Twitter had an expression: TPOT. It stands for This Part of Twitter. They would use it to quickly reference users who followed and engaged with specific topics. For example, I follow all of the tech and retro-computer people on Twitter.

Bringing that term to Substack is kind of problematic because TPOS just hints at other connotations, but the concept itself is valid. I was reminded of that this morning when I clicked through to a profile from that list that shows up in the newsfeed of people you should follow. I discovered a new horror writer focused on folklore (which is one of my favorite horror niches). While scrolling through their timeline, I clicked on one of their restacks and discovered another new horror writer… it wasn’t long until I’d infiltrated this entirely new group of writers who all shared interests in topics that I enjoy.

These weren’t new people either. They’ve been here for a while, but somehow I’d never before connected with them until today. I love that about Substack. The place is like an iceberg. You think you know it, but there’s a lot more going on behind the scenes and under the surface than you’d ever guess.

I’m really happy for tools like Notes that allow me to bump into new people serendipitously. Meeting new people who share my interests is one of my favorite experiences.