In today's digital landscape, content moderation has become a hot topic of discussion. Platforms like Substack have their own unique approach to content moderation, prioritizing writer revenue over engagement. This article aims to explore Substack's view on content moderation and how it aligns with their mission to give control back to the users.

In today's digital landscape, content moderation has become a hot topic of discussion. Platforms like Substack have their own unique approach to content moderation, prioritizing writer revenue over engagement. This article aims to explore Substack's view on content moderation and how it aligns with their mission to give control back to the users.

At Substack, the key metric is not engagement but writer revenue. Unlike other platforms that prioritize engagement as the holy metric, Substack focuses on ensuring that writers are able to monetize their content effectively. They take a 10% cut of the revenue generated by subscriptions, which incentivizes them to support writers in maximizing their earnings.

One of the ways Substack maintains trust with their writers is by giving readers the power to choose what they see. Instead of using algorithms to determine what content users are exposed to, Substack allows readers to make a conscious decision about which writers they want to support and invite into their inboxes. This approach puts the control back into the hands of the users, allowing them to curate their reading experience.

Substack's commitment to empowering writers is further exemplified by how easy it is for a writer to leave the platform. This not only demonstrates their confidence in the value they provide but also ensures that writers feel they have the freedom to explore other opportunities if they choose to do so. By prioritizing writer trust, Substack aims to subvert the power of the attention economy and put people in control.

The belief that subscriptions are better than advertising is a fundamental principle at Substack. They understand that the prevailing media ecosystem is in disrepair and seek to build something better. By allowing people to choose who to trust rather than relying on click-maximizing algorithms, Substack aims to create a space where diverse views can thrive. They believe that hosting a broad range of views is not only good for democracy but also strengthens the discourse.

Incorporating unique ideas and insights, Substack's approach to content moderation aligns with the concept of magical growth loops. These loops can be categorized into three types. The first type is supply driving demand, which works for marketplace and platform businesses. In this loop, the supply has a clear motivation to bring in demand. Substack's focus on writer revenue incentivizes writers to create content that attracts and retains subscribers, driving demand for their platform.

The second type is demand driving supply, which only applies to marketplaces. In this loop, the demand has a clear motivation to invite supply. Substack incorporates this by allowing demand to invite more demand through viral sharing or referral programs. By empowering readers to share content they find valuable, Substack creates a network effect that drives more demand for their platform.

The third type is demand driving demand, which emphasizes the importance of fostering a vibrant community. Substack's commitment to hosting a broad range of views aligns with this type of growth loop. By encouraging diverse perspectives and fostering a robust discourse, Substack attracts more demand from readers who are seeking a platform that values inclusivity and intellectual freedom.

In conclusion, Substack's view on content moderation revolves around empowering writers and giving control back to the users. By prioritizing writer revenue over engagement, they create a space where writers can monetize their content effectively. Their belief in subscriptions over advertising and their commitment to hosting diverse views align with their mission to build a better media ecosystem. Three actionable advice that can be derived from Substack's approach are:

1. Prioritize trust and transparency: By building a platform that values trust and transparency, you can attract both writers and readers who are looking for an authentic and reliable source of content.

2. Empower users to curate their experience: Give users the ability to choose which content they want to engage with. This not only puts control back into their hands but also fosters a sense of ownership and investment in the platform.

3. Foster a vibrant community: Encourage diverse perspectives and create a space where meaningful discussions can take place. By fostering a vibrant community, you attract more demand from users who value inclusivity and intellectual freedom.

By incorporating these three actionable advice, platforms can learn from Substack's approach to content moderation and create an environment that prioritizes the needs and desires of both writers and users.