This is the first piece I've read of yours (thanks, @alexdobrenko, for the recommendation). I laughed out loud several times. Wouldn't change a thing! Curious what Ben thought about it though. I would listen to your audio stuff. Thanks for such a great read!
Alex! I LOVED this! I’m so happy that you presented both versions here, but I’m not sure if I know how to answer your questions. Here’s why: I’m grappling with audio and text too. From a craft perspective I really learned a lot by listening to the audio version and reading. But maybe that’s too inside baseball, meaning most of your fans just want your amazing stories, not the craft stuff. Trying to put my fan hat on (and I am a fan!) I think I gravitated to the audio version more. That could be because I listen to more books than I read, or it could be that hearing David’s stories was how he really won me over. Or it could be that these stories are meant to be told. I don’t know. But I guess I lean audio. Of course, I’d buy the book too! Shit, this probably isn’t helpful, is it?
On the length question, I tend to think shorter is better. I go long sometimes, but I’m always asking, can I get out earlier? I’ll say this, from the audio version I could tell the crowd was with you, so that version was the right length for that format. But yeah, TikTok is ruining us.
The framing device. I think you need to do both. Sometimes it’s about you and that work is going to take us to these more vulnerable places. I love those pieces! But I don’t know if that’s sustainable for you as a human being. Like, I know it’s not sustainable for me. So I do this too: use myself as a kind of framing device. The funny thing is, I don’t think my readers really notice. By way of example: when I hear a reader tell me I lead a fascinating life, they inevitably cite a story where I’m just a framing device for a chatty Lyft driver or an oddball barista. Thing is, it’s always about you with these kinds of stories even when it isn’t about you. We fall in love with the voice, the perspective, and the vulnerable person at the center of some of the stories, and ultimately, we can’t pull these things apart, and we really don’t want to. Does that make sense?
Michael! I really admire your work — appreciate this super thoughtful response.
Okay so...my fear is that the reason you liked the audio is because there was a laugh track. People laughing makes you laugh more easily. Smiling people makes you smile, etc. I might try a couple of versions down the road of NO laugh track?
Totally fair on the barista framing thing — I saw this in your Beatles piece.
Is your goal of the podcast move to then just publish the podcasts as standalone "pieces" on substack? Or do you think of them as supplementary content widgets within the same post (i.e.: for me...would me POSTING the audio by itself served me better in some way [more hits on the platform for less work!]) Just wondering how you're thinking through it.
Somewhat long time reader first time commenter. I liked the story although I think I've liked some of your others better. The more of your writing the better so longer is good. I personally would not listen to audio. I much prefer reading.
I felt like you were inside my brain sitting on a plane next to that guy. Phew, good to know I'm not the only one with such an active imagination.
I thought the length is just right, I don't care for audio version I prefer to read. I came across your Substack and honestly read the story because it mentioned that you had opened for David Sedaris, whom I've seen live many times. He draws an odd and devoted crowd, and they are so excited and appreciative, I am imagining you had a blast.
As someone who’s sound-sensitive some days, it’s really nice to have the option to read the full story. And even though I did not listen, the piece itself really brought out your voice (as well a the difference in Brady’s)!
As for TikTok ruining us . . . Even though you have a good point there, I think back to what a miracle it is that long form anything still exists today . . . and it reminds me that things cycle around, too. By the same token that TikTok’s format has the potential to shorten our attention spans, it also has the potential to make us thirsty for something that invites us in for a quiet moment, a personal chat, and some humor that takes a moment before we catch its full weight.
And on this same line, I’ve just been rereading Kenneth Graeme’s *The Wind in the Willows* and am surprised both by how long he can go on some of the small details and not only keep me hooked but satisfy that thirsty something inside that hadn’t realized I was needing his particular brand of long form right now.
I think to myself “if there’s still a place for KG’s long form a century later, then perhaps there are people who need my long form, too” 🤷🏼♀️
Here’s praying along with you that our stuff finds those who need it 🙏🏻
If you do end up diving in and getting pulled along in Graeme’s current, I’d love to hear which part is your favorite or who ends up being your favorite character.
Congrats on openings! I feel ya on the SW flyers. Lots of guys wearing Vuori shorts on the way back to San Diego when I fly 😅
1. Really like this story style. You develop all the characters so well, making it easy to follow along from your perspective/presence in story.
2. Refreshing to get chance to read nowadays. With all the streaming/videos/clips on our phones, I need to be better about reading. Ever try podcast format?
3. Yes on audio. Was fun to hear your Brady accent and internal thoughts.
@khris! How would "podcast format" differ from audio? Do you mean "instead of posting this from you having been on a stage + laugh track, you should try it audiobook style."
I prefer reading to listening. This is my first encounter with your writing. I did not open substack intending to read this piece but once upon I began, I read straight through. No changes. Lovely.
First time reader turned subscriber -- Alex. You CRUSHED this. I listened. I read. I couldn’t get enough. I love the idea of reading a condensed piece but also including a longer one to read. You seem ahead of many others on the platform -- I’m curious, how are you looking to innovate next? Your audience seems really in tune and attentive to your work, which I love. Congrats on your successes so far! 😊
I think you did really well with all counts. Easy to read, no jarring twists or turns, and just the right amount of words required to get the “job” done.
this made me laugh out loud several times. 'Not for me'. Ha ha. Do you find any conversation on a plane is better than no conversation? (also, very familiar with pit in stomach arguing with brain)
I see why David Sedaris had you open - your voice is very similar to his. I did really enjoy it! It was the first work of yours I’ve read, so I can’t compare. I might like a podcast, but prefer the written word for everything other than interviews.
First time reader and now a subscriber. The length was fine, long enough for details and short enough to stay on topic. No audio please. I'm old and enjoy reading my stuff.
This is the first piece I've read of yours (thanks, @alexdobrenko, for the recommendation). I laughed out loud several times. Wouldn't change a thing! Curious what Ben thought about it though. I would listen to your audio stuff. Thanks for such a great read!
Ben absolutely does not care but he's way more secure than I am and thank god right
Alex! I LOVED this! I’m so happy that you presented both versions here, but I’m not sure if I know how to answer your questions. Here’s why: I’m grappling with audio and text too. From a craft perspective I really learned a lot by listening to the audio version and reading. But maybe that’s too inside baseball, meaning most of your fans just want your amazing stories, not the craft stuff. Trying to put my fan hat on (and I am a fan!) I think I gravitated to the audio version more. That could be because I listen to more books than I read, or it could be that hearing David’s stories was how he really won me over. Or it could be that these stories are meant to be told. I don’t know. But I guess I lean audio. Of course, I’d buy the book too! Shit, this probably isn’t helpful, is it?
On the length question, I tend to think shorter is better. I go long sometimes, but I’m always asking, can I get out earlier? I’ll say this, from the audio version I could tell the crowd was with you, so that version was the right length for that format. But yeah, TikTok is ruining us.
The framing device. I think you need to do both. Sometimes it’s about you and that work is going to take us to these more vulnerable places. I love those pieces! But I don’t know if that’s sustainable for you as a human being. Like, I know it’s not sustainable for me. So I do this too: use myself as a kind of framing device. The funny thing is, I don’t think my readers really notice. By way of example: when I hear a reader tell me I lead a fascinating life, they inevitably cite a story where I’m just a framing device for a chatty Lyft driver or an oddball barista. Thing is, it’s always about you with these kinds of stories even when it isn’t about you. We fall in love with the voice, the perspective, and the vulnerable person at the center of some of the stories, and ultimately, we can’t pull these things apart, and we really don’t want to. Does that make sense?
Again, I just loved all of this! Great job!
Michael! I really admire your work — appreciate this super thoughtful response.
Okay so...my fear is that the reason you liked the audio is because there was a laugh track. People laughing makes you laugh more easily. Smiling people makes you smile, etc. I might try a couple of versions down the road of NO laugh track?
Totally fair on the barista framing thing — I saw this in your Beatles piece.
Is your goal of the podcast move to then just publish the podcasts as standalone "pieces" on substack? Or do you think of them as supplementary content widgets within the same post (i.e.: for me...would me POSTING the audio by itself served me better in some way [more hits on the platform for less work!]) Just wondering how you're thinking through it.
Thanks again for the note
Somewhat long time reader first time commenter. I liked the story although I think I've liked some of your others better. The more of your writing the better so longer is good. I personally would not listen to audio. I much prefer reading.
It's nuts how split this is. Like, I got texts from people that were like NO MORE READING WE HATE READING STUFF! haha
I felt like you were inside my brain sitting on a plane next to that guy. Phew, good to know I'm not the only one with such an active imagination.
I thought the length is just right, I don't care for audio version I prefer to read. I came across your Substack and honestly read the story because it mentioned that you had opened for David Sedaris, whom I've seen live many times. He draws an odd and devoted crowd, and they are so excited and appreciative, I am imagining you had a blast.
It was so cool tbh. I'm so lucky he said yes to that.
Luck? Nah, I'm sure you deserved to be there.
Can’t possibly stress how much I enjoyed this.
As someone who’s sound-sensitive some days, it’s really nice to have the option to read the full story. And even though I did not listen, the piece itself really brought out your voice (as well a the difference in Brady’s)!
As for TikTok ruining us . . . Even though you have a good point there, I think back to what a miracle it is that long form anything still exists today . . . and it reminds me that things cycle around, too. By the same token that TikTok’s format has the potential to shorten our attention spans, it also has the potential to make us thirsty for something that invites us in for a quiet moment, a personal chat, and some humor that takes a moment before we catch its full weight.
I will pray that you are correct because I am TERRIBLE at short form haha
Hahaha! Same here!
And on this same line, I’ve just been rereading Kenneth Graeme’s *The Wind in the Willows* and am surprised both by how long he can go on some of the small details and not only keep me hooked but satisfy that thirsty something inside that hadn’t realized I was needing his particular brand of long form right now.
I think to myself “if there’s still a place for KG’s long form a century later, then perhaps there are people who need my long form, too” 🤷🏼♀️
Here’s praying along with you that our stuff finds those who need it 🙏🏻
Looking him up now!
If you do end up diving in and getting pulled along in Graeme’s current, I’d love to hear which part is your favorite or who ends up being your favorite character.
I’m laughing so hard I may have peed a little 😂
Congrats on openings! I feel ya on the SW flyers. Lots of guys wearing Vuori shorts on the way back to San Diego when I fly 😅
1. Really like this story style. You develop all the characters so well, making it easy to follow along from your perspective/presence in story.
2. Refreshing to get chance to read nowadays. With all the streaming/videos/clips on our phones, I need to be better about reading. Ever try podcast format?
3. Yes on audio. Was fun to hear your Brady accent and internal thoughts.
@khris! How would "podcast format" differ from audio? Do you mean "instead of posting this from you having been on a stage + laugh track, you should try it audiobook style."
Good point. Podcast would be more conversational with audience vs. sticking to just story telling
I prefer reading to listening. This is my first encounter with your writing. I did not open substack intending to read this piece but once upon I began, I read straight through. No changes. Lovely.
Great story!!
1. I like this style equally as much as the ones that are more you-focused. I like a variety of things!
2. I only read it, so I think the length is good. I'm not into tiktok
3. I personally wouldn't listen to an audio version, just not my thing
First time reader turned subscriber -- Alex. You CRUSHED this. I listened. I read. I couldn’t get enough. I love the idea of reading a condensed piece but also including a longer one to read. You seem ahead of many others on the platform -- I’m curious, how are you looking to innovate next? Your audience seems really in tune and attentive to your work, which I love. Congrats on your successes so far! 😊
Thanks Ari. I'm going to try and record audio and then video and then see how the video hits as clips on TikTok. That's the plan.
An old expression from San Francisco,
“Keep it simple, friendly, clean and smooth.”
I think you did really well with all counts. Easy to read, no jarring twists or turns, and just the right amount of words required to get the “job” done.
I think this is the right size, not too short nor too long
this made me laugh out loud several times. 'Not for me'. Ha ha. Do you find any conversation on a plane is better than no conversation? (also, very familiar with pit in stomach arguing with brain)
I've never not attempted to talk to someone on a plane. I am some people's least part about flying.
I see why David Sedaris had you open - your voice is very similar to his. I did really enjoy it! It was the first work of yours I’ve read, so I can’t compare. I might like a podcast, but prefer the written word for everything other than interviews.
Super helpful. Working on recording a couple more today :D
By voice I mean style btw
First time reader and now a subscriber. The length was fine, long enough for details and short enough to stay on topic. No audio please. I'm old and enjoy reading my stuff.