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Michael Jensen's avatar

Interesting stuff here, Michael, though ultimately I disagree. Perhaps that's because I am touching a different part of the Notes "elephant." (Presumably you'll get this reference.)

First just a, um, note to say that you and I are on pretty much the exact same page politically. I don't feel like I've changed at all, but the far left has left me far behind. (We also have a lot in common in terms of writing goals, though I've let a lot of my aspirations fall by the wayside because publishing a book is haaaard.)

Now back to Notes.

My experience is quite different, but that is probably because I almost entirely abstain from getting into political discussions. The runup to the 2016 ruined anymore political debating for me. I got so angry and, at times nasty, that I didn't like how I felt or who I was becoming.

So when we left America, I left discussion of American politics.

Which means I don't run into the nastiness it sounds like you do. Instead, it's been a great way for me to network with fellow Substackers, share our content, and, honestly, just have a little bit of fun.

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Donna McArthur's avatar

I admire the clarity you have about yourself and your values, how you can so succinctly articulate it. Possibly that may be because I fully agree with your world views and I've never seen them presented the way you do.

I understand your frustration with Notes, I find myself sometimes feeling yucky (I know that's not a real writer word but it's between terrible and mildly lousy) as a result of imposter syndrome and wanting to be farther along than I am. Also, as you said, the time suck is very real and I never feel good about it.

However, I love finding new articles from Notes. I come across so much that I would not have searched for simply because it's not necessarily an interest I have. Through Notes I have been exposed to writing and opinions I would not likely have found otherwise so overall quite a plus.

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