Hey everyone,
The suits at Substack recently responded to a mass demand from writers on their platform to remove Nazis who are sharing their repugnant ideas and raising funds through newsletters here. Substack’s response was, more or less, “thanks but no thanks, we’ll keep the Nazis.” They dressed up their response (which I won’t link to, Google it if you want to read some Silicon Valley Nazi apologia) with high-minded talk of censorship and free speech, but the end result is that any writer on this platform is sharing space with Nazis and that’s not likely to change any time soon.
If the Nazis aren’t leaving, I am. What a depressing thing to have to say, but here we are.
I have no specific plans to relaunch the newsletter, but I’ve thought about it now and then. If and when I do, it’ll be elsewhere. I’m currently exporting my posts and mailing list, so you’ll be notified whenever and wherever Cobbler returns.
While I have your attention, now would be a good time to donate to one of the many groups doing good work in the world right now. I’d recommend any of the groups fighting for justice in Palestine, any of the organizations providing food and shelter to the unhoused in your area this winter, or the workers at the Pittsburgh Post Gazette who’ve been on strike for over a year, among countless other worthy causes. As always, small recurring donations are better than one time gifts.
Take care, be kind to each other, except Nazis. Fuck Nazis.
Bon