The 300!

Here's to you, my 300 subscribers. Also, some questions...

I’ve been looking forward to the 300 subscriber mark solely to be able to call you “The 300.” Why? Because…it’s cool. Spartans. Warriors. Band of brothers…We happy few…

Traycee seems to be the one who ticked that milestone early yesterday morning. So, thank you, Traycee!

Since then there have been a few more, and I’m ecstatic to get subscribers who aren’t “just” supportive friends and family. (The loved ones in my life are the real deal. The “help you hide the bodies” kind of real deal. I can count on them to be supportive of anything, which makes honest feedback questionable. ;-)). It’s vindicating and humbling.

Translation: “Tonight we dine in Hell!” Why the German? Because German adds 37% more menace to the pic.

So now what? Does membership in The 300 mean that you now have a mission? No. I think the Persians are mostly neutralized. It does mean that you have my gratitude, and as I forge ahead here, I’ll be thinking of the 300 people who took the time to hit that subscribe button because they saw something of value in these ramblings.

I do have a question, though. Why are you here? Why did you voluntarily request to receive more email? Was it even voluntary—did you lose a bet or something?

In all seriousness, I would love to get your thoughts about why you subscribed, what you get out of it, and what you’d like to read more about. Constructive criticism is also most welcome. This isn’t an ego-stroking thing, although it is a bit business-related. I intend to make a living with the written word, and this publication is a key part of that.

Going forward, I want to get away from it mainly being about me and my thoughts about my struggles and my perspective. If it’s even half as tedious to read about as it is for me to write, then it must be excruciating. Stories from my life will always have a place here as long as they help to illuminate some higher principle. For example, “How St. Nikolaj Velimirovic’s admonition to guard one’s tongue helped me to stop calling everyone in Albuquerque retarded—and saved my job,” is illustrative of my point here.

I’m increasingly interested in—both theoretically and as a guide to life—spiritual warfare. We are surrounded by both a cloud of angelic witnesses and diabolical powers in this, the most epic war in existence. But we still have to pay the bills. Finding that epic/mundane balance is fascinating to me, and will be at the heart of what I do—mostly—going forward.

I’ve mainly been writing for men, but if I’m reading Substack’s meager stats board correctly, then roughly half my audience is women. This is very interesting to me, and I’d love to know why that is. My theory is that given the state of men and masculinity right now, women are interested in, and seeking out, resources and ideas to help the men in their lives. If I’m near that mark, great! I hope this has been helpful. If I’m off the mark, what is it about my man-centric writing that keeps you here?

Whatever the case, thank you for subscribing. I am whatever is the most powerful adjective to emphasize gratitude. ;-)

I’m sure (well, I hope) that someday 300 will seem like a silly metric over which to take a victory lap, but for now I’m pretty happy about it.

I’m extremely hesitant to give you homework, but if you would be so kind, I’d appreciate if you could check some of the poll boxes below. I’m genuinely curious about who you are and why you’re here. The “Why do you subscribe” poll is half-silly because it only gives me five options and it appears you can’t add your own answers, so if none of those options apply, please feel free to leave a comment. If you’re shy, you can always send me a direct message.

Thanks again!

-Chris