Part of it might be that I don't take myself seriously enough. I had the opposite problem when I was younger and that definitely negatively impacted my writing.

Honest insight about yourself. I feel like there's a inevitable link between deeply caring about something and being intimidated and anxious about it too. I'm definitely feeling this in my own way with my work at WTK. Sounds like you're on the right path if life is calling you out of your comfort zone :)

If the last few years have taught me anything, it's that I'm often mistaken. This is good for writing in general, but bad for confidence.

I can understand what you mean here, but making mistakes and being willing to change your beliefs as a result is part of what makes our mind more free, and not less. So you're walking your talk, Mr. Free Mind Gazette ;)

And even though you've been professional writing for a while now, it does feel like a new moment in time for you. You're receiving more positive attention. Your work at WantToKnow. Positive comments from people that I've showed your work to, people in Germany, and more. And I love that you're stepping up and out, and engaging with life more now as a result. If I know you at all, a big part of your life and identity is engaging in the world through politics, society, and media. These three spheres are changing rapidly in unprecedented ways, especially with the rise of technology and censorship. So the topics you write about is a big fucking deal. Especially with the integrity you have. It makes sense that your confidence is in question. It means you have a healthy respect and humility for what you're writing about.

And this is where feedback comes in to balance out the scale :) I've read excellent journalism and Substack work, and I definitely feel like your writing belongs in this sphere of quality and intelligent thinking. Quite frankly, I think you bring more nuance (i.e. SPIN), depth, and context than many thinkers out in the world. I also love that you don't bring a lot of emotional noise when talking about these corrupt systems, which I think matters a lot. Many independent journalists are great and have authority on the subject, but are reactive, not responsive. I'm thinking of Taibbi, Corbett, Dore, and more. You stay objective and embody vipassana, a buddhist term for clear seeing (or seeing things as they are). And you are good at boiling things down to its essence so it can be digested and held in simple ways. I feel like your work makes it more likely for the everyday person to relate to this heavy, complex, and nuanced material. Not many people in the Substack game have that capacity. You do.

Also, I really value that you're developing your own thoughts about what a positive vision for the future would look like, and I've noticed how you've been ending your posts on a more constructive note. As you say, the world needs more sincere people doing what they can. You are doing that right now, as far as I can tell. Plus I feel like your knowledge of crypto and other decentralized/alternative systems is part of your unique flavor and "authority." Many great journalists and writers on Substack don't have that street level perspective you do.

I love witnessing your evolution as a human and writer. And in a way, this Substack project is calling you forth and out into the world, as opposed to being an observer in the background.

Evolution is an act of courage. The seed has only the promise, only the signal. It is an act of faith, a leap into uncertainty. The seedling must emerge from its strong, protective sheath and venture forth. It is a time of vulnerability and danger. If conditions change, the seed is lost. I would agree - growth and change seem inevitable. It seems we must. Still, some people don't. And for those who do, it is choosing life, and that takes courage... especially when the pain of having failed before is part of who you are.

Character is growth delayed. Something was ready, but conditions weren't right. The right signals weren't there. The confidence, the sense of fullness never came or was cut off before it had a chance. Support was missing. The promise was betrayed. Now, years later, [things are different]. Perhaps the readiness is back. Or it is close, prefigured in some way, but not yet conscious. Perhaps the promise is reborn, a new calling forth, the ripeness come round again. So, that's the setting: readiness, remembered pain, a chance to grow. - Ron Kurtz (founder of Hakomi)

EDIT: Just want to add here that I read your latest Substack post again. What a thoughtful first piece, aside from your introduction post. Organized, clean, informative, and constructive. Your writing style and flavor reminds me of a quote "You can't shift the chaos until you name it." You’re helping us name what’s really going on in simple terms and frameworks, without making it too complicated for the every day person to understand.