I've loved seeing more of your content via email. I was initially a blog follower eons ago and love that format. The videos Margot is making are so fun!
I really enjoyed the more frequent posts. I wonder if there is a natural schedule that is more often than once a week but not every day that you and readers would like. I would say that for myself, I read a number of substacks and they all seem to be on a schedule but I don’t care what day it comes out. I definitely don’t follow that it’s Friday so links will be shared or something like that. Post on whatever schedule you like!
Oh that's a really helpful observation, Teresa. Thank you. So even if I have a particular schedule of one type of post on Monday, and another type of post on Wednesday, as a reader, that isn't important to you.
Great feedback on the timing. And thank you for the note about ThreadsbyDesignMom. I hope people find it helpful.
For anyone who isn't sure what ThreadsbyDesignMom is:
I know lots of people don't like to use micro-blogging platforms like Twitter or Threads, but I do, so I gather the best posts and share them in the Stories on my second Instagram account. That account is called @threadsbydesignmom. There aren't really posts on that account. Just Stories and highlights of the Stories organized by date. Here's the link:
Also, maybe I should change the name of that account because it just sounds like it's MY threads account with the posts that I write on Threads, and that's not accurate.
I enjoyed reading your posts this month! I value what you share. Fwiw, I'm a subscriber and get your emails, but I also like to follow substacks and blogs via Feedly so that I can read them when I want. (I don't like leaving unread email :) ). I may not have clicked on your posts via email but did read them later via Feedly.
Same for me. I read Substack posts through the Substack app at my leisure (usually within a day or two of it publishing, but sometimes longer). I don’t even receive Substack posts via email.
I'm glad you mentioned that, because I wasn't even sure if that was an option. So it sounds like you can subscribe to my Substack but then opt out of emails. Is that correct?
Yes, that’s correct! Although I opted out of emails so long ago through the app that I couldn’t tell you off the top of my head exactly how to do it. I subscribe to numerous newsletters and I get zero emails from Substack. I love the convenience of it all being in one place in the app.
I have enjoyed your daily emails. I don’t get to read them all as I’m not subscribed. (Thought I was) but I get so busy those tiny tasks turn my brain off very fast. Nevertheless I love that I can count on you to get me stories in the news I have missed. I have 7 kid’s and 17 grandkids and I honestly do not know how you do all you do!! Continue comme ça
I loved the daily posts and read every one. Hope you do more than once a week if that works for you…and excited to see your and Margot’s work on TikTok!
Learning what a stage is, is so timely, as I’m watching the new season off The Bear, and Luca is working in the restaurant as a stage! I realize he’s working for free, which is beautiful.
Also, I have loved reading your pieces every day, and I have also loved your new videos that remind me of your beautiful process. Keep it up!
Thank you for your transparency! I enjoyed hearing from you more here as I am only on substack and fable really at this juncture. I was able to read most of your posts, but did get behind on a few as I'm a mom to child with a disability and have a limited amount of time for reading. I love making yours one of the ones I prioritize though!
I LOVE tiktok and I think it's so misunderstood. in my experience, suggested instagram reels are just a bunch of embarrassing hot garbage, but my FYP on Tiktok is completely dialed in and it's hilarious, thought provoking, smart, and very up to date. I love it. It's completely blown my mind in a million ways. I think your content will crush but it's going to be something random that goes viral, we just don't know what that is yet. So glad you have a Gen Z helper for this! She can add a ton of value very quickly.
Oh I really love your thoughts here, Diana. I know the Tiktok algorithm is legendary and it sounds like it's been a really beneficial platform for you. I'm excited to learn more about it. And I appreciate this thought: "it's going to be something random that goes viral, we just don't know what that is yet"
Thanks for replying! Also, the comments section on Tiktok can be surprisingly special. The funniest/best comments float to the top, so in some cases reading the comments is even better than the actual video. People seem kinder and smarter than instagram.
It puts me in a weird headspace though. I probably took in at least 6 hours of pro-Mamdani content on Tiktok and I was sooooooo optimistic (turns out for good reason!) but I was worried I was in an algorithm bubble and it was all fake. But his social media was SO good and should be studied. And it turns out Gen Z had the biggest turnout in this election!? can we thank.... TIKTOK MAYBE!?!?!
Another wild thing about tiktok is that there are lots of folks posting from their tents in Gaza, and lots and lots of kind people around the world that want to support them. They've figured out the algorithm will push content about like "cute summer dresses" so then you'll get this person who is literally in a dusty tent with bombs falling outside being like "If you care about Gaza you will search "cute summer dresses" in the search bar and leave a comment" so they can get paid for the video, and people actually do it! It's very dystopian but also then you read all the comments from people around the world blathering about cute summer dresses as instructed and it's like damn we're all just trying not to be total pieces of shit, we are not our governments. Also some very very interesting "day in the life in Iran" posts that if you spend 12 seconds watching them you're like LET'S NOT BOMB ANYONE OK these are just a bunch of cute families FFS.
I could basically write a dissertation on TikTok at this point. I'll be cheering you on!
Well, she might be too fast - there are mistakes in the captions of the first four videos. My personal favorite is "the bear would" instead of "the bare wood"! I also remember reading "the tile house" instead of "the tall house. I think your proofreading needs to be more attentive, maybe because she’s not a native English speaker.
This being said, this Tiktok experiment is a welcome step up from the absolutely awful experience that is Instagram video in stories. The navigation between tiny looping parts is absolutely dreadful UX.
I think you should have your original videos on something like Youtube to host them unedited so that we can have your original voice recordings with an actual video player. Then, edit them with a voiceover for Tiktok (and, if you insist, on Instagram stories… but I wouldn’t miss those if they went away.)
Not sure if you're feeling grumpy, Angela, but your comment seems rude to me. It's not Margot, it's the nature of all auto-captioning tools. Have you ever used them on videos you've made? If yes, then you already know that sometimes they just get it wrong, or the person speaking isn't perfectly clear and the tool thinks a different word was said. And depending on what platform you are using, it can be very difficult to edit the captions, and sometimes there's not an option to edit them at all.
I have had auto-captioning mistakes on my short form videos for years, and Margot had nothing to do with them, it's just the nature of this kind of content. (Shrug.)
I don’t create content so no, I had no idea some tools didn’t allow caption editing, how weird! If you have any possibility of doing it on some platforms, I would definitely use the possibility, though.
I've followed you from your Oakland years so when you ask me to follow you on tiktok ( an app I dont use often) I do it😂 Good luck to Margot! What a joy to be your intern.
This has gotten me to download TikTok again, lol. I really want to rewatch all of your renovation videos and not on Instagram. I have long hoped you’d get a YouTube channel because I prefer the longer form videos, which I find more relaxing and easier to follow and learn from. And perhaps your TikTok will feel that way, so this is a great start. As a longtime follower, since the blogging days, I’m excited you have a GenZ intern too. Yay!
Yes
I've loved seeing more of your content via email. I was initially a blog follower eons ago and love that format. The videos Margot is making are so fun!
Thank you for the feedback, Sarah!
I really enjoyed the more frequent posts. I wonder if there is a natural schedule that is more often than once a week but not every day that you and readers would like. I would say that for myself, I read a number of substacks and they all seem to be on a schedule but I don’t care what day it comes out. I definitely don’t follow that it’s Friday so links will be shared or something like that. Post on whatever schedule you like!
Oh that's a really helpful observation, Teresa. Thank you. So even if I have a particular schedule of one type of post on Monday, and another type of post on Wednesday, as a reader, that isn't important to you.
My sweet spot (as a reader of more than a handful of lovely substackers) is twice a week. I *love* the "threadsbydesignmom" stories!
I am impressed with Margot's ideas - it sounds like a great fit for you both. Bon Chance!
Great feedback on the timing. And thank you for the note about ThreadsbyDesignMom. I hope people find it helpful.
For anyone who isn't sure what ThreadsbyDesignMom is:
I know lots of people don't like to use micro-blogging platforms like Twitter or Threads, but I do, so I gather the best posts and share them in the Stories on my second Instagram account. That account is called @threadsbydesignmom. There aren't really posts on that account. Just Stories and highlights of the Stories organized by date. Here's the link:
https://www.instagram.com/threadsbydesignmom
Also, maybe I should change the name of that account because it just sounds like it's MY threads account with the posts that I write on Threads, and that's not accurate.
I think everyone knows they aren't yours - since they have the individual names - just a compendium of your collection's finest. LOL
I enjoyed reading your posts this month! I value what you share. Fwiw, I'm a subscriber and get your emails, but I also like to follow substacks and blogs via Feedly so that I can read them when I want. (I don't like leaving unread email :) ). I may not have clicked on your posts via email but did read them later via Feedly.
Same for me. I read Substack posts through the Substack app at my leisure (usually within a day or two of it publishing, but sometimes longer). I don’t even receive Substack posts via email.
I'm glad you mentioned that, because I wasn't even sure if that was an option. So it sounds like you can subscribe to my Substack but then opt out of emails. Is that correct?
Yes, that’s correct! Although I opted out of emails so long ago through the app that I couldn’t tell you off the top of my head exactly how to do it. I subscribe to numerous newsletters and I get zero emails from Substack. I love the convenience of it all being in one place in the app.
I have enjoyed your daily emails. I don’t get to read them all as I’m not subscribed. (Thought I was) but I get so busy those tiny tasks turn my brain off very fast. Nevertheless I love that I can count on you to get me stories in the news I have missed. I have 7 kid’s and 17 grandkids and I honestly do not know how you do all you do!! Continue comme ça
17 grandkids! Huge congratulations.
I loved the daily posts and read every one. Hope you do more than once a week if that works for you…and excited to see your and Margot’s work on TikTok!
Thank you, Tawni! I'm so grateful that you read every one. That is super kind of you.
Learning what a stage is, is so timely, as I’m watching the new season off The Bear, and Luca is working in the restaurant as a stage! I realize he’s working for free, which is beautiful.
Also, I have loved reading your pieces every day, and I have also loved your new videos that remind me of your beautiful process. Keep it up!
Yes! Exactly! I haven't seen The Bear, but I remember hearing they mention a stage.
Thank you for your transparency! I enjoyed hearing from you more here as I am only on substack and fable really at this juncture. I was able to read most of your posts, but did get behind on a few as I'm a mom to child with a disability and have a limited amount of time for reading. I love making yours one of the ones I prioritize though!
Welcome Margot!! Hope you have a great summer♡
Thank you for being part of this community, Sabrina.
I LOVE tiktok and I think it's so misunderstood. in my experience, suggested instagram reels are just a bunch of embarrassing hot garbage, but my FYP on Tiktok is completely dialed in and it's hilarious, thought provoking, smart, and very up to date. I love it. It's completely blown my mind in a million ways. I think your content will crush but it's going to be something random that goes viral, we just don't know what that is yet. So glad you have a Gen Z helper for this! She can add a ton of value very quickly.
Oh I really love your thoughts here, Diana. I know the Tiktok algorithm is legendary and it sounds like it's been a really beneficial platform for you. I'm excited to learn more about it. And I appreciate this thought: "it's going to be something random that goes viral, we just don't know what that is yet"
Thanks for replying! Also, the comments section on Tiktok can be surprisingly special. The funniest/best comments float to the top, so in some cases reading the comments is even better than the actual video. People seem kinder and smarter than instagram.
It puts me in a weird headspace though. I probably took in at least 6 hours of pro-Mamdani content on Tiktok and I was sooooooo optimistic (turns out for good reason!) but I was worried I was in an algorithm bubble and it was all fake. But his social media was SO good and should be studied. And it turns out Gen Z had the biggest turnout in this election!? can we thank.... TIKTOK MAYBE!?!?!
Another wild thing about tiktok is that there are lots of folks posting from their tents in Gaza, and lots and lots of kind people around the world that want to support them. They've figured out the algorithm will push content about like "cute summer dresses" so then you'll get this person who is literally in a dusty tent with bombs falling outside being like "If you care about Gaza you will search "cute summer dresses" in the search bar and leave a comment" so they can get paid for the video, and people actually do it! It's very dystopian but also then you read all the comments from people around the world blathering about cute summer dresses as instructed and it's like damn we're all just trying not to be total pieces of shit, we are not our governments. Also some very very interesting "day in the life in Iran" posts that if you spend 12 seconds watching them you're like LET'S NOT BOMB ANYONE OK these are just a bunch of cute families FFS.
I could basically write a dissertation on TikTok at this point. I'll be cheering you on!
Well, she might be too fast - there are mistakes in the captions of the first four videos. My personal favorite is "the bear would" instead of "the bare wood"! I also remember reading "the tile house" instead of "the tall house. I think your proofreading needs to be more attentive, maybe because she’s not a native English speaker.
This being said, this Tiktok experiment is a welcome step up from the absolutely awful experience that is Instagram video in stories. The navigation between tiny looping parts is absolutely dreadful UX.
I think you should have your original videos on something like Youtube to host them unedited so that we can have your original voice recordings with an actual video player. Then, edit them with a voiceover for Tiktok (and, if you insist, on Instagram stories… but I wouldn’t miss those if they went away.)
Not sure if you're feeling grumpy, Angela, but your comment seems rude to me. It's not Margot, it's the nature of all auto-captioning tools. Have you ever used them on videos you've made? If yes, then you already know that sometimes they just get it wrong, or the person speaking isn't perfectly clear and the tool thinks a different word was said. And depending on what platform you are using, it can be very difficult to edit the captions, and sometimes there's not an option to edit them at all.
I have had auto-captioning mistakes on my short form videos for years, and Margot had nothing to do with them, it's just the nature of this kind of content. (Shrug.)
I don’t create content so no, I had no idea some tools didn’t allow caption editing, how weird! If you have any possibility of doing it on some platforms, I would definitely use the possibility, though.
I’ve loved your more frequent posts!
Thank you, Heather!
I've followed you from your Oakland years so when you ask me to follow you on tiktok ( an app I dont use often) I do it😂 Good luck to Margot! What a joy to be your intern.
This has gotten me to download TikTok again, lol. I really want to rewatch all of your renovation videos and not on Instagram. I have long hoped you’d get a YouTube channel because I prefer the longer form videos, which I find more relaxing and easier to follow and learn from. And perhaps your TikTok will feel that way, so this is a great start. As a longtime follower, since the blogging days, I’m excited you have a GenZ intern too. Yay!
I'm so curious which of your June posts got read the most! I assume based on your creative subject lines. Will you share?!
I also have a perhaps dumb question. Do you and Margot make all this content on the iPhone device, or is there a secret way to do it on a computer?