The Spam Avalanche Courtesy of Substack
Do you find your inbox regularly bombarded with emails you don't remember signing up for? Many of these may originate from Substack, the newsletter service that has gained significant popularity and has also become a target for spammers. Let's explore the factors contributing to this issue.
Substack is a platform allowing writers and content creators to set up newsletters and charge subscribers a fee to receive them. Instead of visiting a website, readers get updates directly in their inbox. This model effectively connects creators with their audience in a straightforward manner.
Unfortunately, this ease of use has led to a rise in spam. Here are some key reasons Substack has attracted spammers:
Simplicity and Accessibility
Creating a newsletter on Substack is very easy. In just a few minutes, anyone with an email address can launch their own newsletter. This low barrier to entry is great for genuine creators but allows spammers to flood inboxes with minimal effort.
Earning Potential
Substack provides an option for publishers to charge for subscriptions. This feature presents spammers with the chance to profit from unsuspecting sign-ups. While typical spam often leads to harmful sites, Substack spam can lure users with the promise of exclusive content.
Lack of Initial Oversight
Substack largely operates on self-regulation. Unlike larger platforms, Substack does not have extensive systems to track and eliminate spammers. Consequently, spammers can continue their activities until enough complaints arise to draw attention.
Anonymity
Spammers can create the illusion of legitimacy by hiding behind newsletters on Substack. This anonymity makes it more challenging to trace their actions back to them. They can present their deceptive content with a false sense of credibility.
Collaboration Features
Substack's collaboration features, meant for co-authoring and guest posting, can be exploited by spammers. They can join forces to expand their reach while appearing legitimate within the platform's framework.
Despite these issues, why do people continue to use Substack? The platform provides valuable services to genuine writers and readers. For many, the advantages of a direct connection with their audience and control over content outweigh the occasional spam.
If you're receiving unwanted emails, there are ways to reduce the influx. You can filter and unsubscribe from newsletters that aren't relevant. Always research the creators before subscribing and be cautious of offers that seem too good to be true. Additionally, use Substack's reporting features to flag spam. Community feedback can help improve platform policies.
The presence of spam highlights the ongoing challenge of balancing accessibility and security. Platforms must adapt in response to both users and spammers. While Substack remains a key player for independent writers, it faces challenges from spam that need addressing to preserve user trust and satisfaction.
