One Hundred and Counting
A look back at the data, the topics, and the readers who've made Backstory & Strategy a weekly (and sometimes Saturday) habit.
Hello everyone,
Today marks a special milestone for Backstory & Strategy: this is my 100th post!
When I launched this newsletter back on May 15th, I promised to publish on “most weekdays.” I wasn’t entirely sure what that would look like, but I was committed to the idea.
Well, 99 posts later, it’s clear I’ve hit that stride and then some. I'm incredibly proud of the work and grateful to you for coming along on this journey.
100 Posts by the Numbers:
To mark the occasion, I looked back at what it took to get here. Together, we've explored:
80,000+ words: For context, that's longer than F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby.
311 different topics: From local news to corporate strategy and the skills no one teaches you.
4,700+ readers: Reaching people through email, LinkedIn, Facebook, and the Substack network.
A global community: My nearly 100 subscribers are spread across 16 states and 11 countries.
To every single one of you who has subscribed, thank you. I know how crowded an inbox can be, and it means the world to me that you've made space for me in your routine.
Your Top 10 Favorite Posts
In case you missed them or want a refresher, these are the 10 pieces that have resonated the most with readers so far.
A Newsroom for Cheltenham: How We Get There: A look at the practical steps needed to revitalize local journalism right here in our community.
We Can Explain Your Money, But Not Your Rage: An analysis of why emotional connection often trumps financial logic in communication.
"So what?": The Two Words That Saved My Career: On the simple, powerful question that cuts through the noise and forces you to focus on what truly matters.
Why Asking For More Isn't Enough: Digging into the strategy behind effective negotiation and why your "ask" is only the starting point.
The Floor Just Dropped: Corporate Messaging in the Age of Chaos: How companies can (and must) adapt their communication when the world feels unstable.
Do I Live in a News Desert?: A personal exploration of the changing media landscape and its impact on local communities like ours.
Remembering Those Who Told the Story of War: A tribute to the courage and sacrifice of war correspondents.
The Skill No One Teaches You: Managing Up: Practical advice on the essential but often-overlooked art of managing your relationship with your boss.
You Can't Pivot Your Way Out of a Bad Idea: A hard look at the limits of the "pivot" mantra and the importance of a solid core strategy.
Back to API, 15 Years Later, and Why It Matters: Reflecting on two different eras of journalism and the lessons learned over a decade and a half.
On to the next 100!
Thank you again for your readership and support. It's what keeps this going.
I'd love to hear from you in the comments: Which post has been your favorite so far?
Best, Yoni
P.S. I'm committed to keeping Backstory & Strategy free. If you've enjoyed this journey to 100 posts and want to celebrate with me, here are the two best ways you can show your support:
Share this post! A restack or a share is the ultimate compliment. It helps bring new readers into our conversation and means the world to me.
Buy me a coffee. It’s a fantastic way to show some love for the work and this milestone, and it's always deeply appreciated.