Zero-sum thinking, indeed! This mindset leaves us all poorer. The win-win-win of reading, supporting, and sharing the work of writers we admire is irresistible. The way I've found to make this manageable, both financially and time-wise, is to narrow the choices: I have about 20 writers - across genres - I admire and learn from. I buy their books, subscribe to the magazines they write for, and of course follow/pay for their individual publications. When a fresh voice catches my attention, I will add it to the roster, and likely swap it out for another, at least for a while, to see how it fits in with my current needs and interests. It goes without saying that you, Meg, are on the core list!
I am not specifically a wine writer but I do drink a lot of it and do plenty of wine tastings. You could call it a hobby. I am a historian and now a food historian. Happy to support!
It's not just a monetary commitment, it's a time commitment. Reading and commenting takes time. In fact in many ways it's easier to buy something and not read it. Reading the volume of free wine Substacks is difficult to do for me at least, plus making commentary, real commentary, not just the "Great article" stuff, but to actually write a paragraph, or a question, or add to the conversation, takes time and thought. Think about George Nordahl's deep dives? Time and thought.
I'm with you Meg, support the wine writers here on Substack, it's an investment in time, thought, and money.
It certainly is a time commitment. I do think writers need to read other commentators in their domain — not everyone; that's impossible. But it does help broaden our perspective. I also believe strongly that wine writers need to read excellent non-wine-related material.
For sure on reading outside our universe, which I'm doing more of here on Substack. Travel, food, luxury, finance, there's a lot here. I think there's a lot to learn from the luxury goods (micro watches, fashion, bags) Substackers as it relates to wine.
Zero-sum thinking, indeed! This mindset leaves us all poorer. The win-win-win of reading, supporting, and sharing the work of writers we admire is irresistible. The way I've found to make this manageable, both financially and time-wise, is to narrow the choices: I have about 20 writers - across genres - I admire and learn from. I buy their books, subscribe to the magazines they write for, and of course follow/pay for their individual publications. When a fresh voice catches my attention, I will add it to the roster, and likely swap it out for another, at least for a while, to see how it fits in with my current needs and interests. It goes without saying that you, Meg, are on the core list!
Beautifully said, Valerie. It sounds like a great strategy. And thank you for the support!
I am not specifically a wine writer but I do drink a lot of it and do plenty of wine tastings. You could call it a hobby. I am a historian and now a food historian. Happy to support!
We'll take it! Thanks for reading.
Great read , great advice
Cheers, Anthony. Thanks for reading.
💯
It's not just a monetary commitment, it's a time commitment. Reading and commenting takes time. In fact in many ways it's easier to buy something and not read it. Reading the volume of free wine Substacks is difficult to do for me at least, plus making commentary, real commentary, not just the "Great article" stuff, but to actually write a paragraph, or a question, or add to the conversation, takes time and thought. Think about George Nordahl's deep dives? Time and thought.
I'm with you Meg, support the wine writers here on Substack, it's an investment in time, thought, and money.
It certainly is a time commitment. I do think writers need to read other commentators in their domain — not everyone; that's impossible. But it does help broaden our perspective. I also believe strongly that wine writers need to read excellent non-wine-related material.
For sure on reading outside our universe, which I'm doing more of here on Substack. Travel, food, luxury, finance, there's a lot here. I think there's a lot to learn from the luxury goods (micro watches, fashion, bags) Substackers as it relates to wine.
As a publicist and a writer, yes to all of this! Cheers!
🥂
Great stuff, Meg. Thank you for all the suggestions.
Thank you for reading!
Amen, Meg.
Cheers, Gus. And thanks for your support!
Well put, Meg.
Cheers, Malcolm. And best wishes for a successful 2026!