flora under the water, the waterfall, and the trail to the beach.
As a photographer I loathe the word content in terms of using it for the art we create. It now sounds so disposable and…kind of icky. It lessens the value of our art.
Great advice Ronald - I do restack peoples work in notes to support them and spread the word about an article but I don't tend to scroll through notes and rarely post a photo there. I love the connection I get from reading an article someone has lovingly put together and interacting with the writer on each one.
I don't necessarily think Notes is a bad thing - it's indeed a way to support peoples work (and for others to find it). But I think actually reading (long-form) articles/posts and leaving a thoughtful comment has a bit more meaning than mindlessly scrolling an endless feed and clicking that "like" button 60 times per minute ;-)
I agree with you, Ronald. I joined Substack earlier this year because I wanted to connect with other photographers, and I’ve found it very rewarding to read people’s publications and have meaningful exchanges through the comments. Scrolling through the Notes section doesn’t offer the same sense of engagement, so I don’t spend much time there.
That good old RSS reader… I use Unread for quiet some time and it works wonderfull! Maybe it’s an idea to share some interesting blogs in the comments ?
Anyway, thanks for sharing Ronald, I’m still learning with Substack 😉
Hm ... we could start something like that yes. If you have any, feel free to post them in a comment ;-) Glad my posts are of any use. If you have any questions, just let us know!
Well said, Ronald! I completely agree with you. Most of my Substack enjoyment comes from newsletters rather than Notes (which can lead you down rabbit holes you probably don’t want).
Good advice. I treat Notes as nonessential content, and only browse Notes occasionally. But part of the reason for that is all the notes from people I don't subscribe to. At least the algorithm only feeds me notes on photography.
I have to admit, so far the Notes-algorithm does work okay for me as well. Every now and then I do click on the "For you"-tab and do see mostly photography-stuff (at least I didn't have to block anything so far). But that's today - who knows what it'll be in the (near) future. Thanks for your comment Kevin!
Thanks for the Aminus3 mention Ronald! I like that Substack offers Notes as a way to make more lightweight content aside from a full newsletter. Plus it is good for the photo prompt format for people to quickly share an image without having to make a whole post about it.
Though it does dilute the whole thing into a more traditional social media experience with all of the same trappings such as posting for likes, endless scrolling, "now trending" news feeds (really freaking hate that latest addition), and these kind of things.
Very nice post, Ronald. The recommendation not to use notes is a good one. I don't use them either, and I don't think we should be finding anything through algorithms. Honestly, finding 1-2 sources (channel, Substack, etc.) is enough. The only reason people go after more is because they have an instinct to seek information that has become maladaptive in a world with informational surplus. But 1-2 sources are easy to find _without_ an algorithm (such as yours, that I found on PL). And that's typically how many you'd find in real life before the internet. So be happy with that and use the remaining time you have for contemplation, I'd say!
Hey Jason, thanks for reading and your thoughtful comment! I don't necessarily think Notes is a bad thing, but I do feel people tend to rely on social networks (as sources for *new* information) too much. I guess a lot of younger people might don't even know better? - they don't know the "good old days" ;-) where you simple could Google stuff and end up on a website like Photography Life to find information on what you were looking for.
Since I found you and found your mega list o’photographers, I took your advice (even before you gave it) and spend some wonderful time each day browsing photographer’s craft.
I love connecting with people that have different specialties but share of love for photography.
Thank you again for the list and for this great article.
Hi Chris, nice to hear you're having a good time here ;-)
Since my posts are about the locations I have been, I try to limit my text and make it more about the photos of these locations, so others can see the beauty all around us whereever we go.
I picked photographers that were sharing photos of their journeys too, rather than those who just talk about photography, (not that I don't have plenty more to learn), because in that way I am sharing in their journeys as well.
You had some really great photos too. My favorites were the flora under the water, the waterfall, and the trail to the beach.
Thank you Sheryl! What you describe is a great way to "select" who to follow or not. We can't keep track of everyone :)
As a photographer I loathe the word content in terms of using it for the art we create. It now sounds so disposable and…kind of icky. It lessens the value of our art.
The word content is so generic. It can be anything. And what we do is anything but "any thing" ;-)
Solid photos, solid advice.
A solid Thanks mate! :)
Some great tips. Indeed better to follow recommendations instead of scrolling the 'For you' section. Thanks for naming Darkrooms. Appreciate it.
You're welcome Marcel. Darkrooms is an awesome resource for anyone interested in photography!
Great advice Ronald - I do restack peoples work in notes to support them and spread the word about an article but I don't tend to scroll through notes and rarely post a photo there. I love the connection I get from reading an article someone has lovingly put together and interacting with the writer on each one.
I don't necessarily think Notes is a bad thing - it's indeed a way to support peoples work (and for others to find it). But I think actually reading (long-form) articles/posts and leaving a thoughtful comment has a bit more meaning than mindlessly scrolling an endless feed and clicking that "like" button 60 times per minute ;-)
I agree with you, Ronald. I joined Substack earlier this year because I wanted to connect with other photographers, and I’ve found it very rewarding to read people’s publications and have meaningful exchanges through the comments. Scrolling through the Notes section doesn’t offer the same sense of engagement, so I don’t spend much time there.
Agree, that's how I feel about it too. Seeing all the comments, I guess we are not the only ones ;-) Thanks Todd for your comment!
That good old RSS reader… I use Unread for quiet some time and it works wonderfull! Maybe it’s an idea to share some interesting blogs in the comments ?
Anyway, thanks for sharing Ronald, I’m still learning with Substack 😉
Hm ... we could start something like that yes. If you have any, feel free to post them in a comment ;-) Glad my posts are of any use. If you have any questions, just let us know!
Well said, Ronald! I completely agree with you. Most of my Substack enjoyment comes from newsletters rather than Notes (which can lead you down rabbit holes you probably don’t want).
Good to hear Mark! Seems we are not the only ones preferring the publications over the quick-bites-Notes.
Good advice. I treat Notes as nonessential content, and only browse Notes occasionally. But part of the reason for that is all the notes from people I don't subscribe to. At least the algorithm only feeds me notes on photography.
I have to admit, so far the Notes-algorithm does work okay for me as well. Every now and then I do click on the "For you"-tab and do see mostly photography-stuff (at least I didn't have to block anything so far). But that's today - who knows what it'll be in the (near) future. Thanks for your comment Kevin!
Thanks for the Aminus3 mention Ronald! I like that Substack offers Notes as a way to make more lightweight content aside from a full newsletter. Plus it is good for the photo prompt format for people to quickly share an image without having to make a whole post about it.
Though it does dilute the whole thing into a more traditional social media experience with all of the same trappings such as posting for likes, endless scrolling, "now trending" news feeds (really freaking hate that latest addition), and these kind of things.
You're welcome Jason. And yes, for things like the weekly photo prompt, Notes is indeed helpful. That's how "social" networks should work, right?