In case you were wondering, I put a lot of thought into what stories I share — and don’t share — in these free newsletters and in the daily “Morning Read-In” for paid subscribers.
First, is it interesting? Legendary Associated Press reporter Harry Rosenthal preached the magic of a “Hey Martha!” story — a piece of writing or video so compelling that a husband would call to his wife in the other room to share it. The “Hey Martha” formulation preceded social media “likes” and “shares” by decades, but the concept is the same: Is it relevant and interesting to my audience?
Second, is it important? The modern media ecosystem is awash in what the kids call “content,” millions of stories produced daily by professional and amateur journalists. The intensity is particularly insane on the subject of politics, driven by an administration in Washington that intentionally overloads our circuits. I try to avoid the ephemeral to focus on the durable.
Third, do I have something unique to say? I don’t want to be the person who always has a “hot take” on the day’s hottest topic. I try to be a writer who is humble enough to know when I can’t bring extra value to a story, even when it’s a clickable topic, but confident enough to swing for the fences when my life’s experiences might add context. I’m a former White House Correspondent and national political reporter; a former news executive; a failed social media entrepreneur; a communications consultant; a native Detroiter who left home out of college and returned home with an empty nest; a loving husband, father, and grandfather who stumbled into Substack as a form of political therapy, returning to journalism after seven byline-free years.
Fourth, does it connect with the themes of Convulsions? You can read more about them in my launch post here. But the conceit of this Substack is that we’re living in an extraordinary period of economic, technological, demographic change that is convulsing our culture. Each of us is being forced to change how we live and work, and for the most part, the leaders and institutions that are supposed to help us navigate the new social order are instead making it harder. We are witnesses to change in an age of anxiety.
Whether you’re a free subscriber getting these newsletters or a paid subscriber getting these newsletters plus the “Morning Read-In,” please hold me accountable. Let me know when my work isn’t interesting, important, unique, or on brand.
ICYMI, here are the stories posted for all subscribers at Convulsions this past week:
Corruption, Retribution, Disinformation, Pollution — Oh My!
My first Substack video, excerpts from today’s “Morning Read-In,” and Fournier Flurries.
Donald Trump violates the golden rule on leadership communications.
Independent’s Day for Michigan?
Meet the candidate who could defeat both MAGA and the Democratic Party.
How 2 Bill Clinton Trips to Detroit in the 1990s Resonate Today
His 1991 visit made news today and stirred memories of his extraordinary attempt a few months later to heal racial divisions and redefine the Democratic Party.
“Morning Read-In” shared today with our free subscribers.
That’s a lot of free “content.” Did you know you can get twice as much storytelling though “The Morning Read-In,” the daily curation and conversation around politics, communications, culture, and life? It’s exclusive to paid subscribers.
A paid subscription is just $5/month or $50/year. I literally can’t do this without your support.
I want to publicly thank Chris Cillizza for naming Convulsions one of "13 Substacks you really need to check out." Chris is an early adapter to Substack and independent journalism. His “So What” is a must-read.
Convulsions is slotted at #9, between two giants, Brad Todd’s “The What For” and Ben Rothenberg’s “Bounces.”
Since launching on Jan. 2, Convulsions has gathered more than 6,500 free and paid subscribers. While the growth has slowed somewhat the last two months, I hope to get to 10,000 this year. Adding video storytelling and interviews should help.
But only if I produce interesting, important, and unique stories about our convulsive times.
