To Substack or not to Substack

May 1, 2026

Here’s an interesting article from The Harvard Crimson that explores the pros (greater reach and community) and cons (inconsistent quality and unpredictable algorithms) of publishing on Substack from an academic perspective.

On a related note, here’s another one for the cons: “Why is Andrew Tate #1 on Substack.”

(h/t Rage Against the Algorithm and Maria Daversa, respectively)

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#rage against the algorithm, #substack, #the harvard crimson

About me

Beyond my freelance work with writers, I’m also the co-founder of the literary magazine Short Reads, the marketing director for Ascender Book Services, the marketing strategist for Off Assignment, a collage artist, and the curator of two email newsletters: Read This and Gluu .

Previously, I spent 16 years as the director of marketing for the literary nonprofit and publisher Creative Nonfiction. And before that I was a fledgling graphic designer, an occasional DJ, an inept book reviewer, an undisciplined fiction writer, the interim GM of a (now successful) restaurant, a film school dropout, the founder of a fake fraternity, a passionate (but decidedly not professional) skateboarder, and an aspiring comic book illustrator.

I live in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, with my wife, two kids, and our giant dog.

I send emails, occasionally.