The Future of Substack: A New Credit System for Authors and Readers Alike
A proposed credit system for Substack authors to encourage community growth and improve the quality of publications.
Summary: This blog post explores a new idea for Substack: the implementation of an author credit score system. By allowing authors to earn credits based on their post scores, the platform can foster a stronger sense of community, improve content quality, and offer new authors more opportunities for growth. The post also discusses the pros and cons of this proposed system for the platform, authors, and readers.
Keywords: Substack, author credit scores, community growth, publication quality, content improvement, platform benefits
Image by: DALL-E
As you dive into this engaging blog post, why not enhance your reading experience with some recommended music? I've curated a list of tunes that perfectly complement the content, setting the mood for an immersive and enjoyable read. So, grab your headphones or turn up your speakers, and let these melodies be the soundtrack to your journey through this blog post. Happy reading and listening!
"Chillhop Essentials" by Chillhop Music
Café del Mar 25th Anniversary by Café Del Mar
"Lo-Fi Beats to Study and Relax" by Lofi Hip-Hop Beats
"Reading and Studying Music" by Study Music & Reading Music
"The Most Relaxing Piano Album in the World...Ever!"
Introduction
As a new Substack author with just ten posts under my belt and a handful of fantastic subscribers, I have experienced firsthand the potential that Substack has to offer. The platform is filled with valuable content and insights, yet I can't help but feel that there is room for improvement in terms of community building and accessibility to quality information for authors.
As Twitter enters the publication realm, there's a risk that Substack could become a closed "cult-like" platform, which is far from ideal. Instead, we should strive for a more inclusive and supportive environment that enables authors to reach wider audiences and improve the quality of their publications. That's why I propose the introduction of an author credit score system on Substack.
The Credit Score System
At its core, the credit score system is relatively simple, though it may require more complex backend implementation. Authors would use credits to subscribe to other publications, and by opting into the credit score system, they could earn credits based on the success of their own posts.
Readers would provide a score to each post using a set of predetermined metrics, which could include factors such as readability, relevance, and quality. Substack's own scoring system would then combine with the reader-generated scores to determine an author's overall credit score. To prevent abuse, this scoring system would only be available from the 10th publication onwards, with retroactive credits applied.
Similar to Bitcoin's "halving" mechanism, the number of credits an author receives would decrease over time, based on their historical credit accumulation. This helps ensure a balance within the system, as well as manage the platform's resources effectively. It also allows smaller or newer authors to level up and prevents any unforeseen negative impacts due to disparities between "big" and "small" publishers.
As an added bonus, authors could use their credits to gift subscriptions (either full or at a considerable discount) to other authors' publications. The type of gift, whether a full subscription or a discounted one, would be decided by the owner of the post. This approach would further increase reach and foster a sense of community among Substack authors.
Transparency and Credibility
For the credit system to be successful, it must be transparent and credible. By making the process clear and open, Substack can avoid the pitfalls that have plagued other social media platforms. Authors and readers alike need to have faith in the system for it to work, and that can only be achieved through honesty and openness.
"Great content is the best sales tool in the world." - Marcus Sheridan, "Everybody Writes"
Pros and Cons
As with any new system, there are pros and cons to consider. For the platform itself, implementing the author credit score system could lead to improved content quality and more engaged users, ultimately boosting its reputation and drawing in more authors and readers. However, it could also be resource-intensive to develop and maintain, and there's a risk of the system being gamed or abused.
For authors, the benefits include increased reach, better access to valuable content, and a more supportive community. On the flip side, there's the potential for increased competition, and some may feel that the system is unfair or biased in some way.
Finally, for the wider public, the credit system could lead to better access to quality content and a more transparent platform. However, there's a risk that some may view the system as exclusive or difficult to understand, potentially discouraging new users from joining Substack.
Conclusion
From my perspective as a fledgling Substack author, the introduction of an author credit score system has the potential to significantly improve the platform. By incentivizing authors to produce quality content and engage with other publications, we can foster a stronger sense of community and encourage collaboration.
The credit system could also help level the playing field for smaller and newer authors, ensuring that everyone has a fair chance to grow their audience and succeed on the platform. By offering subscription gifts or discounts using earned credits, authors can expand their reach and help one another gain visibility.
Of course, there are drawbacks to consider, and it's important to approach the implementation of such a system with care and consideration. Substack must ensure transparency and credibility to avoid the pitfalls that have affected other platforms. Additionally, efforts should be made to prevent gaming or abuse of the system, while also addressing any concerns about fairness or bias.
In conclusion, the author credit score system offers an intriguing and potentially valuable solution for Substack to foster growth, improve content quality, and encourage a more inclusive and supportive community. As the platform continues to evolve and adapt to an ever-changing digital landscape, it's crucial to explore new ideas and opportunities that can help authors and readers alike thrive in this exciting space.
As you embark on your journey through these insightful books, consider exploring the following reading companions to enrich your experience:
For "Everybody Writes: Your Go-To Guide to Creating Ridiculously Good Content" by Ann Handley, try listening to "The Most Relaxing Piano Album in the World...Ever!" This calming piano music will help you focus and reflect on the valuable tips and strategies presented in the book, enhancing your learning experience.
While reading "The Content Code: Six Essential Strategies to Ignite Your Content, Your Marketing, and Your Business" by Mark Schaefer, consider tuning into “Music Chill - Jazz” by Instrumental Music Chill. These soothing, ambient tracks will create the perfect atmosphere for absorbing Schaefer's key strategies and applying them to your content marketing efforts.
Pairing these books with the suggested music will create an immersive and engaging learning experience, allowing you to delve deeper into the world of content creation and marketing. Happy reading and listening!
Great gifts that I love and actually used to create this post:
SOUNDANCE - Aluminum Ergonomic Laptop Stand
As you share this captivating blog post with your friends and followers, don't forget to mention the music recommendations that accompany the reading experience! Let them know that by tuning in to the suggested playlists, they'll be able to fully immerse themselves in the content, making it even more enjoyable and engaging.
By sharing the blog post and its music recommendations, you'll be helping others to discover valuable insights while also creating an enjoyable and memorable reading experience for them. Happy sharing!
As you finish this engaging blog post, I'd love to hear your thoughts! Your feedback helps us refine our content to better suit your interests. Don't hesitate to leave a comment below, sharing your insights, questions, or personal experiences related to the topic.
Your comment will not only spark lively discussion but also connect you with like-minded readers and the author. Let's build a vibrant, supportive community that learns and grows together!
I can't wait to read your comments and continue the conversation. Happy commenting!