This feels like a good time to check in. My name is Michael Williams. I started one of the first men’s style blogs and I’m an early Substack writer. My newsletter ACL ranks in the top 25 in fashion — a category that doesn’t seem really fit my POV since I’m not really a fashion publication. Let me tell you what I am really doing here. I do talk a little bit about clothes on ACL, but also write about other bigger ideas. The newsletter is focused on buying for value, travel, health (for guys), fatherhood, golf and gear. When I do write stories about clothes or brands, it’s more of a practical approach to buying than about taking selfies in 50 looks every week. Generally, if you are between the ages of 30 and 60 and care about the details of life — you will find themes on ACL that resonate with you.

All of that said, I would love to have you join me at ACL and I’m offering a discounted rate to new subscribers here: acl.news/33e016cb

Here’s a short timeline of my publication ACL.

2007: Site is founded. I chose the arbitrary name A Continuous Lean (a reference to a sailboat that is listing and continuously leaning), because I don’t expect anyone to read.

2008: Surprisingly, I end up linked from the NYT, and many people are reading.

2008: One Friday, I scan my original Japanese copy of Take Ivy and publish it. The book and the post go viral.

2010: Many more people are now reading. ACL helps to popularize made in USA style — selvedge denim, Red Wing boots, and American Heritage. I mix it up in the comments. Nobody is washing their jeans, and people in cities start wearing more workwear.

2012 - 2015: I continue to explore themes of craft and the discovery of small brands. I make a video showing people how to wash their jeans, it gets millions of views.

2016: I dislike how social media changed the way people consume media and I stop publishing.

2016-2020: I moved from NY to LA and played a lot of golf. Still care about made in USA and menswear, but need to clear my head and don’t have a great outlet.

2020: I get mad during the pandemic about the lack of manufacturing capabilities and start publishing on ACL again.

2021: In May, ACL moves over to Substack. I’m among the first lifestyle people on the platform.

2021: David Coggins and I launch the Central Division Podcast. (We currently have a 200-episode archive.)

2025: ACL has nearly 500 posts on Substack. The direct relationship with the reader and the community continues to inspire me on the platform.

Thanks for reading and hope to see you on the other side.

-Michael