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Why Talking to Readers Can Grow Your Newsletter... or Destroy Your Peace

Hey there đź‘‹, check out this week's top digital media and market updates!

We’re covering the hidden cost of engagement.

We’d love your feedback! Hit reply and let us know what you think.

Charlie Patel, Owner of Media Assets Newsletter

Market News

a16z launches a New Media Fellowship. (LINK)

The Creator Economy Just Moved Into the Newsroom. (LINK)

The Guardian Bets on Affiliate With Its Direct Audience. (LINK)

The Today 100 launches as a daily, women-owned 100-word newsletter. (LINK)

Google revamps Discover page to show content from creators. (LINK)

“What Happens When Readers Expect More Than You Can Give?”

Talking to your readers can be amazing… and also kinda exhausting. Some creators are replying to every email, jumping into comment threads, hosting live chats — the whole thing. But the truth is, everyone handles engagement differently. Some keep comments closed to save their sanity, some only talk to paid subscribers, and others just let readers talk to each other while they pop in occasionally. There’s no “correct” strategy — it’s about whatever doesn’t drain your social battery.

The big takeaway? Engagement matters, but you get to decide the level. Replies can spark story ideas, boost deliverability, and even lead to paid gigs. But boundaries are key: set rules, protect your time, and avoid burning yourself out trying to be everywhere. Your approach will evolve as your audience grows, and it’s totally fine to step back when you need a breather — the real win is building a space where readers feel connected, not overwhelmed. (LINK)

Media News

How to Get Thousands of Subscribers and Make Money on Substack. (LINK)

Why These Indie Newsletters Branched Out Into Print. (LINK) 

Reddit's tips for publishers: 'Contribute without disrupting the vibe.' (LINK)

How to turn your newsletter audience into real website ad revenue. (LINK)

LinkedIn emerges as a serious player in the creator economy. (LINK)

Newsletter Shoutout of the Week

aiPromptly - The latest developments in the world of AI -- summed up in a 5 minute digest written by Charlie Patel. Read by professionals from Google, Amazon, OpenAI, DeepMind, and Apple.

Ok that’s it for this week, give us a reply if you have any suggestions or comments…

Cheers!