Ways to Show Your Support
Hi Everyone! Popping into your inbox on this Monday after Thanksgiving to thank you again for reading and listening to Willoughby Hills!
It means a lot to me to receive your emails and comments and to know that this strange mix of racial, social, and environmental justice issues that I write and speak about, sprinkled in with urbanism, nostalgia, anti-consumption, and self-sufficiency is speaking to you in some way.
If you’ve grown, learned, or looked at the world differently because of my work, there are three quick asks that I have of you:
1. If you can afford it, please consider upgrading to a paying subscription
This newsletter and podcast is a one-person operation. It’s just me wearing lots and lots of hats: researching topics, writing, booking guests, recording and editing the podcast, and so much more.
I come from the world of public television, so I operate Willoughby Hills on that model- free access to everyone, but asking those who are in the position to do so to help support this work. Paid members also get early access to the podcast and occasional bonus posts.
I have extended the 20% off annual subscriptions sale through Tuesday (December 3), so there’s still time to upgrade your subscription. If you’ve been on the fence about supporting, hopefully this sale will help!
2. Share Willoughby Hills
Word of mouth is how a small publication like this grows!
If you read something that reminds you of somebody or that you think a friend or family would enjoy, please forward it to them.
Want to share it even more broadly? You can share any newsletter issue or podcast episode on social media using the Share button at the bottom of every email.
3. Engage with the Posts You Enjoy
If you read a post that speaks to you or hear a podcast that you enjoy, please click the “Like” button at the bottom of the email or leave a comment on the post.
These small gestures help the Substack algorithm know which publications to share more broadly. Plus, I always love reading your comments!
Finally, A Cyber Monday Thought…
Your inbox is likely getting clogged with emails from every merchant you’ve ever interacted with over the last 20 years today. It may have been that restaurant where you bought a gift card for your cousin in a city where you don’t even live, the clothing company where you no longer shop, or the company that sold you a case for your iPhone 8 in 2017.
Today is a great day to do a little inbox housekeeping and hit the “Unsubscribe” button. I try to do this periodically because I don’t want to feel inundated with pro-consumption messages every time I check my email.
It will take a lot of work to cut down fully on junk email, but on a day when retailers and other merchants seem to be especially heavy on solicitation, this can be a good day to clean house.
I’ll be back on Wednesday with my usual Wednesday Walk. Thank you again for your support!