I am honored that David is one of my paid subscribers. When he "likes" or comments I am SO appreciative because I know how many fabulous substacks there are out there.
Seeing that he spends $28k per year supporting writers is something to kvell about. Truly admirable. Thank you, David! Happy Hanukkah! BTW, all of David's paid subscriptions go to The Robin Hood Foundation. Proud supporter here.
I subscribe to David's newsletter and enjoy that he responds to people's comments (including mine). What I'd really like to know if how does he only spend 90 minutes reading Substacks? Every time I refresh my email, I have more! Depending on what time I have to be at work, I can spend 90 minutes in the morning, 20 minutes at lunch and a few hours at night, and there is still a backlog. Basically, Substack has replaced TV for me. And I'm fine with that, but I also need some kind of system, lol.
Another power user! I love that Substack has replaced TV for you, Pam.
For me the dilemma for my reading time is usually Substack or a good book. And as much as I love Substack, the book usually wins. Wish I had more time for both, though.
David Roberts seems like such a nice guy. I want to be his friend! Plus he has a cute dog. Your substack and his are my favorite ones. Keep up the great job with your investigative reporting.
Me too, Reda! I'd also hire an intern to track all my subscriptions and print out the best issues and serve them to me on a silver tray with a cappuccino. I don't think David has taken this as far as he could!
I am so curious what the averages are in terms of number of subscriptions per user, both paid and non. I asked Substack but they won't reveal anything beyond 5 million paid subscriptions total as of March 2025 and "tens of millions of total active subscribers across the network."
Fascinating as always. I have 26 subscriptions, 20 of which are paid (paid annually). I am one of those who has to read everything she gets, so once too much time is taken catching up, I’ll start culling. (David was one of those culled Substacks. He was very nice about it, and totally understood.)
Substack and Tumblr are my only two social media. Both have to be able to be caught up with in a max of an hour each morning and night. Both must give me pleasure, or educate me.
If they add something to my life, then I’m really happy to keep them. (I don’t like being stressed out.)
My hour is up, so everyone else’s contribution will have to wait until later. Hugs dear Anne. Enjoy your day, or night, or whatever. 🤗🤗
Love hearing your stats, Beth T. Another power user! And it's great you've been able to balance what you subscribe to to what you have time for. That is my ideal state I'd love to achieve some day.
The big difference for you is that Substack is basically your job! So the time allocated will presumably always exceed mine. It’s just a case of making enough room for real life of course. Good luck with the juggling of conflicting demands. 🤗🤗
So interesting to get into his mindset. It’s not about random largesse, he craves value. Long may he continue to support substackers. What a Positive Echo to leave every day.
"A SOFA WITH A BACK STORY….Measures 84”W x 35”H x 28”D. Elevator building. Originally $3,500! Yours for $200 or best offer…."
Man! That’s a nice sofa! Really unique! The feeling I get knowing I’ll never have that sofa is a riff on Jack Kerouac, when he spotted a girl in a bus station he knew he would never meet:
“A pain stabbed my heart, as it did every time I saw a SOFA [girl] I loved who was going the opposite direction in this too-big world.”
I was thrilled when David became one of my first annual paid subscribers early on and I’ve been a fan of his ever since. I’m a paid subscriber of his publication, as well, and I’m happy that my money goes to charities of his choice. His thoughts are honest and unique and from the perspective of a man of wealth who sees it as both a privilege and a responsibility. So many of us don’t have a clue about what that might feel like.
I love that the two of you got together—two of my favorites in one place! 💕
Thanks Ramona! And David told me he's happy about the many Substacks he supported early on that have grown a lot since the early days. Like being a venture pre-seen investor!
I knew it. I have a gift for spotting dogs who appreciate long-form essays. ;)
When I was a kid, my dad would buy the paper, read the op-ed page, and then use it pick up dog poop. I wonder if more people would get the Times delivered if they realized what they could be saving on poop bags!
"the best bagel is the bagel from the shop around the corner, wherever you may be." very true (unless, of course, you live around the corner from the Ess a Bagel in Dumbo.) See the recent Grub Street Article: "Tom Colicchio Won’t Travel for a Bagel. 'The difference between the best bagel in New York and this bagel is negligible.'" Ironically, I live near Tom C and I will always walk the extra 15 minutes to the Navy Yard to get a Russ and Daughters bagel instead of the plump bready Bagel World option that he cites, but, in principle, I agree. Off to try to convince David to subscribe...
PS. Sad news about Jimmy's Corner. So glad you got into talk to Jake before the building inevitably gets torn down. The city changes so quickly, it's vital to have some tangible records of what once was.
I live in the North Georgia mountains, but absolutely love your NYC-entric Substack. It's so hard finding a decent pair of shoes for under a $100, so I gladly took a chance with the black Brooklyn sneakers, thus giving me the funds to support a few more of the fine folks in the Substack community...A win-win...Thanks!!
I am honored that David is one of my paid subscribers. When he "likes" or comments I am SO appreciative because I know how many fabulous substacks there are out there.
Seeing that he spends $28k per year supporting writers is something to kvell about. Truly admirable. Thank you, David! Happy Hanukkah! BTW, all of David's paid subscriptions go to The Robin Hood Foundation. Proud supporter here.
That is a good point, CK. I should remember this when ANYONE likes or comments, much less pays. There are a TON of great newsletters out there.
The Anne-David combo is always a delight!
It really is! I hope there are more conversations to come!
Thanks Jillian! Happy holidays!
I completely agree!
I subscribe to David's newsletter and enjoy that he responds to people's comments (including mine). What I'd really like to know if how does he only spend 90 minutes reading Substacks? Every time I refresh my email, I have more! Depending on what time I have to be at work, I can spend 90 minutes in the morning, 20 minutes at lunch and a few hours at night, and there is still a backlog. Basically, Substack has replaced TV for me. And I'm fine with that, but I also need some kind of system, lol.
Another power user! I love that Substack has replaced TV for you, Pam.
For me the dilemma for my reading time is usually Substack or a good book. And as much as I love Substack, the book usually wins. Wish I had more time for both, though.
Reading "Happiness and Love by Zoe Dubno based on a strong rec. from Celine Nguyen. It's terrific.
David Roberts seems like such a nice guy. I want to be his friend! Plus he has a cute dog. Your substack and his are my favorite ones. Keep up the great job with your investigative reporting.
Thanks Helen! And yep, it's true, David is the real deal.
David fascinates me. If I could purchase paid subscriptions to that many newsletters, I would, too. It’s the best way to support small journalism.
Me too, Reda! I'd also hire an intern to track all my subscriptions and print out the best issues and serve them to me on a silver tray with a cappuccino. I don't think David has taken this as far as he could!
I drink only cold brew and the silver is not available for m y use!
Paper plates?
Wait this is a great idea - a printed paper monthly of Substack? It’s like a zine made for me. I bet your ChatGPT butler could do it for you!
That is not a bad idea, Amac. Ray just helped me hire an electrician!
I really need to name my assistant…
"any concern that when this interview comes out, you’re going to be bombarded with people asking you to support their newsletter?"
I hope he reads the two ones I have and will consider financial support. I know I read a lot of his stuff...
I'm sure he'll see this when he reads the comments David! And how can he refuse a fellow David? :)
Sad about Jake Rich and the Times Square bar.
As for substacks? I pay for two. I read four.
Appreciate your support Justin!
I am so curious what the averages are in terms of number of subscriptions per user, both paid and non. I asked Substack but they won't reveal anything beyond 5 million paid subscriptions total as of March 2025 and "tens of millions of total active subscribers across the network."
Fascinating as always. I have 26 subscriptions, 20 of which are paid (paid annually). I am one of those who has to read everything she gets, so once too much time is taken catching up, I’ll start culling. (David was one of those culled Substacks. He was very nice about it, and totally understood.)
Substack and Tumblr are my only two social media. Both have to be able to be caught up with in a max of an hour each morning and night. Both must give me pleasure, or educate me.
If they add something to my life, then I’m really happy to keep them. (I don’t like being stressed out.)
My hour is up, so everyone else’s contribution will have to wait until later. Hugs dear Anne. Enjoy your day, or night, or whatever. 🤗🤗
Love hearing your stats, Beth T. Another power user! And it's great you've been able to balance what you subscribe to to what you have time for. That is my ideal state I'd love to achieve some day.
And hugs back, 4:49 pm eastern standard time!
The big difference for you is that Substack is basically your job! So the time allocated will presumably always exceed mine. It’s just a case of making enough room for real life of course. Good luck with the juggling of conflicting demands. 🤗🤗
So interesting to get into his mindset. It’s not about random largesse, he craves value. Long may he continue to support substackers. What a Positive Echo to leave every day.
Yes I found it interesting he sort of evaluates in a way similar to a foundation might, Gary, weighing both the need and the value provided.
I’m fascinated how people view the way they value things.
"A SOFA WITH A BACK STORY….Measures 84”W x 35”H x 28”D. Elevator building. Originally $3,500! Yours for $200 or best offer…."
Man! That’s a nice sofa! Really unique! The feeling I get knowing I’ll never have that sofa is a riff on Jack Kerouac, when he spotted a girl in a bus station he knew he would never meet:
“A pain stabbed my heart, as it did every time I saw a SOFA [girl] I loved who was going the opposite direction in this too-big world.”
JRB, your mind makes the strangest connections!
I read your comment aloud to my wife and she said; "She doesn't even know!"
My mind is a junk-drawer with all kinds of odds-n-ends. I particularly liked the juxtaposition girl / sofa.
I was thrilled when David became one of my first annual paid subscribers early on and I’ve been a fan of his ever since. I’m a paid subscriber of his publication, as well, and I’m happy that my money goes to charities of his choice. His thoughts are honest and unique and from the perspective of a man of wealth who sees it as both a privilege and a responsibility. So many of us don’t have a clue about what that might feel like.
I love that the two of you got together—two of my favorites in one place! 💕
Thanks Ramona! And David told me he's happy about the many Substacks he supported early on that have grown a lot since the early days. Like being a venture pre-seen investor!
Thanks Ramona!
Loved this. But must know: How many substacks does the dog read?
From the look on that dog's face I'm guessing not many, Annie!
Annie, Sophie, the dog is always the priority. She is the Pavlov in our equation.
I knew it. I have a gift for spotting dogs who appreciate long-form essays. ;)
When I was a kid, my dad would buy the paper, read the op-ed page, and then use it pick up dog poop. I wonder if more people would get the Times delivered if they realized what they could be saving on poop bags!
I have trouble enough with the poop bags! Underrated technological breakthrough!
"the best bagel is the bagel from the shop around the corner, wherever you may be." very true (unless, of course, you live around the corner from the Ess a Bagel in Dumbo.) See the recent Grub Street Article: "Tom Colicchio Won’t Travel for a Bagel. 'The difference between the best bagel in New York and this bagel is negligible.'" Ironically, I live near Tom C and I will always walk the extra 15 minutes to the Navy Yard to get a Russ and Daughters bagel instead of the plump bready Bagel World option that he cites, but, in principle, I agree. Off to try to convince David to subscribe...
PS. Sad news about Jimmy's Corner. So glad you got into talk to Jake before the building inevitably gets torn down. The city changes so quickly, it's vital to have some tangible records of what once was.
Yep! I knew when I saw the tiny building and the HUGE vacant lot next door that it wouldn't be long....
Ask him his favorite bagel!
Colicchio?
I now know the price of blissful ignorance 😀😀😀😀
That or a lobotomy, Gerard!
I love love love this interview. That.is.all.
Yay I am happy to hear that Toni. Thank you!
I live in the North Georgia mountains, but absolutely love your NYC-entric Substack. It's so hard finding a decent pair of shoes for under a $100, so I gladly took a chance with the black Brooklyn sneakers, thus giving me the funds to support a few more of the fine folks in the Substack community...A win-win...Thanks!!
Oh that's great. I hope they work out for you Tyson. I've heard from some other readers (including my brother-in-law) that they are a good deal.
And so glad you're enjoying CAFE ANNE!