I was wondering when this would happen. Thanks for doing it.
I know that several of my fellow leftist journalists have long refused to engage with Substack because of the upfront financial incentives offered to right-wing personalities a couple of years ago.
I wonder how Substack deals with countries with decency laws in place. Swastikas are illegal in Germany, for instance. Geoblocked?
Lack of action on the part of the founders is evidence of acquiescence. History has shown us what happens when we turn a blind eye to hate. Now is the time for action.
Excellent, Ramona. Re-stacked and I am happy to re-publish, too. You have my utmost respect and gratitude for beginning this action. I trust that the response will be overwhelmingly positive.
Several Nazis and white supremacists including Richard Spencer not only have paid subscriptions turned on but have received Substack “Bestseller” badges, indicating that they are making at a minimum thousands of dollars a year.
Damn, and I chose folk and protest music for a career!
Thank you for this, Ramona. I absolutely stand with you on this. This is NOT a matter of free speech. Nazi’s are peddlers of hate speech and are seeking followers among those who may teetering in direction already. I am actually incensed to think that Substack is supporting the funding of the machine by allowing those Nazis who profit from paid subscribers on this platform to not only build up their coffers, but as you pointed out, those funds from followers of Nazi propagandists are helping to make Substack founders wealthier. The questions you posed demand answers as far as I am concerned. Why are they platforming and monetizing Nazis???
I have a very small following, so if I left this platform, it would of no consequence to no one except me and nearly 200 followers who seem to enjoy my writing, and some even support my endeavors financially. For that I am both amazed and grateful. My conscience however would not allow me to remain here if this platform continues to allow Nazis to build email lists here (lists they will be able to keep by the way) and benefit financially to build power in this country, I will leave Substack.
There is no place in the United States of America where hate speech that espouses Nazi ideas and beliefs under swastika avatars, or without the avatars, should be allowed. A platform like Substack should be the first place to make this clear. They are being extremely hypocritical if they ban sex worker, spam sites, and allow purveyors of white nationalism.
I've had a good experience on Substack so far, and love that I can subscribe to the opinions and 'vibes' that resonate with mine..... and don't have to see the hate and vitriol that doesn't come into my feed.... My subscriber numbers are very low, but I appreciate the space to lay my own thoughts and writings.
But that said - it is concerning..... I think the spirit, goals and underlying philosophy of the platform need to be closely looked at, perhaps re-written, and purged accordingly.... cos, for SURE, it doesn't depend on context when a hate group calls for obliteration of certain peoples
I signed the opposite letter, because I'd prefer that Substack choose to adopt standards of free speech consistent with the First Amendment and its narrow exceptions.
I understand your different point of view.
But what's by far most important to me is that whatever Substack decides to do, I hope that writers disappointed with the decision won't make their disappointment a reason to leave.
I know if Substack decides to moderate robustly, against my preferences, that would not come close to a reason for me to consider leaving this wonderful place. Not for a nanosecond.
As someone new to Substack, I find this very distressing. Free speech and hate speech are two very different things.
I was wondering when this would happen. Thanks for doing it.
I know that several of my fellow leftist journalists have long refused to engage with Substack because of the upfront financial incentives offered to right-wing personalities a couple of years ago.
I wonder how Substack deals with countries with decency laws in place. Swastikas are illegal in Germany, for instance. Geoblocked?
Lack of action on the part of the founders is evidence of acquiescence. History has shown us what happens when we turn a blind eye to hate. Now is the time for action.
Thanks for this. I've posted it on my substack and am already getting comments.
Excellent, Ramona. Re-stacked and I am happy to re-publish, too. You have my utmost respect and gratitude for beginning this action. I trust that the response will be overwhelmingly positive.
Several Nazis and white supremacists including Richard Spencer not only have paid subscriptions turned on but have received Substack “Bestseller” badges, indicating that they are making at a minimum thousands of dollars a year.
Damn, and I chose folk and protest music for a career!
Thx for sending. While there are buttons to block and report I don’t know if Substack has yet to kick anyone off the platform.
Thank you for this, Ramona. I absolutely stand with you on this. This is NOT a matter of free speech. Nazi’s are peddlers of hate speech and are seeking followers among those who may teetering in direction already. I am actually incensed to think that Substack is supporting the funding of the machine by allowing those Nazis who profit from paid subscribers on this platform to not only build up their coffers, but as you pointed out, those funds from followers of Nazi propagandists are helping to make Substack founders wealthier. The questions you posed demand answers as far as I am concerned. Why are they platforming and monetizing Nazis???
I have a very small following, so if I left this platform, it would of no consequence to no one except me and nearly 200 followers who seem to enjoy my writing, and some even support my endeavors financially. For that I am both amazed and grateful. My conscience however would not allow me to remain here if this platform continues to allow Nazis to build email lists here (lists they will be able to keep by the way) and benefit financially to build power in this country, I will leave Substack.
There is no place in the United States of America where hate speech that espouses Nazi ideas and beliefs under swastika avatars, or without the avatars, should be allowed. A platform like Substack should be the first place to make this clear. They are being extremely hypocritical if they ban sex worker, spam sites, and allow purveyors of white nationalism.
Cross-posted. No room for Nazis in this world.
I was not aware of this situation, thank you for enlightening us.
I've had a good experience on Substack so far, and love that I can subscribe to the opinions and 'vibes' that resonate with mine..... and don't have to see the hate and vitriol that doesn't come into my feed.... My subscriber numbers are very low, but I appreciate the space to lay my own thoughts and writings.
But that said - it is concerning..... I think the spirit, goals and underlying philosophy of the platform need to be closely looked at, perhaps re-written, and purged accordingly.... cos, for SURE, it doesn't depend on context when a hate group calls for obliteration of certain peoples
Goodness. I'm shocked.
Especially as I found my tribe on Substack. Would I walk away? Yes. I despise rightwing attitudes and racism.
Thanks for this, Ramona. I had no idea this was happening. I hope Substack decides to do the right thing and remove these newsletters.
I’ve stacked to my site. I would like to be a signatory.
Hi Ramona,
I signed the opposite letter, because I'd prefer that Substack choose to adopt standards of free speech consistent with the First Amendment and its narrow exceptions.
I understand your different point of view.
But what's by far most important to me is that whatever Substack decides to do, I hope that writers disappointed with the decision won't make their disappointment a reason to leave.
I know if Substack decides to moderate robustly, against my preferences, that would not come close to a reason for me to consider leaving this wonderful place. Not for a nanosecond.
I ask everyone for perspective.
Best,
David