Off The Grid: Leaving Social Media ➿ The Tension of Platforms & Why I Haven’t Left Substack (Yet)
Feb 13, 2026
Discussion about choosing between tools and platforms, and how network effects create lock-in. A comparison of Shopify versus Etsy to show different business models. Four practical strategies for coping with platforms, including harm reduction and gradual migration. A personal decision point about moving parts of an audience off Substack and timing for that change.
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Tool Vs Platform Distinction
- Platforms gather people and become marketplaces, while tools provide specific utilities to solve user problems.
- Once platforms reach critical mass they serve owners first, making it hard for creators to leave.
Follow The Money And Practical Fit
- Before adopting any app, research if it's a tool or a platform and who owns and profits from it.
- Ask if it solves a real problem for you, has the needed functionality, UI, and a price you're willing to pay.
Avoid Forcing Others Onto Platforms
- Consider if your use of a platform compels others to use it, especially if you grow an audience there.
- Avoid tools that covertly push your audience into the platform ecosystem without your consent.