JoeWrote February Recap
Top posts, merch, important links, media recommendations, and assorted nonsense.
I send this roundup on the first Sunday of the month. It’s meant to be a fun and relaxed collection of media recommendations, articles you might have missed, and updates about this publication. Enjoy! Joe
Merch Announcement!
Last month I finally launched the JoeWrote merch store! Folks have been asking for merch for a bit, so I’m thrilled to see it’s finally available.
“This Machine Kills Fascists” pencils are available in packs of 1, 3, or 10. All products are union-made.
Welcome New Subscribers!
Shoutout to everyone who became a premium subscriber this month. Your support enables me to continue doing this work.
I should note we had many more premium subscribers join in February, but unfortunately, they do not have Substack profiles. If you’d like a shoutout, ensure your profile and set up and become a premium subscriber today.
Top Posts
With over 2,000 reads and dozens of free subscribers, February’s top post examined the question of whether business owners deserve profit for taking risks.
Much to my amusement, the Fox News v. Dominion lawsuit is remaining in the headlines, making this post one of the most-read last month.
Lastly, many of you appreciated the chance to promote your writing, art, music, or whatever else you create on the Reader Promotion thread. If you haven’t yet, I suggest you add your creations and take a look to see what your fellow JoeWrote readers are making!
Media Recommendation
I strongly suggest this episode of If Books Could Kill, which provides a much-needed inspection of the media’s coverage of “the trans panic.” The hosts do a good job explaining the actual process of transitioning and discuss why The New York Times is so determined to avoid covering the facts.
This month I read The Iron Heel, a 1908 dystopian novel about a Fascist regime coming to power in America. I’m going to do a full book review for premium subscribers (so subscribe if you’d like to read it), but I still feel the need to strongly encourage everyone to read it. Being over a hundred years old, it’s eerie how spot-on some of the predictions are.
Music Recommendation
One of my faults is liking country music. I know, everyone hates it. But I’ve accepted it’s part of me, and there’s nothing I can do about it. Anyway, I really like Sean Stemaly’s new song.
Worth a Read
This piece in Responsible Statecraft urging for the U.S. to spearhead a diplomatic end to the war in Ukraine.
From the Archives
I’m unlocking my post from last October about the need for a 4-day workweek. People really liked it then, so I imagine new subscribers will appreciate it, too.
Badass of the Month
Recently, Pentagon Papers whistleblower Daniel Ellsberg announced he has terminal cancer. My thoughts are with Daniel and his family.
In a world where most people refuse to buck a system they know is broken, Daniel stands above the rest of us through his great act of courage.
Top Comment
Each month’s top commenter will receive a free month of premium access. Add your thoughts in the comments section for your chance to win!
This month’s top comment comes from
, who had this to say about my article "There Shouldn't Be Risk in An Economy."“This is a compelling argument. Imagine if the national discussion was about the difference between effective distribution of scarce resources versus profit.”
Enjoy your free month of access, JB!
Metrics
I had a pretty good month, growing about 8% from 600 readers to just under 650. Welcome to all our new folks!
Paying subscribers rose about 7% as well. There’s more volatility in premium subscriptions, so to have a positive trend at all is promising.
Memes and other Assorted Nonsense
I made a TikTok about Ron Desantis’s “crime tour”, especially the fact that Florida is more violent than many of the states he portrays as “woke crime holes.”
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People liked this one.
Quote of the Month
“All wealth is the product of labor.” - John Locke.
Thanks for a great month y’all!
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