As someone who hasn't drunk the Substack kool-aid "yet" something has always seemed off about that platform, especially, as it's preached here by many popular writers here on Medium. It's a little too cultist, if you ask me.

This part I've highlighted really strikes a chord because it underscores a deeper truth about modern digital platforms.

It’s easy to get caught up in the allure of free tools and platforms without considering the long-term costs, especially when those costs are paid in terms of control and independence.

As writers and readers, we need to be mindful of how our participation in these ecosystems feeds into larger, profit-driven agendas.

It’s a powerful reminder that even creative freedom comes with trade-offs in today’s digital landscape.

Thanks for sharing, Joan!