Just read this in @Julian's monthly newsletter where he says the bloggers least worth reading are the ones who publish regularly.

He says he regrets following people who publish newsletters weekly.

I... think I agree, though can't tell if this is cope for my own inconsistency.
So let's look at the options.

The usual case for publishing a weekly newsletter is that it's a forcing function to get you to read and think on a consistent basis.

Which is true, but it doesn't mean that what you put out on a weekly basis is any good.

It's just not nothing.
What about only publishing when you feel you have something interesting to say?

That leaves a lot of space for self-deception and perfectionism.

"yeeaah I'm having lots of ideas but meeh they're not great I'll have some better ones later"

Again, maybe true, also maybe cope.
I do feel like my best newsletters are the ones that were either 'off schedule' or after a bit of a break.

In fact although I've published a respectable number of newsletters in the last two years, I also consistently fail to do it consistently (also a theme in my life)
At least in these parts, we've long since passed newsletter overload.

I receive lots but don't read many. I wonder how much of this is because they're on a weekly cadence.

To be as uncharitable as possible for argument's sake, they devolve into "bland insights + some links"
Truth is that the frame of weekly newsletters is much more about the writer than the reader.

Committing to a weekly cadence means you get the reps in, you are forced to publish *something*, which is often the blocker for new writers, and it helps for audience building.
I am unqualified to disagree with @Julian but I'll do so on one point anyway (gasp) - I think there is value in high volume, regular publishing...

... but it doesn't need to be a newsletter.

I use my Notebook for this since it doesn't get broadcast.

michaelashcroft.org/writing
So I guess here's my position...

Weekly newsletter writing is helpful at first to build confidence, skill and audience, but it can become a hindrance.

Publishing regularly (at least writing regularly) is good for creative output.

michaelashcroft.org/notebook/greas…
And I agree that publishing a consistent, regular newsletter is a helpful forcing function, as long as it's sufficiently infrequent that it gives you enough time to have, reflect on, and synthesise insights that are worth your readers' time.

Perhaps this comes later on the path.
Finally, there's the common assertion that you should send your newsletter on the same day of the week, maybe even call it something like "Nuesday Newsletter" so that your readers expect/look forward to it.

Frankly I wouldn't notice if anyone I subscribed to missed a week or two
Again this is more a forcing function for your own needs as a writer than because it reflects any particular need of the reader (I think).

If someone I haven't heard from in a month emails me with a compelling subject line, I'm *more* inclined to open it than if it's weekly.
Anyway you can sign up to my newsletter here and you will receive it when you least expect it

michaelashcroft.org/newsletter
partly because I don't know when I'll send it either
By the way none of this should be read as a subtweet of anyone's weekly newsletter, keep on doing what you're doing

• • •

Missing some Tweet in this thread? You can try to force a refresh
 

Keep Current with Michael Ashcroft

Michael Ashcroft Profile picture

Stay in touch and get notified when new unrolls are available from this author!

Read all threads

This Thread may be Removed Anytime!

PDF

Twitter may remove this content at anytime! Save it as PDF for later use!

Try unrolling a thread yourself!

how to unroll video
  1. Follow @ThreadReaderApp to mention us!

  2. From a Twitter thread mention us with a keyword "unroll"
@threadreaderapp unroll

Practice here first or read more on our help page!

More from @m_ashcroft

14 Sep
Literally just had a nightmare about ghosts and woke up with my heart racing at 5am, how’s everyone else doing? 😂
No Oura I’m pretty sure I had more REM than that, because you know, all the ghosts
Yo @Grimhood if someone were to take too large a megadose of thiamine just before bed what might that do to sleep? 😂

I tried a new powder form in water and yeah probably underestimated how much was on the spoon thing
Read 4 tweets
13 Sep
I've decided to stop doing launches for my course for reasons I'll explain in more detail soon.

This means that my Alexander Technique online course is now available for purchase any time if you are the kind of person who might want to buy it.

There is hype in the quoted tweet
The fact that I can tweet and then someone gives me $250 is wild
I must use this power only for good
Read 5 tweets
12 Sep
The more time I spend outside the happier I feel.

The more time I spend inside the unhappier I feel.

I resolve to spend as much time outside as I can manage, even to the extent of changing my lifestyle, work and where I live.
Read 4 tweets
27 Aug
Went to the theatre last night. If anyone around London can go see Paradise by Kae Tempest at the NT I *highly* recommend it.
And if you don’t know who Kae Tempest is, treat yourself:

open.spotify.com/track/3I5vi9Xb…
Read 4 tweets
26 Aug
New note on the mental reframe I made that helped me see that quitting my job was actually a no-regrets move.

michaelashcroft.org/notebook/quitt…
By the way I am very open to talk about this stuff if it's helpful, please ask me questions if you want!

Hmm I should stop tagging @sashachapin because I always end up chatting a bit after I tag him
Read 4 tweets

Did Thread Reader help you today?

Support us! We are indie developers!


This site is made by just two indie developers on a laptop doing marketing, support and development! Read more about the story.

Become a Premium Member ($3/month or $30/year) and get exclusive features!

Become Premium

Too expensive? Make a small donation by buying us coffee ($5) or help with server cost ($10)

Donate via Paypal Become our Patreon

Thank you for your support!

Follow Us on Twitter!

:(