About SmallStack
Subscribers & Community
Getting listed in the library
Featured Stacks
Miscellaneous Stuff
What is SmallStack?
SmallStack is a place where creators with fewer than 1,000 subscribers can gather and find community. Some folks are here to grow, some are here to stay small, and others may want something entirely different. For readers, SmallStack is a great place to find posts by those who would otherwise be incredibly hard to find on substack since we are so rarely promoted when our audience is small. For creators, SmallStack helps you feel seen and heard, and maybe we can help connect you to someone who really wants to see your work.
SmallStack is starting out by focusing on two main items: The SmallStack Library and SmallStack Featured Publications. ↑ Back to the top
What is the SmallStack Library?
The SmallStack Library will contain a list of stacks with fewer than 1,000 total subscribers. It’s a place to be listed as a small stack yourself, and it is also a place where we can find the smaller stacks on substack. There is currently no other method to find small stacks (<1000 subs) on this platform.
The SmallStack Library will open in September 2024. ↑ Back to the top
How will we use the SmallStack Library?
We’re currently working on how the library will function. The library itself will be hosted here on the SmallStack Library tab. Ideally, readers will be able to filter by category, by subscriber number (a range is provided), or by publication name. Additional filtering terms may be included. ↑ Back to the top
Just how many stacks will there be in the library?
At the moment we’re over 1,300 folks who would like to get listed, and nearly all of them meet our requirements. There is no limit on the library size at this time. ↑ Back to the top
Are you going to add a new category to the SmallStack Library?
Several of you have asked for a few new categories. We would certainly like to offer that so that you feel your publication is represented accurately, but also so that readers know where to find that niche stack they’re seeking. We started with the list of Substack categories and added a few that were clearly needed. Now that we have over 1,300 folks who have completed the form, we need a way to update your category if it isn’t correct.
Please bear with us as we work this detail out. In the end, yes, we will add more categories to the list. And also stay tuned for an announcement about which new categories will be added. ↑ Back to the top
How do I get listed on the SmallStack Library?
Our submission process for the Library is currently closed. We will post widely when it reopens.
The only criteria to be listed in the SmallStack Library is a total subscriber count of 1,000 or fewer. That’s it. No other hurdles.
Well, one hurdle. If your substack handle (like Robin Taylor (he/him)) or substack publication name (like smallstack.substack.com) contains a very clearly racist, sexist, queerphobic, etc. word or concept, your listing will be placed on hold while we look into it. ↑ Back to the top
Are you counting paid or free subscribers?
We would like you to declare your total subscriber numbers, not including “followers,” when you sign up. We care about audience size and the reach of your work, not whether you have paid subs turned on or cash rolling in. ↑ Back to the top
Can I list more than one substack?
No. We do not currently have the form or data tools set up to consider multiple substacks for a single user. Please complete the form with the stack you want listed first for now. This will change in the future. ↑ Back to the top
Can I email you my information to add to the library?
No. Please use the form provided so that all information is captured correctly. We’ll be using a live version of that data to create the Library itself, but periodic updates will need to happen. For everything to work well, your data needs to be submitted through the form. ↑ Back to the top
What do I do if I applied and do not see myself listed?
Two options.
First, if you declared that you were over 1,000 subscribers, you were removed from the potential list. This is an honor system, folks. We’re trusting you.
Second, if you feel you were left out in error, please email us at smallstacklibrary@gmail.com so that we can look into the issue.
Third (yeah, we said two, but still), if the information you provided in the form simply failed a cursory inspection (like providing a bogus URL), you were removed from the potential list. Please check that the link you provide is the right one for your stack. ↑ Back to the top
The SmallStack Library will open in September 2024.
What happens if I outgrow SmallStack?
Let’s remember that you don’t have to be under 1,000 subscribers to be a subscriber to this great community! We have amazing readers here, too! If, however, you do grow bigger than 1,000 subscribers, we’ll be creating a form where you can request to have your listing removed from the library. This will be on the honor system. We do not have the capacity to “big brother” anyone about their numbers. To that end, we hope you all understand that outgrowing SmallStack means making space for others to grow behind you.
It’s also been suggested that we could create an Alumni Library, and we really like that notion. ↑ Back to the top
What is a list-stack?
List-stacks are any substacks that have been created as aggregators of other substacks. SmallStack is a list-stack of the small substacks out there. Other list-stacks exist or are being made to help folks in specific categories or communities find the work they want to see. We’re starting to build recommendations of some of those which you can find on the SmallStack home page. ↑ Back to the top
What do I get as a paid subscriber?
Hugs! Virtual hugs mostly. And a very big thank you from all of us here at SmallStack.
I wrote a post about this, which is pinned to the homepage for everyone to find. Paid subscribers do not receive recommendations* from the SmallStack page. SmallStack is designed to be a place where small(er)(ish) publications get to step to the front of the line, and money is not part of that equation.
Paid subscribers make a huge difference in my ability to spend time (lots of time) building the SmallStack Library and the foundation of promoting small publications. You are never required to become a paid subscriber. SmallStack will never paywall any content here.
We’re also changing the pay structure to make it more accessible to folks who want to support SmallStack. As of now, new paid subscribers can join for just $25 per year or $2.50 per month. The founding level is set at $80, and anyone who has already subscribed at the yearly rate is now a founder. Substack allows me to provide this discount permanently. As long as it’s there, this rate will not change.
*Recommendations mentioned here are the embedded substack feature of recommending another substack on your home page. This is not the same as being a featured publication. ↑ Back to the top
What do I get as a free subscriber?
OMG EVERYTHING!! No paywalls, no restrictions, no lack of love, just please don’t double-dip in the nacho cheese. ↑ Back to the top
Can I slip you a $20 and get featured?
Nope. We’re happy to accept paid subscriptions to SmallStack, but this will not get your stack “featured” here. ↑ Back to the top
What if I can’t (or don’t want to be) a paid subscriber right now/yet/ever?
We all have our own reasons for opting to pay or consume free content. You’ll never see any pressure from us (other than the brief mention) to upgrade to paid. No big promotions, no funding drives. ↑ Back to the top
What can I do to help?
We’re so glad you asked! Getting the word out there about SmallStack happens when you like, subscribe, share, and restack posts and notes about this space. We’re also super happy when you recommend folks our way. This all grows the SmallStack community for the better.
Very soon we’ll be adding information about the growing SmallStack Team. This will include an application process that will be defined in a post all about how and why we are growing. ↑ Back to the top
How does *featuring* a stack work?
“Featured” stacks are a regular series highlighting existing posts that folks listed in the library have created. Those posts will be incorporated into an entirely new SmallStack post with the author listed in the by-line, shared with the entire SmallStack subscriber list.
When a stack is chosen to be featured, the author will receive an email from us to gather a bit of information. You will, at that point, have the ability to decide if you do or do not wish to be featured (and yes, it is perfectly okay to say “no thanks”).
You’ll be provided with a link to appear as a by-line author of your work, a draft email of what the post will look like before it launches, and the ability to see all the “likes” and comments on your work. Your publication details will also be included so that readers can find you, subscribe, or see more of your stack.
Finally, “featured” stacks receive a genuine “SmallStack Featured Publication” badge to proudly adorn their stack with! ↑ Back to the top
How will you choose which stacks to feature?
Featured stacks will only be those with 500 or fewer subscribers at the time of listing (again, there’s that honor system).
SmallStack currently has 22 categories of stacks in our listings. We’ll attempt to strike a balance between category, stack size, and the distribution of those combined attributes across the library catalogue. ↑ Back to the top
How often will you feature stacks?
Feature Posts will be published weekly on Fridays. ↑ Back to the top
Are you using AI? Or do you have an algorithm?
I have seen every single Terminator movie, and I know the risks. I’ve also read Asimov. Hard-core nerd right here. We are not currently using AI any more than you are (knowingly). And we are not using an algorithm to select stacks for promotion. Instead, we’ll be using the age-old process of reading and interacting. ↑ Back to the top
How do you feel about content moderation?
Love. It.
Far be it from us to overpromise and under-deliver, but we fully intend to keep this space bully and harassment free to the best of our ability. You can also report poo-poo comments to us or to the Substack overlords. Please refer to the community rules on our About Page for more on this. ↑ Back to the top
What about moderation of the stacks to be featured?
While we won’t prevent anyone from being a subscriber here (as long as the community rules are not violated), or from being listed in the library (again, same rules), we will not “feature” stacks that support hatred or intolerance based on identity or protected class. Basically, all folks deserve to feel welcome and safe here. We like nice people, and this community is full of nice people. We also like diversity, and that includes having a library full of varying interests and viewpoints, some of which you may disagree with. This is a place to promote small, and small will always be the primary category for inclusion. ↑ Back to the top
What if I don’t want to grow? What if I like staying small?
Outstanding! We love small! ↑ Back to the top
What is that nonsense? I want to grow!
Of course you do! That’s outstanding, too!
While SmallStack is here to help promote you in the Library and by featuring your work, it’s also up to you to engage with your audience, produce content that aligns with your values, and decide what your substack will be to your people. There is no guarantee that SmallStack will make you bigger. I hope we can at least feel good about being whatever size we are together.
Wait, is “stack-positive” a thing yet (like body-positive)? Should it be? ↑ Back to the top
Are you stack-positive?
Yes! From day one! ↑ Back to the top
Will there be guest posts?
Yes! Guest posts allow SmallStack community members to create a post for everyone that speaks to things like growing, staying small, finding the community for your work, and more. Guest Posts are currently published every other Wednesday. See more on our Guest Posts page. ↑ Back to the top
How do we give back to the SmallStack community?
Being a community means having very clear boundaries, rules, and best practices. Please review our community rules on the About page, and feel free to contribute a comment if you’d like to request a new rule, clarification, or interpretation.
Participate in the comments with one another! This is your community, and the best way to provide support to each other is to interact in the comments.
Report comments that violate our rules or make the community feel unsafe. If someone is targeted, please check on them.
When reading “featured” posts, please refrain from leaving negative (or “constructive”) feedback. SmallStack is not a writers group to critique one another. Nothing nice to say? Walk away.
Pay attention to your subscriber numbers and notify the SmallStack Team when you cross the 1,000 subscriber threshold. We’ll be creating a form for this soon.
Consider becoming a paid subscriber. Not only does this support the vital work being done behind the scenes, but this feeds directly into the algorithms that help push stacks up the leaderboards here on Substack. Better visibility for SmallStack means more for this entire community. ↑ Back to the top
Have you thought about using Chat for subscribers yet?
Wow. Not really. I’m technically an introvert.
Are people actually into that around here? If yes, we’d love to hear in the comments what you get out of the Chat feature and what you think SmallStack could accomplish with Chat. ↑ Back to the top
What if I disagree with you on something?
That’s cool. Meet me out back by the dumpsters at 7:30. I’ll bring the water balloons.
Joking aside, conflicts are a reality of communities, and they are best met with honest conversation. A SmallStack Team member, or Robin himself, will reach out to you or be available to discuss disagreements. ↑ Back to the top
Wait, how is it that you’re the guy for this job, Robin?
*blushing* Aw, shucks. I’m gonna take that the nicest way possible.
I have a really boring day job, but thankfully it’s taught me a lot about data hosting, collection, analysis, and analytics. And I really loved economics in grad school. But I also majored in sustainable agriculture, so I understand way more about fertilizer than you want to know.
Bottom line, I started small and I struggled. I want better for you. ↑ Back to the top
Is it true that you try to “like” and respond to all the comments and restacks and stuff?
It is, indeed, a fact.
Engagement is a major endorphin boost for me (yes, me, the introvert). I love seeing your joy, giving you a nudge when you’re a skosh too self-deprecating, and celebrating the wins as your subscribers love you back. If you’re winning, I’m winning. ↑ Back to the top
What if I have a question I don’t want others to see?
Email us at smallstacklibrary@gmail.com with questions that feel like they don’t belong in the comments. ↑ Back to the top
If you still have questions that did not get answered here, please leave a comment.