JRE 0 · August 11, 2022

Why Chris Best Created Substack

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Who is Why Chris Best Created Substack?

Taken from JRE 1855 w/Chris Best:

Topics and Timestamps

01Chris Best explains the founding vision behind Substack and why he built a platform for writers and creators
02Discussion of how Substack democratizes publishing and allows creators to build direct relationships with audiences
03The economics of newsletter writing and how creators can actually make sustainable income
04Challenges of content moderation and free speech principles on creator platforms
05How Substack competes with traditional media and social media algorithms
06The future of independent media and why direct creator-to-audience models are becoming essential
▶Chris explains the core problem Substack solved for writers0:05:00
▶Discussion of how creators make money directly from subscribers0:15:00
▶Content moderation and free speech challenges for the platform0:30:00
▶How Substack competes with social media algorithms and traditional media0:45:00
▶Future of independent media and creator economics1:00:00

The Show

Joe brings on Chris Best, the founder and CEO of Substack, to dig into why he created the platform and where the newsletter economy is heading. The conversation centers on how Substack fundamentally changed the relationship between creators and their audiences by cutting out the middleman and letting writers keep most of their earnings.

Chris explains that the core problem Substack solved was simple: talented writers had no direct way to monetize their work without selling out to media companies, relying on ads, or dealing with algorithm changes on social platforms. With Substack, a writer can build an email list, publish regularly, and make real money directly from readers willing to pay for their work. It's not revolutionary in concept, but the execution and timing made it work at scale.

The conversation touches on how this model inverts the traditional media structure. Instead of publishers deciding what gets promoted based on what drives clicks and ad revenue, writers decide what to write and readers decide what to support. Joe and Chris discuss whether this leads to better content or just more niche content, and whether quality actually rises when writers answer to their subscribers rather than corporate overlords.

They also get into the messy stuff: content moderation, free speech, and what happens when Substack's platform hosts writers with controversial views. Chris discusses the tension between being a neutral platform and making editorial decisions about who gets to use the service. It's the same debate every platform faces, but it hits differently when the platform explicitly positions itself as pro-creator and anti-censorship.

The economic angle is compelling too. Substack takes a cut, but it's transparent. Writers know exactly what they're getting paid. Compare that to medium or other platforms where the math is obscure and controlled by the company. Chris speaks to the appeal of a model where creators actually understand their business and can predict their income.

Joe and Chris explore whether this is sustainable long-term or if Substack is the flavor of the month before something else comes along. The broader point is that the internet finally created the tools for creators to be truly independent, and that's changing media faster than traditional outlets can adapt.

Best Quotes

“Substack allows creators to have a direct relationship with their audience without any intermediary taking a cut or controlling the algorithm”

— Why Chris Best Created Substack