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Erin Miller's avatar

I've spent the last couple of weeks thinking many of these thoughts, and—per usual—you've expressed them more beautifully than I could articulate myself. Not only do I completely support this shift and will continue to welcome you into my inbox whenever you hit the 'publish' button, but I'm grateful for it. Less noise. More value. Living fully. I'm continually grateful for the example you set to focus on what truly matters most, Jesse.

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Erik Hogan's avatar

I fully support the direction you are going and I’m interested to see where it leads. For a while now I’ve considered detaching from the weekly posting schedule. It can feel overwhelming at times. I haven’t done that yet because I do think it holds me accountable to writing, when I might otherwise put it off. I’m looking forward to your future essays!

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James Dalman's avatar

I get where you're coming from, Jesse, and I think it's always best to follow your heart and your gut. Content is so commoditized these days, and I admit that I contribute to that madness as well in the search to make a living. Unfortunately for me, drinking beer at campgrounds and hiking doesn't pay the bills. Haha.

Do your best work as you have time and passion. You will have people like us ready to read when you do.

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C. Jane Taylor's avatar

Right there with you, Jesse.

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erin nolen's avatar

You said this so perfectly and I felt your words down to my toes. Thank you.

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Cliff Watson's avatar

Such a refreshing perspective. Thank you.

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Kyle Shepard's avatar

We are in a similar spot brother. I made a commitment to post once a week when I first started and did it for about 18 months. Decided to shift when it felt right for my long-form posts while leaning into everything else I’m doing such as podcasts, reflective questions, notes, daily challenge, etc.

Most importantly, I refused to compromise my values or life outside of writing to maintain a self-imposed cadence that no longer served me.

Beautiful explanation of a pivot that makes complete sense.

I’m here for all of it, forever.

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Baird Brightman's avatar

Publish essays when they’re ready rather than on a strict schedule. Check!

I agree with your statement:

“I believe the reader-writer synergy can uphold long-form and meaningful content, preventing all newsletters from becoming bullet point writing that primarily focuses on selling something and scrollability.”

Do you feel you’re getting enough reader response to your writing? How do you define “enough”? It’s an issue I’m pondering lately.

Thanks for your good writing, Jesse. 👏

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The (Wild)erness Journal's avatar

Well said Jesse. I too most often write my thoughts with pen & paper first before transcribing. We are definitely alike in that way. I look forward to reading more of your work and seeing what you are up to. Happy hunting & good luck this season!

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Jenn Woltjen's avatar

You need to follow that path that feels good for you....and as others have mentioned....quality over quantity. Personally I feel a weekly posting schedule is too much and I have backed off from that - to about 3 times a month. I am trying to work on my own creative flow AND finding time to keep up my reading on others writers who inspire me. And like you, I need time to get outside and spend time with others. Thank you for your thoughtful letter.

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