I have the same dilemma about migrating/staying. There's no easy answer. Substack might consider donating every penny it earns from Far-Right/Nazi newsletters to organisations that tackle head-on the awful consequences of hatred.
One Suffolk winter, some years ago, a glorious waxwing crowd stopped by and feasted on a cotoneaster at the bottom of the garden. Iād never seen a waxwing before and naively assumed this would happen every year. Eight years on and still waiting, with a cotoneaster GROANING with berries and nothing but fat wood pigeons š
Thanks as always for an intriguing set of 6 things. The fairy shrimp eggs hatching after having been out in outer space blew my mind (as the kids used to say).
As for the Nazis, yes, it's tough. But I don't like the thought of supporting any organization, like Substack, who supports Nazis. If/when you move, I will follow along.
Bummer timing. Iām new to Substack - just in time for this disappointing development - and then also new to Threads where I found your account by recommendation of m z harrisonās much-needed list of āchatty, smart, interesting people who donāt rant or take themselves too seriouslyā - which then also led me to your Substack š which I will enjoy reading if you do determine to stay :) I write Moments, sharing photography + stories about moments of connection in nature and everyday life, you know, the little things!
So many of the Substack writers I follow are contemplating leaving the platform, but this just creates a place for hatred, misinformation and ignorance to thrive unhindered. It feels like the schoolyard bullies taking over the best corner of the playground, laughing as we walk away to find another place to hang out. And once we do, they will follow us there. I hope you will stay and be a counterpresence to the ugly voices out there. As Martin Luther King Jr said, āDarkness cannot drive out darkness: only light can do thatā. Please continue to be the light with your delightful posts about birds and other quirky randomness!
I love the calm and considered voice of Six Things, and the wonderful new information I get every time I read. But Nazis are not acceptable in any form and so sadly I will have to exit.
Happy New Year, Lev. Also super bummed about the Nazi situation. Iām staying, for lack of an alternative, but Iāve turned off paid subs. If they insist on allowing Naziās to be monetized I donāt want to be lining their pockets. Such a shame itās come to this. Mega thanks for all the shares, though. Canāt believe Iāve still not seen a waxwing. Apparently there about 40 found ādeadā on an industrial estate in Kent--they had in fact just overdone it on the elderberries, all were fine.
Also, is its depth why the Central line gets so bloody hot...?!
Right-wing extremism ... You wrote: "What am I going to do? I donāt know. Iād love to think that by staying here and publishing my weekly (soon to be bi-weekly) whimsy I am, in some obscure way, sticking it to these people. No doubt Peter Cook would have something to say about that." ... I too have thought about options but have decided to stay for two reasons (1) These swastika-laden articles are not thrust in my face, in fact I had to actively seek out examples and (2) wherever you/I/we go they will undoubtedly follow and may already be there before us.
Someone else here (@Caitlin Hooker) commented: " ... be a counterpresence to the ugly voices out there. As Martin Luther King Jr said, āDarkness cannot drive out darkness: only light can do thatā. "
I really love your newsletter.
I have the same dilemma about migrating/staying. There's no easy answer. Substack might consider donating every penny it earns from Far-Right/Nazi newsletters to organisations that tackle head-on the awful consequences of hatred.
Splendid Six Things, as ever!
One Suffolk winter, some years ago, a glorious waxwing crowd stopped by and feasted on a cotoneaster at the bottom of the garden. Iād never seen a waxwing before and naively assumed this would happen every year. Eight years on and still waiting, with a cotoneaster GROANING with berries and nothing but fat wood pigeons š
Iāll have a word with them.
šš»š
UPDATE: FIELDFARES!!!!
Yay!
Nazis are never a good thing. My Dad stormed the beaches at Normandy on D-Day and all that.
Happy New Year, Lev.
And to you, Gillian.
Happy New Year. Not happy about the Nazis on substack either. I will wait and see what you decide. Enjoy your break and again thank you
Thanks as always for an intriguing set of 6 things. The fairy shrimp eggs hatching after having been out in outer space blew my mind (as the kids used to say).
As for the Nazis, yes, it's tough. But I don't like the thought of supporting any organization, like Substack, who supports Nazis. If/when you move, I will follow along.
Bummer timing. Iām new to Substack - just in time for this disappointing development - and then also new to Threads where I found your account by recommendation of m z harrisonās much-needed list of āchatty, smart, interesting people who donāt rant or take themselves too seriouslyā - which then also led me to your Substack š which I will enjoy reading if you do determine to stay :) I write Moments, sharing photography + stories about moments of connection in nature and everyday life, you know, the little things!
So many of the Substack writers I follow are contemplating leaving the platform, but this just creates a place for hatred, misinformation and ignorance to thrive unhindered. It feels like the schoolyard bullies taking over the best corner of the playground, laughing as we walk away to find another place to hang out. And once we do, they will follow us there. I hope you will stay and be a counterpresence to the ugly voices out there. As Martin Luther King Jr said, āDarkness cannot drive out darkness: only light can do thatā. Please continue to be the light with your delightful posts about birds and other quirky randomness!
Totally agree - I am staying, and writing about birds
I love the calm and considered voice of Six Things, and the wonderful new information I get every time I read. But Nazis are not acceptable in any form and so sadly I will have to exit.
Happy New Year, Lev. Also super bummed about the Nazi situation. Iām staying, for lack of an alternative, but Iāve turned off paid subs. If they insist on allowing Naziās to be monetized I donāt want to be lining their pockets. Such a shame itās come to this. Mega thanks for all the shares, though. Canāt believe Iāve still not seen a waxwing. Apparently there about 40 found ādeadā on an industrial estate in Kent--they had in fact just overdone it on the elderberries, all were fine.
Also, is its depth why the Central line gets so bloody hot...?!
Glorious. A year of glorious. Thank you!! š¤©
Right-wing extremism ... You wrote: "What am I going to do? I donāt know. Iād love to think that by staying here and publishing my weekly (soon to be bi-weekly) whimsy I am, in some obscure way, sticking it to these people. No doubt Peter Cook would have something to say about that." ... I too have thought about options but have decided to stay for two reasons (1) These swastika-laden articles are not thrust in my face, in fact I had to actively seek out examples and (2) wherever you/I/we go they will undoubtedly follow and may already be there before us.
Someone else here (@Caitlin Hooker) commented: " ... be a counterpresence to the ugly voices out there. As Martin Luther King Jr said, āDarkness cannot drive out darkness: only light can do thatā. "