Current Time.

It’s fascinating to consider why we struggle to describe what we read or listen to. I asked a few friends how they would explain The Liat Show to someone who had never heard of it. Their first response was to explain why they read or listen to it, basically recommending it. But when I repeated my question and asked them to describe it, they paused, and some were even at a loss for words.

It turns out this isn’t just about The Liat Show. They also found it hard to explain the essence of a platform of newsletters or mailing lists. They didn’t know how to explain when to follow someone on Substack and when to subscribe. So, what’s the difference? Writers and long-time readers usually understand this, but for new users, it takes time to figure it out. As Substack grows and welcomes more people, maybe it’s time to guide them. Like an orientation day, explaining the value of being a free or paid subscriber and when it’s enough just to follow someone.

The hardest part for me was explaining this to investors. At first, I thought they weren’t subscribing because they didn’t like my content. That sounds like a reasonable explanation and makes sense. But the real reason was different. Many didn’t understand what was in it for them. Tech investors, who are used to analyzing companies like Substack, couldn’t switch their mindsets and think from the perspective of the platform’s users. They saw it from a business angle, not as subscribers who enjoy specific content.

For many, art is a painting or a sculpture, something you buy and display. Music used to be considered art when consumers purchased vinyl records or CDs; they had a physical object attached to the music, but not anymore. Platforms like Spotify, YouTube, or iTunes aren’t perceived as art anymore. They’re just subscription services where the value of paying is to avoid commercials interrupting you every two seconds. It’s more about avoiding distractions than valuing the content itself.

I keep searching for the best metaphor. For example, more than just paying for content, an annual subscription to a newsletter on Substack or a membership on Patreon is like buying a museum membership. It supports a broader mission and represents something meaningful. It’s not just about the exhibits you see but about supporting the museum as an organization. Still, I wonder what the best analogy is. What analogy do you use?

Recap podcasts of the main topics we covered so far and an index for the list of stories and podcasts for each topic.

* Discovering Israeli Music Through NotebookLM with Fortis Sakharof and Ofra Haza on The Liat Show

* The Liat Show Podcast Redefining Food Culture with NotebookLM

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Liat

In this journey, I weave together episodes from my life with the rich tapestry of Israeli culture through music, food, arts, entrepreneurship, and more. I write over the weekends and evenings and publish these episodes as they unfold, almost like a live performance.

Each episode is part of a set focused on a specific topic, though sometimes I release standalone episodes. A set is released over several days to make it easier for you to read during your busy workday. If one episode catches your attention, make sure to read the entire set to get the whole picture. Although these episodes are released in sets, you can read the entire newsletter from the beginning, as it flows smoothly, like music to your ears - or, in this case, your eyes.

The Liat Show is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

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Why Do Readers Struggle to Explain Substack and The Liat Show?