24 Comments
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George Ziogas's avatar

So much truth here. Platforms are tools, not magic wands. If we want connection, we have to show up with intention. Thanks for the thoughtful reminder, Mehmet.

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Bill Gerace's avatar

Dr. Yildez, this is so true. I am still learning all the ins and outs of online writing, but you are right. It takes daily commitment, hard work, and dedication. Writing is, like I often say, a job that I enjoy, but like a job, I have to put in the hours, learn different techniques, ask questions, and do things I would do on my regular 9-5. I am far from perfect but yet still learning. I am saving this article with my notes. Thanks again for providing great feedback, as always. :):)

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The Midst's avatar

Great piece!

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Dr Mehmet Yildiz's avatar

Thank you for your valuable feedback. 🙏

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Roberto Duffy's avatar

Thanks for the advice. I have a question: Your title says, "If you don't give something to Substack, it gives nothing to you." I did not understand. Maybe I did not read it with enough attention, and I did not understand what I needed to give to Substack.?.?

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Dr Mehmet Yildiz's avatar

This is a very good question, Roberto. I attempted to answer it, but I will be happy to explain the nuances offline. In hindsight, my points might not be very clear to beginners. I believe long-term contributors to Substack will understand it. Thanks for asking for clarification.

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Stella Chibuike-Ezike's avatar

Thank you for this thorough and grounded perspective, Dr Mehmet. Your point about the “learning gap epidemic” really resonated. So many of us want results quickly without investing deeply in mastering the skills behind marketing, communication, and relationship-building.

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Dr Mehmet Yildiz's avatar

Thank you for your valuable feedback, Stella. I am glad this message was clear in my story.

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Yana G.Y.'s avatar

This is an amazing piece, Dr. Mehmet! I'm sharing it, so hopefully more writers read it. It is really important to understand how building a real business works and laziness has no place in the equation (unless you use it as a driver to optimize efficiency and invent easier ways to do more :)))

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Dr Mehmet Yildiz's avatar

Thank you for your valuable feedback, Yana. You articulate the business value well in your stories. I like the way you frame laziness as optimized efficiency.

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Yana G.Y.'s avatar

Thank you so much :) Yes, I believe the good side of laziness is one of the major drives for innovation :))

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Roger Himes's avatar

Wow. I'll have to read this again. Thanks.

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Dr Mehmet Yildiz's avatar

Thank you for your valuable feedback, Roger. I am glad you found it helpful.

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Shagufta Irfan's avatar

Absolutely true. It’s the value and resonance of the message that sticks, not the platform it’s on.

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Dr Mehmet Yildiz's avatar

Excellent point. Thank you for your valuable feedback.

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AKcidentalwriter's avatar

You have to put in. Anything digital wishes to be fed. If you do not feed it then it doesn't know you. That is the digital way of life. It takes your time!

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Dr Mehmet Yildiz's avatar

Spot on. Thank you for your valuable feedback.

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AKcidentalwriter's avatar

Cheers

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L.E. Langner's avatar

I am still learning nuances of Substack, but to me I think these points in your essay were quite important: "Readers want practical insights and emotional connection — something that improves their lives, answers their questions, or makes them feel less alone."

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Dr Mehmet Yildiz's avatar

Thank you for your valuable feedback. I wish you the best in your writing journey.

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Dr Albert Jones's avatar

You nailed it. Stepping outside of our comfort zone is the key to growth for personal and professional growth. Thank you for this highly inspiring and deeply educational story, Dr Yildiz. The content and style of your story reminded me of my teachers and mentors before going to medical school. They shaped my mind and life. I hope many readers get an opportunity to read this outstanding piece.

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Dr Mehmet Yildiz's avatar

Thank you for your valuable feedback, Dr Jones. Your message took me down memory lane.

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Dr Mike Broadly's avatar

This is a very inspiring post, Dr Yildiz. You nicely depicted the picture of laziness epidemic. The internet expedited this laziness. In our days, we used to read books, papers, magazines to learn the craft. Now they just Google tips or watch TikTok to feed their brains with regurgitated information. What to expect: Garbage in garbage out!

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Dr Mehmet Yildiz's avatar

Thank you for your valuable feedback, Dr Broadly. You are spot on.

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