> Same, every time I end up on a substack post, it's from an external source.

I think the parent was talking about having a substack, not reading things on Substack.

But I also think the direct network effects don't come from casuals (other than that they repost to social networks.) People who are paying for a substack will look at others because it doesn't involve another signup or separate bill, they can just add the subscription for a buck or two. Now they can tour the subscriber content, and they can drop it after a little while if it doesn't ultimately appeal to them with just a click or three.

For non-subscribers, a substack isn't any different from any other blog.