Book Brew 122: 40 Newsletters Walked Into My Inbox… Only 16 Survived

Every Sunday, I sit with coffee and curiosity, flipping through newsletters like a deck of mental flashcards.

For the past two years, I have subscribed to a lot of newsletters.  I spend about an hour each week reading them and jotting down the insights in my journal.

Last week, I traveled to Pennsylvania to help my mom with some fun projects (likely a blog post on that soon), which meant I had two weeks’ worth of newsletters to catch up on. As I dove into them yesterday, something connected so strongly that I stopped mid-read and posted about it on Typeshare.  

A follower writer commented back and eventually asked which newsletters I subscribe to.  I couldn’t list them off the top of my head since there are so many, so I opened up my email and looked - and I was shocked!

😳 Out of 40+ Newsletters, Only 16 Are Still Showing Up

At this point in life I shouldn’t be floored when people don’t live up to their promises, but shit., almost 40% didn’t follow through.

“Trust is maintained when values and beliefs are actively managed. If companies do not actively work to keep clarity, discipline and consistency in balance, then trust starts to break down.” 

Simon Sinek

Why I Subscribe in the First Place

So, why do I even bother with newsletters? Here’s what I’m looking for:

• New Perspectives – Living in a thought bubble is a creativity killer.
• Genuine Interest – If I liked what you wrote once, I probably want more.
• Idea Synthesis – Repetition across voices helps concepts stick.
• Discoverability – I love when writers share who and what they’re learning from.
• Style Study – Each writer’s rhythm is different, and I learn from that.
• Platform Research – It helps us advise clients better when we see real newsletter workflows from the subscriber side.

Dear Business Owner: Don’t Ghost Your List

“Do not leave your reputation to chance or gossip; it is your life’s artwork, and you must craft it, hone it, and display it with the care of an artist.” 

Robert Greene

If you’re running a business, here’s the takeaway: Deliver on what you promise.

Things change, life happens, strategy pivots. That’s completely okay.

But disappearing without notice? That’s not okay. It's the digital equivalent of ghosting, and let’s be honest…ghosts deserve better PR.

“Principles are what allow you to live a life consistent with those values. Principles connect your values to your actions.” 

Ray Dalio

Do your values and actions align? 

Ponder This

1. What do your follow-through habits say about your brand integrity?
2. If your favorite creator disappeared tomorrow, how would it impact your trust in them?
3. Are you over-promising because you haven’t clearly defined what you’re capable of delivering?

Books

• The 48 Laws of Power - Robert Greene
• Start with Why - Simon Sinek