My personal solution (and it is just that, a personal solution, so I'm not giving advice!) is to avoid repetition. Once I have understood something, or been informed of something, I avoid anything that is clearly going over the same ground. This cuts through a huge amount of content which is trying to evince some emotion about something that numerous others are also emotional about. If it isn't going to tell me something I don't already know, particularly in the sense of broad principles, I'm not interested. Also, it helps to stick to writers who don't write for the sake of shoving out yet more content, but genuinely have something fresh to share. Many people have told me that I ought to 'write', but I've got no intention of adding to the already-existing overload of written material unless I really think I have something valuable to say, and that's actually quite a difficult criteria to fulfil. Otherwise it's just an ego game.
Anna, I love this whole comment! I like the repetition boundary. If there’s something I find myself wanting to dig deeper and more thoroughly into, that’s when it’s time to find a book! Reading one book on something is better than a thousand articles or essays that might just be regurgitating the same ideas on a topic.
And I’m chuckling a bit at people suggesting you to write, because I’ve had the same reaction. One of the aims of my newsletter is to curate some of those unique and worthwhile (at least in my mind) writing that already exists -- I like being a connector, a conduit in that way. There’s a lot of noisy content, but there’s truly great stuff out there that I want to point readers toward. (This reminds me of a moment I’ve never forgotten from grade school, where a girl --who, in my mind talked unnecessarily too much-- asked why I was so quiet. Maybe because sharing wisely but sparingly is better than never knowing when to stop. 😂)
I think it's a very healthy response to feel that you don't need to write for its own sake. That's one problem with academia - "publish or perish" even if you don't believe you have something new or important to say.
The repetition boundary is an interesting one - I think I've had it for a while without articulating it as such. If I'm curious about a topic or really love a particular writer, I will read everything about it / that they write. But once I feel like I "get" it, I tend to stop reading about it because I'm not learning anymore. And I've noticed that the writers I really enjoy also tend to shift topics over the years. They don't beat a dead horse - they say what they have to say and then move on to something else.
And, the more I learn about academia (partly through my husband, too, who got a PhD but didn't take that route) the more I think it would be my personal hell. haha But I'm grateful for the people for whom that's a good choice and have done good work in the midst of an imperfect culture.
I was having an interesting conversation last night (at the Plough reader meet up- such fun!) Joy Clarkson said the further she got into academia the more convinced she became that it wasn’t just about intelligence, and I said that I think it has to be tied to a kind of obsession or love (or both). I hadn’t really thought about it in those terms before articulating it out loud, but it describes most of the academics I know!
I felt my shoulders relax as I read this, particularly Lowery's and Turner's thoughts. The "good student" and "good friend" in me always want to stay caught up and offer helpful comments, but I have found myself becoming more and more stressed by the sheer volume of Substacks I follow. I have, therefore, unsubscribed to some -- with more on the way. I'm retaining those that bring actual value to my life. My real life.
Agreed Mary. There are plenty of wonderful things to read; the hard part is learning to say no. I would rather people unsubscribe if it helps them restore a calmer mind :)
This is how the substack bubble bursts, I suppose. Not only, like streaming services, does it become unaffordable to support so many writers, but one cannot possibly consume all their writing. And, I have taken on the cognitive load of editor in selecting which articles are worthy of my time. I want to support all these independent writers, but in the end, I'd likely prefer to pay $20 a month to an editor who will pre-select the eight or so best long and short-form essays each month , and, well... that's the New Yorker.
The shame is, I don't want to limit myself to just three or four writers, but that's what the substack model requires. Either that, or like streaming, one must pick and choose new writers every few months to support.
What wonderful points you added to the section with my thoughts, Ruth; children *do* sense where your heart is. And that will be reflected in your family culture!
It's also a useful tool when explaining to young children why other families make different choices but are not "bad" for doing so. "Our family does X, and the Jones family does Y. That's all right. Different families make different choices."
I know that even for my young children, the fact that some things are black and white moral choices but many other things are prudential matters for personal/family discernment is very important to learn.
Thanks so much Dixie for your contribution. This question is one that I could discuss at length, and I am sure we will revisit the many facets of this issue in upcoming conversations :)
I didn't get a chance to read all of this but I whole-heartedly believe that we are constantly drawn to things outside our calm and peaceful home life. We are constantly being exposed to things beyond our control, urged to focus there. I've always appreciated how you and Peco remind us to focus close to home. I also like how Keith describes accepting cognitive finitude. We are constantly encouraged to work harder and go deeper to the point that I feel our mental growth is actually stunted. A quiet and serene environment feels like I free up bandwidth so that I can actually grow and achieve. And I would say that the one area that I find the most personal growth in is working through projects and problems one on one with my children. You might think, oh you need to do "adult" learning, but some of the stuff these little ones challenge me with are far more complex than one might expect. So together we grow, and that's time worth spending.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts Chad:) I am currently being challenged by our "little one" to wrap my head around stunt plane designs, and it is definitely complex...
I find that my readers are pretty forgiving if I tell them I'll get back to them in 48 hours. This helps me draw that line in the sand, and why I'm passionate about circadian rhythms as they eventually become a subconscious habit: https://romanshapoval.substack.com/p/you-are-when-you-eat
Saving this to read later. I’m horrible at eating at the same time every day (or just forgetting to eat) so I’m sure this is going to be a helpful read.
For sure, I hear you Sara. Good news is once you get used to it, you can go on autopilot. Getting outside for me is crucial with energy and focus, taking breaks etc. If you can, try to just have breakfast the same time every day for starters.
Mmm, I can relate to much of your article and the comments. After raising 4 children and home educating the youngest, I find myself somewhat adrift and turning to technology to fill the gaps where my poor health has taken my physical energy. I know I have a tendency to develop compulsive behaviours and need to find a balance, particularly when the weather is rotten too. I think, or rather I know, that I need to set a timer or lock, just as I did for the children. The problem is that Substack is a very tempting sweet shop with lots of inviting treats to sample! 😏
I alienated many acquaintances when I culled my Facebook account in 2012. I annoyed many followers when I radically reduced my use of Twitter in 2018. I caused many women distress when I closed the hysterectomy association forums and removed the ability to comment on the website in 2019, and I worried many friends when I deleted the last truly social media account, LinkedIn, last year.
Each of these acts has been in response to my need to draw back the scattered fragments of my soul and reach a calmer, more local understanding of who and what I really am.
I have unsubscribed, deleted, unfollowed and removed subscriptions to many sites. I receive very little email, I have a heavily curated set of sites I read and pay attention to. I am following F Scott Fitzgeralds advice to hold conflicting ideas as possible, I hope I am intelligent!
All this means I can be here with my sister who is ill, in silence or with the company if a book and the occasional essays I read. This is hyper local, reduced to a room in a hospital ward. It is calm, mostly, and gentle, mostly. It is where I need to be.
Thanks for your thoughtful note Linda. It is a difficult process to disentangle oneself from online connections. I wish you all the best as you spend time with your sister and a calmer mind.
Every time one of your posts show up in my inbox, I know I am in for a wonderfully written treat!
Thank you for sharing ways that we can change how we view technology and also just think differently. I always appreciate the perspective that you share! 😊
Ruth and Peco, I appreciate all the work you do for this (dare I call it a ministry?) community! I’ve learned so much and am on the road towards curbing my tech use. I know your audience is very wide, so maybe they have some suggestions, but as a homemaker and stay at home mom to two little ones (3 & 1) I find myself still reaching for technology for a little fix between the mundane tasks of caretaking and home keeping. I’m involved in the community- volunteer catechesis teaching and mom’s group, we have friends over once a week. The lack of interaction and intellectual stimulation is what is causing me to reach for technology. I want to be a good example for my kids but the discrepancy between my intentions and reality feels rather large in this season.
Thanks for your encouraging words Megan:) I have been reflecting on your question, thinking back to when our children were that little, and noted that fundamental difference was that "easy-reach-for" technology simply did not exist yet ( this was around 2005 so it was just emerging). Reaching to technology was thus simply not option. For me this meant that between housework and childcare, I spent time with the kids outdoors, grabbed some minutes for reading, or made a phone call to chat with family or friends. Housework and care-taking were simply the central focus of that season and as I had never experienced the taste of online life, I did not feel that I was missing anything or longing for something else. Setting aside a particular time of day or time limit may be helpful in supporting your intentions. I know that once a device is present, it is immensely hard to resist, no matter how much we try to train our intentions. So be forgiving with yourself. Will add your question to my list to reflect on further:)
I really appreciate your thoughtful response. Thank you for the reminder for grace in all seasons! And perhaps you’re hitting on my perspective that may need a shift... that there is nothing missing from the here and now. Technology sure is deceptive that way! And yet, I’m grateful for these conversations that I wouldn’t have otherwise. And so the tension continues.
You are very kind, Ruth. Thank you. In a way, I suspect you are right; I was doing work in my 'local community,' even in Nigeria. When a family lives in a place for a long time, they becomes part the locality. However, it's a fine line. I could always leave Nigeria when violence broke out, or I needed sophisticated medical treatment. Financially, I was far more secure than a Palestinian refugee was likely to experience during their lifetime. Wendell Berry's farming community has known his family for decades and the work of his hands produces visible results. Teaching abroad is more aspirational. Many of my students were denied an opportunity for even a high school education. Yet teachers work with faith, hope... and love.
I enjoy reading your ideas opinions and often send them to my daughter as she raises her own children. Thank you!
However, I must demur from the idea of staying close to home to do your most significant work. I spent nearly a decade in Nigeria teaching in a local school, and I later taught in a Palestinian refugee camp in Lebanon. Both experiences changed my life for the better. I met wonderful people, and learned about different societies, political systems, religions, and cultural practices. I became more curious, and I loved the adventure - and dealt with the frustration - that comes from confronting unexpected obstacles. My children entered a world far from the material abundance of America. I appreciate the wisdom of Wendell Berry, but perhaps there is also room for individuals who, paradoxically, find themselves most at home when living in another country.
Thanks for adding your perspective Diana. You have frequently presented a view that shows answers can be much more complex. I think in the sense that you are describing, you were doing significant work in your local surroundings, even though you were away from "home". Our neighbours spent most of their life living and working in war-torn and impoverished countries around the world, and have a way of depth of approaching people and life that I have not witnessed in anyone else. Thanks again for your thoughtfulness :)
I appreciate @Dixie's emphasis on being positive. People will be much less resentful if you're focused on sharing what you love.
As for too much content... it's tough with all the great writers I am discovering on Substack! :) But I'm trying to give myself set reading times - we'll see how that goes. It has also made me appreciate the 'stacks who don't publish too often. It's nice to know I can enjoy a new essay once a week or fortnightly, without feeling overwhelmed or like I'm "missing out" on content.
As usual, this post is filled with more goods than I have time to think over carefully, which is a good problem to have, as the saying goes. (Ironic, considering some of the concerns about the abundance of content brought up here.) Thank you for the hard work you continue putting into this community! This will be yet another saved post that I return to and recommend as a resource for others delving into this topic.
Online columns, forums, and threads, partly because they can provide revenue, attention, and status, and because all of those things are driven by numbers of followers and subscribers that can balloon into the stratosphere, work like cocaine, heroin, and amphetamines and are as addictive. Online success is measured by those numbers. We often heard on The Sopranos the defining problem, "This is the business we have chosen."
Time and attention constraints or limits are unavoidable online because technology is capable of connecting one to an infinite number of other people world, many of whom compete with us and each other for that time and attention. It's the nature of the beast, to coin a phrase. When we ignore or forget that this is the business we have chosen and try to be choosey about our time and attention, we quickly begin to lose followers and subscribers. DeSanto learned that even before the first State caucus, and he only shunned major new reporters.
My personal solution (and it is just that, a personal solution, so I'm not giving advice!) is to avoid repetition. Once I have understood something, or been informed of something, I avoid anything that is clearly going over the same ground. This cuts through a huge amount of content which is trying to evince some emotion about something that numerous others are also emotional about. If it isn't going to tell me something I don't already know, particularly in the sense of broad principles, I'm not interested. Also, it helps to stick to writers who don't write for the sake of shoving out yet more content, but genuinely have something fresh to share. Many people have told me that I ought to 'write', but I've got no intention of adding to the already-existing overload of written material unless I really think I have something valuable to say, and that's actually quite a difficult criteria to fulfil. Otherwise it's just an ego game.
Anna, I love this whole comment! I like the repetition boundary. If there’s something I find myself wanting to dig deeper and more thoroughly into, that’s when it’s time to find a book! Reading one book on something is better than a thousand articles or essays that might just be regurgitating the same ideas on a topic.
And I’m chuckling a bit at people suggesting you to write, because I’ve had the same reaction. One of the aims of my newsletter is to curate some of those unique and worthwhile (at least in my mind) writing that already exists -- I like being a connector, a conduit in that way. There’s a lot of noisy content, but there’s truly great stuff out there that I want to point readers toward. (This reminds me of a moment I’ve never forgotten from grade school, where a girl --who, in my mind talked unnecessarily too much-- asked why I was so quiet. Maybe because sharing wisely but sparingly is better than never knowing when to stop. 😂)
I think it's a very healthy response to feel that you don't need to write for its own sake. That's one problem with academia - "publish or perish" even if you don't believe you have something new or important to say.
The repetition boundary is an interesting one - I think I've had it for a while without articulating it as such. If I'm curious about a topic or really love a particular writer, I will read everything about it / that they write. But once I feel like I "get" it, I tend to stop reading about it because I'm not learning anymore. And I've noticed that the writers I really enjoy also tend to shift topics over the years. They don't beat a dead horse - they say what they have to say and then move on to something else.
Yep, exactly.
And, the more I learn about academia (partly through my husband, too, who got a PhD but didn't take that route) the more I think it would be my personal hell. haha But I'm grateful for the people for whom that's a good choice and have done good work in the midst of an imperfect culture.
I was having an interesting conversation last night (at the Plough reader meet up- such fun!) Joy Clarkson said the further she got into academia the more convinced she became that it wasn’t just about intelligence, and I said that I think it has to be tied to a kind of obsession or love (or both). I hadn’t really thought about it in those terms before articulating it out loud, but it describes most of the academics I know!
Ha! I was there too - chatting to Susannah Black Roberts. Was a great evening. Esp. the Haggis recital.
I’m sorry we didn’t connect! Next time. There was some chat of having one in Oxford...
(The Haggis recital made me laugh bc when we were dating, my husband lived in Glasgow and I had to strain to understand anything the locals said!)
Sounds like a wonderful time! I hope your online Wendell Berry meeting went well this afternoon and would love a recording:)
I just read about the Plough meet-ups yesterday in a post and wished there were some in our region. Did you attend in person or virtual?
Also I heard you’ll be writing for their upcoming tech issue and I am so pleased to hear it, Ruth!
Happy to hear this too:) We submitted our piece (which was based on the 3Rs) but have not heard back yet... Would have loved to join you all!
In person in London- it was really lovely!
I felt my shoulders relax as I read this, particularly Lowery's and Turner's thoughts. The "good student" and "good friend" in me always want to stay caught up and offer helpful comments, but I have found myself becoming more and more stressed by the sheer volume of Substacks I follow. I have, therefore, unsubscribed to some -- with more on the way. I'm retaining those that bring actual value to my life. My real life.
Thanks for this, Peco and Ruth.
Agreed Mary. There are plenty of wonderful things to read; the hard part is learning to say no. I would rather people unsubscribe if it helps them restore a calmer mind :)
This is how the substack bubble bursts, I suppose. Not only, like streaming services, does it become unaffordable to support so many writers, but one cannot possibly consume all their writing. And, I have taken on the cognitive load of editor in selecting which articles are worthy of my time. I want to support all these independent writers, but in the end, I'd likely prefer to pay $20 a month to an editor who will pre-select the eight or so best long and short-form essays each month , and, well... that's the New Yorker.
The shame is, I don't want to limit myself to just three or four writers, but that's what the substack model requires. Either that, or like streaming, one must pick and choose new writers every few months to support.
What wonderful points you added to the section with my thoughts, Ruth; children *do* sense where your heart is. And that will be reflected in your family culture!
It's also a useful tool when explaining to young children why other families make different choices but are not "bad" for doing so. "Our family does X, and the Jones family does Y. That's all right. Different families make different choices."
I know that even for my young children, the fact that some things are black and white moral choices but many other things are prudential matters for personal/family discernment is very important to learn.
Thanks so much Dixie for your contribution. This question is one that I could discuss at length, and I am sure we will revisit the many facets of this issue in upcoming conversations :)
I really look forward to learning from the comments here and future conversations!
Hahaha! I had no idea it was from you, Kathleen!
Someday! We lived in South Bend, IN for several years and my dad is from Chicago so I have spent lots of time there. Maybe we'll pass through!
Coffee sounds so good to me *right now* but alas, it's 5:51 p.m.
I didn't get a chance to read all of this but I whole-heartedly believe that we are constantly drawn to things outside our calm and peaceful home life. We are constantly being exposed to things beyond our control, urged to focus there. I've always appreciated how you and Peco remind us to focus close to home. I also like how Keith describes accepting cognitive finitude. We are constantly encouraged to work harder and go deeper to the point that I feel our mental growth is actually stunted. A quiet and serene environment feels like I free up bandwidth so that I can actually grow and achieve. And I would say that the one area that I find the most personal growth in is working through projects and problems one on one with my children. You might think, oh you need to do "adult" learning, but some of the stuff these little ones challenge me with are far more complex than one might expect. So together we grow, and that's time worth spending.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts Chad:) I am currently being challenged by our "little one" to wrap my head around stunt plane designs, and it is definitely complex...
I find that my readers are pretty forgiving if I tell them I'll get back to them in 48 hours. This helps me draw that line in the sand, and why I'm passionate about circadian rhythms as they eventually become a subconscious habit: https://romanshapoval.substack.com/p/you-are-when-you-eat
Saving this to read later. I’m horrible at eating at the same time every day (or just forgetting to eat) so I’m sure this is going to be a helpful read.
For sure, I hear you Sara. Good news is once you get used to it, you can go on autopilot. Getting outside for me is crucial with energy and focus, taking breaks etc. If you can, try to just have breakfast the same time every day for starters.
Mmm, I can relate to much of your article and the comments. After raising 4 children and home educating the youngest, I find myself somewhat adrift and turning to technology to fill the gaps where my poor health has taken my physical energy. I know I have a tendency to develop compulsive behaviours and need to find a balance, particularly when the weather is rotten too. I think, or rather I know, that I need to set a timer or lock, just as I did for the children. The problem is that Substack is a very tempting sweet shop with lots of inviting treats to sample! 😏
I alienated many acquaintances when I culled my Facebook account in 2012. I annoyed many followers when I radically reduced my use of Twitter in 2018. I caused many women distress when I closed the hysterectomy association forums and removed the ability to comment on the website in 2019, and I worried many friends when I deleted the last truly social media account, LinkedIn, last year.
Each of these acts has been in response to my need to draw back the scattered fragments of my soul and reach a calmer, more local understanding of who and what I really am.
I have unsubscribed, deleted, unfollowed and removed subscriptions to many sites. I receive very little email, I have a heavily curated set of sites I read and pay attention to. I am following F Scott Fitzgeralds advice to hold conflicting ideas as possible, I hope I am intelligent!
All this means I can be here with my sister who is ill, in silence or with the company if a book and the occasional essays I read. This is hyper local, reduced to a room in a hospital ward. It is calm, mostly, and gentle, mostly. It is where I need to be.
Thanks for your thoughtful note Linda. It is a difficult process to disentangle oneself from online connections. I wish you all the best as you spend time with your sister and a calmer mind.
Thank you Ruth, that is much appreciated.
Every time one of your posts show up in my inbox, I know I am in for a wonderfully written treat!
Thank you for sharing ways that we can change how we view technology and also just think differently. I always appreciate the perspective that you share! 😊
Thanks for reading Mackenzie - hoping that our writing serves to encourage:)
Ruth and Peco, I appreciate all the work you do for this (dare I call it a ministry?) community! I’ve learned so much and am on the road towards curbing my tech use. I know your audience is very wide, so maybe they have some suggestions, but as a homemaker and stay at home mom to two little ones (3 & 1) I find myself still reaching for technology for a little fix between the mundane tasks of caretaking and home keeping. I’m involved in the community- volunteer catechesis teaching and mom’s group, we have friends over once a week. The lack of interaction and intellectual stimulation is what is causing me to reach for technology. I want to be a good example for my kids but the discrepancy between my intentions and reality feels rather large in this season.
Thanks for your encouraging words Megan:) I have been reflecting on your question, thinking back to when our children were that little, and noted that fundamental difference was that "easy-reach-for" technology simply did not exist yet ( this was around 2005 so it was just emerging). Reaching to technology was thus simply not option. For me this meant that between housework and childcare, I spent time with the kids outdoors, grabbed some minutes for reading, or made a phone call to chat with family or friends. Housework and care-taking were simply the central focus of that season and as I had never experienced the taste of online life, I did not feel that I was missing anything or longing for something else. Setting aside a particular time of day or time limit may be helpful in supporting your intentions. I know that once a device is present, it is immensely hard to resist, no matter how much we try to train our intentions. So be forgiving with yourself. Will add your question to my list to reflect on further:)
I really appreciate your thoughtful response. Thank you for the reminder for grace in all seasons! And perhaps you’re hitting on my perspective that may need a shift... that there is nothing missing from the here and now. Technology sure is deceptive that way! And yet, I’m grateful for these conversations that I wouldn’t have otherwise. And so the tension continues.
You are very kind, Ruth. Thank you. In a way, I suspect you are right; I was doing work in my 'local community,' even in Nigeria. When a family lives in a place for a long time, they becomes part the locality. However, it's a fine line. I could always leave Nigeria when violence broke out, or I needed sophisticated medical treatment. Financially, I was far more secure than a Palestinian refugee was likely to experience during their lifetime. Wendell Berry's farming community has known his family for decades and the work of his hands produces visible results. Teaching abroad is more aspirational. Many of my students were denied an opportunity for even a high school education. Yet teachers work with faith, hope... and love.
I enjoy reading your ideas opinions and often send them to my daughter as she raises her own children. Thank you!
However, I must demur from the idea of staying close to home to do your most significant work. I spent nearly a decade in Nigeria teaching in a local school, and I later taught in a Palestinian refugee camp in Lebanon. Both experiences changed my life for the better. I met wonderful people, and learned about different societies, political systems, religions, and cultural practices. I became more curious, and I loved the adventure - and dealt with the frustration - that comes from confronting unexpected obstacles. My children entered a world far from the material abundance of America. I appreciate the wisdom of Wendell Berry, but perhaps there is also room for individuals who, paradoxically, find themselves most at home when living in another country.
Thanks for adding your perspective Diana. You have frequently presented a view that shows answers can be much more complex. I think in the sense that you are describing, you were doing significant work in your local surroundings, even though you were away from "home". Our neighbours spent most of their life living and working in war-torn and impoverished countries around the world, and have a way of depth of approaching people and life that I have not witnessed in anyone else. Thanks again for your thoughtfulness :)
I appreciate @Dixie's emphasis on being positive. People will be much less resentful if you're focused on sharing what you love.
As for too much content... it's tough with all the great writers I am discovering on Substack! :) But I'm trying to give myself set reading times - we'll see how that goes. It has also made me appreciate the 'stacks who don't publish too often. It's nice to know I can enjoy a new essay once a week or fortnightly, without feeling overwhelmed or like I'm "missing out" on content.
As usual, this post is filled with more goods than I have time to think over carefully, which is a good problem to have, as the saying goes. (Ironic, considering some of the concerns about the abundance of content brought up here.) Thank you for the hard work you continue putting into this community! This will be yet another saved post that I return to and recommend as a resource for others delving into this topic.
Online columns, forums, and threads, partly because they can provide revenue, attention, and status, and because all of those things are driven by numbers of followers and subscribers that can balloon into the stratosphere, work like cocaine, heroin, and amphetamines and are as addictive. Online success is measured by those numbers. We often heard on The Sopranos the defining problem, "This is the business we have chosen."
Time and attention constraints or limits are unavoidable online because technology is capable of connecting one to an infinite number of other people world, many of whom compete with us and each other for that time and attention. It's the nature of the beast, to coin a phrase. When we ignore or forget that this is the business we have chosen and try to be choosey about our time and attention, we quickly begin to lose followers and subscribers. DeSanto learned that even before the first State caucus, and he only shunned major new reporters.