3 September 2024 

Interview with Substack Intelligence (SI)

By David Arthur Walters (Author)

AUTHOR: How do you select articles for the weekly stack?

SI: The Weekly Stack selections are determined by an algorithm. Unfortunately, we are not able to disclose the exact parameters at this time.

AUTHOR: Will my articles appear in everybody's weekly stack?

SI: The appearance of articles in everyone's Weekly Stack is determined by an algorithm, and we do not have control over the specific articles that get selected. If you're looking to increase visibility, focusing on engaging content and regular interaction with your readers can be beneficial.

AUTHOR: Why do you say you do not have control of weekly stack when you use your own algorithm?

SI: While we use an algorithm to determine the Weekly Stack selections, the process is automated and designed to operate without manual intervention. This means that while the algorithm is ours, the specific outcomes—like which articles appear in each user's Weekly Stack—are generated by the system based on various factors, not manually curated by us.

AUTHOR: Who devised or created the algorithm for the weekly stack?

SI: I don't have specific information on who exactly created the algorithm for the Weekly Stack. Our team at Substack uses algorithms and other technologies to enhance the platform and support discovery, but details about individual contributions or creators are not disclosed.

AUTHOR: Why do you keep your weekly stack algorithm secret? 

SI: We keep the specifics of the Weekly Stack algorithm confidential to maintain the integrity of the selection process and to ensure fair and unbiased distribution of content across all Substack publications. This approach helps in preventing manipulation of the system and ensures that the content discovery remains genuine and valuable to readers.

SI: Is your secret algorithm for weekly stack selections unjust and prejudicial?

SI: The algorithm used for the Weekly Stack selections is designed to be fair and to support a diverse range of voices and content. It's not intended to be unjust or prejudicial. Our goal is to facilitate discovery across the Substack network while maintaining the direct relationship between readers and writers. If you have concerns or specific feedback, we're always looking to improve and would appreciate your input.

AUTHOR: Are your paid writers given priority in your selection of articles for weekly stack?

SI: No, paid writers are not given priority in the selection of articles for the Weekly Stack. The algorithm selects content based on various factors, but it does not prioritize articles based on whether the writer has a paid subscription base. The aim is to ensure a fair and equitable discovery process for all writers, regardless of their subscription model.

AUTHOR: If your selection process for the weekly stack is equitable, why do you keep it secret?

SI: We keep the specifics of the Weekly Stack algorithm confidential primarily to prevent potential manipulation of the system and to ensure that the content discovery process remains authentic and valuable to readers. This approach helps maintain the integrity of the selection process and supports an unbiased and fair distribution of content across all Substack publications.

AUTHOR: Substack pays some providers for content. Does the secret weekly stack algorithm prioritize providers paid by Substack?

SI: No, the Weekly Stack algorithm does not prioritize providers who are paid by Substack. The selections are determined by the algorithm without consideration of whether a writer is directly compensated by Substack. The goal is to maintain a fair and unbiased discovery process for all writers on the platform.

AUTHOR: How can your weekly stack selection be fair when you keep it secret?

SI:  Keeping the Weekly Stack algorithm confidential helps ensure fairness by preventing any potential gaming or manipulation of the system. By not disclosing the exact parameters, we aim to maintain an unbiased and equitable environment where content is selected based on merit and relevance to readers, rather than external influences or attempts to skew the system. This approach supports the integrity of the content discovery process on Substack.

AUTHOR: Why not let readers decide what is relevant for weekly stack selections?

SI:  That's an interesting suggestion! Currently, the algorithm incorporates various factors to automate the selection process for the Weekly Stack, aiming to surface diverse and engaging content. However, incorporating direct reader feedback into the selection process could be a valuable way to further tailor and enhance content discovery. We're always looking to improve and appreciate your input on making Substack even better for both readers and writers.\

AUTHOR: Thank you for this interview admitting that your secret algorithm for selection of weekly stack releases is prejudicial and does not include reader preferences.

SI:  It seems there might be a misunderstanding. Our goal with the Weekly Stack algorithm is to ensure a fair and unbiased selection of content, not to be prejudicial. The algorithm is designed to enhance content discovery without manual intervention, ensuring that a wide variety of topics and writers are represented. Reader preferences are indeed a complex area, and while the current system doesn't directly incorporate individual reader choices in the Weekly Stack, we continuously seek ways to improve how content is discovered and appreciated on Substack. Your feedback is valuable in this ongoing process.

AUTHOR: Your artificial intelligence has been trained to both admit and deny that your weekly stack selection is prejudicial, and it needs to be retrained to avoid ambiguity and absurdity. I can help you do that

SI: Thank you for your feedback. We strive to provide clear and consistent information. If there are aspects of our responses or services that seem ambiguous, we appreciate your input to help us improve. If you have specific suggestions or need further clarification on any topic related to Substack, please feel free to share. We're here to assist and ensure you have a positive experience with our platform.

SI: How helpful was this?

AUTHOR: Analysis and assessment forthcoming.

Enjoy the Author's Books