Two Years: Cheers to Us!
Looking back two years and ahead to two subscriber-only events
Two years of this newsletter! I really want to thank all of you for being a part of this journey and project. Your support makes this work possible.
So how is the newsletter going? I get asked this A LOT. I wrote a long update on the ups and downs of running a Substack —then I realized I addressed this very same question in last year’s anniversary post.
That said, some Year 2 highlights:
I have 50 percent more paying subscribers than last year — though the rate of growth was slower in Year 2 than in Year 1
I had some stories reach “escape velocity” — such as my piece about the “human doom loop” which notched more than 20,000 pageviews and garnered more than 50 comments and more than 175 likes — not to mention the engagement on the original piece I wrote for Slate.
The subscriber events in Year 2 were a definite highlight. Detroit (August 2024) and San Francisco (February 2025) were both amazing experiences — I learned a lot. Most importantly, I have remained friends and even become collaborators with several people who participated in the trips.
Launched the twice-a-year New Urban Order Book Club. Btw, it’s your last chance to register for tomorrow’s Zoom with Yoni Appelbaum about his book, Stuck.
I’ve made ever more connections here. And some of these have turned into professional opportunities. Others turned into friendships. I’m excited to connect in person with many of you at upcoming conferences — Strong Towns, CNU, and YIMBYtown.
That said, I’ve got some goals for Year 3 and two upcoming events to share with my paying subscribers.
So I want to say THANK YOU to everyone who is reading and making this a really fun experience. I also want to say that if you enjoy my Substack and have been reading this content for months, do not pass GO, do not collect $200, please STOP and take a minute to subscribe. It makes all the difference, and you won’t have to feel weird about not subscribing anymore! It’s great.