I was also a kid in the 70s, and it's so hard to convey the impact of seeing Star Wars when it first came out. It was like nothing else. And seeing it in a theater is a whole different experience than watching it on a TV or computer.
I also have a 'rent boy' bedroom photo although mines had some real rockets and stuff mixed in. Always wanted to be "Scotty' or 'Welshy' as he became in Futurama. Great to know others are drawn to things that appear frivolous. At the end of the day, be yourself, you'll always be happier than wearing a mask (unless it's Darth Vader's in which case this doesn't apply).
I've only just started one of these myself, but can I suggest making a small change to your 'Subscription benefits' wording? At the moment, it comes across as being a newsletter for paid subscribers only, because the only free perk is 'Occasional public posts'. But elsewhere, you say that free subscribers get the 'weekly Words of Nerd newsletter' - I would change the 'Subscription benefits' to say exactly this.
Now as someone with a big following already, you may be able to monetise subscribers at the point of entry from the start, but most Substackers I have spoken to suggest you should prioritise getting free subscribers, because the superfans will always be happy to pay, but you won't get many of them if you don't get the free subscribers through the door first.
Forgive the armchair quarterbacking here - I just want to see everyone succeed. A rising tide raises all boats as they say! And if you get a chance, please check out WAMTNG - it's a weekly tour through the Words (W), Acting Roles (A), and Models (M) of all 178 episodes of Star Trek: The Next Generation... something of a whim on my part, but it should be good fun. :)
H Chris! Thanks so much for your advice - I've made the change you suggested and really appreciate you going to the trouble of reaching out. Also I've subscribed to WAM TNG. I'm a huge Trekkie so I'm looking forward to reading your stuff.
I was a semi-jaded almost adult when Star Wars came out. I did get to see it opening night in Singapore, which was cool. But for me, seeing King Kong for the first time was the nerd cementing event of my life. It had dinosaurs!
I was also a kid in the 70s, and it's so hard to convey the impact of seeing Star Wars when it first came out. It was like nothing else. And seeing it in a theater is a whole different experience than watching it on a TV or computer.
Yes I agree. It changed my life.
Very nice. I saw a bit of myself in the story. Keep it up.
Thanks Lewis. Will do!
Hi, from my home in the USA. :D
I [really] relate with this article.
The 1970s, + 1980s, + later: foods, toys, TV shows and films really mean a lot to me.
(They are a great comfort to me, in bad weather + off days.)
You know how it goes- if you casually sneer at my Mom or sister, I might [agree] with you.
But...if some guy insults my: Doritos, Kool-aid drinks, or my Star Wars ACTION FIGURES, then he and I will have words!
(Hee, hee, hee!) :)
I also have a 'rent boy' bedroom photo although mines had some real rockets and stuff mixed in. Always wanted to be "Scotty' or 'Welshy' as he became in Futurama. Great to know others are drawn to things that appear frivolous. At the end of the day, be yourself, you'll always be happier than wearing a mask (unless it's Darth Vader's in which case this doesn't apply).
I couldn’t agree more!
Welcome to Substack, Marshall!
I've only just started one of these myself, but can I suggest making a small change to your 'Subscription benefits' wording? At the moment, it comes across as being a newsletter for paid subscribers only, because the only free perk is 'Occasional public posts'. But elsewhere, you say that free subscribers get the 'weekly Words of Nerd newsletter' - I would change the 'Subscription benefits' to say exactly this.
Now as someone with a big following already, you may be able to monetise subscribers at the point of entry from the start, but most Substackers I have spoken to suggest you should prioritise getting free subscribers, because the superfans will always be happy to pay, but you won't get many of them if you don't get the free subscribers through the door first.
Forgive the armchair quarterbacking here - I just want to see everyone succeed. A rising tide raises all boats as they say! And if you get a chance, please check out WAMTNG - it's a weekly tour through the Words (W), Acting Roles (A), and Models (M) of all 178 episodes of Star Trek: The Next Generation... something of a whim on my part, but it should be good fun. :)
Keep up the great work!
Chris Bateman (WAMTNG on Substack)
H Chris! Thanks so much for your advice - I've made the change you suggested and really appreciate you going to the trouble of reaching out. Also I've subscribed to WAM TNG. I'm a huge Trekkie so I'm looking forward to reading your stuff.
Awesome - thanks Marshall, appreciate it. Looking forward to getting a dose of the Julius magic in my inbox every week! :)
Brings back a lot of memories of the seventies
I'm so much more nostalgic for the seventies than the eighties.
Same here except for the music, can’t beat a bit of Nik Kershaw
I was a semi-jaded almost adult when Star Wars came out. I did get to see it opening night in Singapore, which was cool. But for me, seeing King Kong for the first time was the nerd cementing event of my life. It had dinosaurs!