Shaun Gold
Entrepreneur
Welcome to the fourteenth edition of Async Chats! This letter is all about candid conversations with people like yourself. If you’d like some more context see this letter. Otherwise, let’s get into this.
Shaun is an Entrepreneur and writer of Youtopian Journey. He lives in Miami, FL and is a hybrid worker.
Why hybrid?
I can easily work remotely but for certain tasks that require me to be on site, I can accommodate to a certain extent.
What are your interests outside of work?
Walking, reading, writing.
What are some of your favorite digital or physical tools?
Slack, Whatsapp, Outlook, Google drive.
Do you prefer to work/ communicate asynchronously or synchronously? Why?
Asynchronously by far. Not having to rely on others is a benefit that few realize.
Questions of the week:
You are the writer of YouTopian Journey, what inspired you to start writing it?
I came up with the idea during the pandemic and it went through various iterations before I settled on a Substack newsletter.
What is so special about the newsletter medium?
Newsletters allow for writers to have a direct relationship with their audience that isn't intrusive. It isn't in your face like other social media channels, but simply in your inbox. It allows for the transfer of knowledge and in the case of YouTopian Journey, even the transfer of motivation and inspiration.
What made you decide to integrate custom illustrations into YouTopian Journey?
It originally began as a comic book and I personally feel that the pictures can demonstrate certain ideas as well as stir up more emotions than my words ever could. Plus I truly enjoy seeing them come to life as well as the reactions from my readers.
After a year and a half of writing Youtopian Journey, you have decided to go paid, why now?
I wanted to establish a brand and a dedicated following. I also wanted to provide enough content and value to my readers that justified the support.
Do you see the writer → reader model as a sustainable option?
It is too early to say. YouTopian Journey has opened a lot of doors for me and continues to provide other opportunities. I see it as a long term project that can truly have a positive impact on the world.
At what point would you recommend a writer switch to a paid model?
It really depends. Some never go paid, some start with paid. I suggest having a fanbase that is loyal enough to support you as well as a constant flow of content so you can always deliver to your readers.
How do you foster engagement with your readers?
This is difficult. It depends on the topic and if it resonates or not. I always communicate via the comments section and respond to tweets and DMs. It really depends on the week.
Have you thought about adding additional mediums into the mix – audio, video, etc?
Yes, currently working on that now for possible videos. It is still in the early stages though.
Do you think writing, as a skill, has helped you professionally? If so, why?
Of course. Writing has opened up many doors for me. My first feature film is being shopped, I have written best-selling books, been hired to do content for startups, and more. Writing is a skill that everyone should cultivate.
What is something few people know about you?
I am an active bibliophile.
Anything new or important you’d like to mention to the readers?
YouTopian Journey has gone paid but my best work is still free. Check it out and if you enjoy it, make an investment into yourself and change your life for the better.
Links
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