Contemporary journalism and anti-MAGA advocacy can draw profound lessons from historical civil rights movements, exemplified by pioneers like Ida B. Wells. (see her bio on Kanopy--Passion for Justice."
Wells embodied journalism as a transformative tool: She didn't merely report events but challenged systemic injustice through rigorous documentation, fearless storytelling, and strategic exposure of racist violence. Her work demonstrated how journalism can be simultaneously analytical, moral, and activist.
Substacks and media platforms can learn from Wells' approach: Journalism, as Bob and others on this Collaborative succeed at, revealing systemic truths, challenging power structures, and catalyzing social transformation.
The civil rights movement's strategies remain relevant: unite diverse constituencies, speak truth to power, and create change through persistent, principled action.
Bob- So grateful for you & all the other independent journalists. (Independent = freedom to THINK & WRITE the TRUTH.). Where would we be in this dark time without you?
I am trying to convince people not to use Substack. As a physician, I do not condone concierge medicine, medical care for those who can pay extra. Likewise I don't condone the idea of information and opinion for those who can pay extra-the model Substack best represents. Recently my local NPR station was doing a pledge drive. They acknowledged that many listeners don't pay but encouraged folks to pledge so that other people are not stuck behind paywalls. Substack wants people stuck behind paywalls. That's their business model. What kind of society will that produce? Isn't the answer obvious? Do we need more inequality? Surely you understand this. If you think your stuff is suitable and of interest for all I encourage you to convince Substack to have a "pay what you will" policy. Or please find another, more equitable, venue
Substack is for the elite, hence part of the problem rather than the solution. Can you adjust appropriately?
Thanks for your thoughtful comments. I don't appreciate the misinformation either. I share the pay-what-you-will policy you propose, therefore my posts will remain free. I'm afraid I don't have any influence over Substack policy, however...FYI, I am a UW grad and loved my time in Seattle.
From minstrels to parchment to presses to internet, through fratricide and genocide, through floods and famines, fires and folly, through every act and thought, conviction triumphs through words. [I know: purple. It's the color of royalty.]
Congratulations on your successful venture into the substack world. You give me hope as we enter the unknown for the next four years. I appreciate your analysis, commentary and generosity to those of us on fixed incomes to be subscribers.
I've always appreciated your writing which showed an independence that was not present with many of the editors of local newspapers that I've encountered over long years of writing which began when I was high school freshman. I was tapped by my English teacher to be part of a group which met during the noon hour once a week to write the Palladium which was published in the Pella Chronicle. This was not part of the curriculum and we received no credit for doing this. Thanks for mentioning my favorite Heather Cox Richardson.
Contemporary journalism and anti-MAGA advocacy can draw profound lessons from historical civil rights movements, exemplified by pioneers like Ida B. Wells. (see her bio on Kanopy--Passion for Justice."
Wells embodied journalism as a transformative tool: She didn't merely report events but challenged systemic injustice through rigorous documentation, fearless storytelling, and strategic exposure of racist violence. Her work demonstrated how journalism can be simultaneously analytical, moral, and activist.
Substacks and media platforms can learn from Wells' approach: Journalism, as Bob and others on this Collaborative succeed at, revealing systemic truths, challenging power structures, and catalyzing social transformation.
The civil rights movement's strategies remain relevant: unite diverse constituencies, speak truth to power, and create change through persistent, principled action.
Bob- So grateful for you & all the other independent journalists. (Independent = freedom to THINK & WRITE the TRUTH.). Where would we be in this dark time without you?
Oh, Lauren, you are so kind. You brought tears to my eyes...and where would we be in this dark time without you?
Your article "Finding Comfort at the Casey's General Store" hit my Flipboard news feed last week!
I read it here first here though; the Iowa Collaborative is a great source of news and information.
Wow. That's cool. Thanks, Ed.
I appreciate your stuff, but..............
I am trying to convince people not to use Substack. As a physician, I do not condone concierge medicine, medical care for those who can pay extra. Likewise I don't condone the idea of information and opinion for those who can pay extra-the model Substack best represents. Recently my local NPR station was doing a pledge drive. They acknowledged that many listeners don't pay but encouraged folks to pledge so that other people are not stuck behind paywalls. Substack wants people stuck behind paywalls. That's their business model. What kind of society will that produce? Isn't the answer obvious? Do we need more inequality? Surely you understand this. If you think your stuff is suitable and of interest for all I encourage you to convince Substack to have a "pay what you will" policy. Or please find another, more equitable, venue
Substack is for the elite, hence part of the problem rather than the solution. Can you adjust appropriately?
Thanks for listening
Mark Miller
Seattle
Thanks for your thoughtful comments. I don't appreciate the misinformation either. I share the pay-what-you-will policy you propose, therefore my posts will remain free. I'm afraid I don't have any influence over Substack policy, however...FYI, I am a UW grad and loved my time in Seattle.
👍When you take the long view, it Seems like our old newspaper model (the caterpillar) is emerging as a “new butterfly?!”
Let's hope!
Thx for mentioning TFN, great stuff there! Also excellent post about Emporia last week.
From minstrels to parchment to presses to internet, through fratricide and genocide, through floods and famines, fires and folly, through every act and thought, conviction triumphs through words. [I know: purple. It's the color of royalty.]
Beautiful!
Change. It's a talent to be able to do. Congrats.
Congratulations on your successful venture into the substack world. You give me hope as we enter the unknown for the next four years. I appreciate your analysis, commentary and generosity to those of us on fixed incomes to be subscribers.
It will always be free.
Ditto Denise’s comment.
I've always appreciated your writing which showed an independence that was not present with many of the editors of local newspapers that I've encountered over long years of writing which began when I was high school freshman. I was tapped by my English teacher to be part of a group which met during the noon hour once a week to write the Palladium which was published in the Pella Chronicle. This was not part of the curriculum and we received no credit for doing this. Thanks for mentioning my favorite Heather Cox Richardson.