Casey Newton

Casey Newton reflects on Platformer's fourth year after leaving Substack, a bold move sparked by the platform's failure to address far-right extremism. Despite challenges like slower subscription growth and reduced monthly sign-ups, Platformer saw an 11% revenue increase, buoyed by advertising and no longer paying Substack's fees. Newton celebrates their newfound independence, flexibility with their website, and resilience against platform shifts. He contemplates Platformer's editorial future, which may hinge on the US presidential election's impact on tech policy and AI coverage. Ultimately, Newton expresses pride in upholding principles over profit and looks ahead to a bright future built on reader trust.