I’m posting this a couple of days late this month as March 3rd marks one year since I moved my blog to Substack. It seems fitting that I use my monthly update to look back and assess my progress and what the move to this platform has meant. The move to Substack has increased my reach substantially as growth on the other site was slow to say the least. In retrospect I probably should have just started on this platform, however, I was new to blogging and had no idea where to start so I went with the one that appeared to have the easiest setup.
It's been a learning year and one in which I’ve tried to build better writing habits. When I began blogging, I was posting 3 or 4 times per month and I’m now striving for twice per week. This is what February looked like:
1-Feb-24 Ship's Log
2-Feb-24 Weekly News Roundup
6-Feb-24 Freedom of the Seas
9-Feb-24 Weekly News Roundup
14-Feb-24 The Activist Industrial Complex
16-Feb-24 Weekly News Roundup
20-Feb-24 Self-Determination
24-Feb-24 Weekly News Roundup
27-Feb-24 The Death of the Republican Party
I’m happy with my production from a quantity standpoint but I feel rushed at times so I’m becoming concerned that the articles I post on Tuesday may be suffering from a quality standpoint. It’s likely that some adjustment to the schedule will necessary. Whether that means keeping the weekly news postings and going to biweekly for the longer articles is something I’m considering.
It hasn’t all been positive. Twitter/X made the decision to deprioritize tweets containing Substack links which has restricted my reach somewhat. My subscriber growth seems to have petered off a little lately as well, dropping by about a 2/3rds. Given that the rate is still substantially higher than it was on my original blog I shouldn’t complain, and it may be testament to the power of Substack that my early growth has spoiled me.
Coming “Soon”
As you know, I use this list both as a way of keeping you abreast of what I’m planning for the upcoming month and as a way to remember some of my ideas. I’ve concluded that I’m not making any progress on the “Just an Idea” section so I’m going to stop publishing it here. I’m doing a better job with the “On Deck” section so that’s going to stay. I’m also keeping the “Researching” section as I did pull something out of it last month, it just didn’t turn out the way I thought it would. “The History of Palestine” turned into “Self-Determination.”
On Deck
Immigration – Why were in this mess and how to get out of it.
Alternatives to “First Past the Post” voting
There are no feminists in foxholes.
A topic that will come to me as a result of the news – yes there’s a little bit of faith behind this one. If that doesn’t pan out, I’ll pull something out of the “Researching” section below.
Researching
Bring Back the Smoke-Filled Room – How to bring politics back to the center.
Bureaucratic “Bloat” and the rising cost of college
Racism – Why the Left’s Narrative is Simplistic and Wrong
Taxpayer Sovereignty
The Three Sides of the Climate Wars
Why Rent Control doesn’t work
Top 10 Postings
You can find all my posts in my archive.
Comment of the Month
This month’s comment of the month goes to Dave Vierthaler who commented on my How We All Became “Far Right” post over on Wrong Speak:
I am 67 and have wondered how I became SO far right. My beliefs which developed in the late 60’s and early 70’s while in HS and college were anything but “right” at the time. (At least according to my father) Has my step slowed so much that I cannot keep up with the shifting sands of moral and cultural change? I doubt it. I am very comfortable with my center to right-of-center ethos; fiscally conservative and more socially liberal. I do believe that Politicians and Corporate Media (formerly MSM) know there are votes, power and profits to be had by continually pushing to the left and maintaining disruption and division within their countries.
Thanks Dave!
Monthly Draw
I’ve decided to try something new this year. Every month as part of my monthly update I am going to raffle off a 3-month complimentary membership to some lucky subscriber. Don’t worry, if you’re already a paid subscriber I’ll tack the 3 months on to your current subscription. This month’s winner is:
Congratulations Daniel!
AYPWIP?
As the Canadian Liberal government once again attempts to limit speech in the guise of protecting us, I would like to remind everyone of the importance of free speech – especially the types we disagree with – and of the dangers of letting bureaucrats and politicians decide what we can and cannot say. There are almost too many quotes that seem fitting and so I will not limit myself to one this month.
“If freedom of speech is taken away, then dumb and silent we may be led, like sheep to the slaughter.”
-- George Washington
With regard to freedom of speech there are basically two positions: you defend it vigorously for views you hate, or you reject it and prefer Stalinist/fascist standards. It is unfortunate that it remains necessary to stress these simple truths.
-- Noam Chomsky
“Experience should teach us to be most on our guard to protect liberty when the Government's purposes are beneficent. Men born to freedom are naturally alert to repel invasion of their liberty by evil-minded rulers. The greatest dangers to liberty lurk in the insidious encroachment by men of zeal, well-meaning but without understanding.”
-- Justice Louis Brandeis.
“Censorship is the child of fear and the father of ignorance.”
― Laurie Halse Anderson
Beware the benevolence of those we elect. They are no wiser or smarter than the rest of us and frequently prioritize their jobs and power over what is best for society.
As usual, I encourage you to join my subscriber chat or comment on this, and other, posts and let me know your thoughts.
Final Thoughts
It’s been an exciting year of experimentation and growth. I appreciate all of you who have come along for the ride and hope you’ll stick around as I continue the experiment in 2024.
Until next month.
Phil