New Ways to Communicate & the First YouTube video

I have struggled the whole time this podcast has been going to get the messages to the people who want it. Half the time these emails work, half the time they get clogged somehow and don’t make it where they are supposed to go. Sometimes the podcast, by no fault of mine, just doesn’t land here like it’s supposed to. Ugh. Technology and I have been enemies from the start.

But now I think I’ve found a cool solution. It’s an app and website called Substack. What it does is it lets me send out emails to everyone who has subscribed when the podcast drops, when my new YouTube videos go live, and when I have something to say.

Unlike emails that generate from this website, I know that they will actually go to everyone who wants them. It also has fun features such as ways for me to send the full transcripts of each podcast and video, private chat groups for people who want to talk more about the topics and a thing called “Notes” that don’t get emailed out, but are things that where I can quickly post my thoughts about something and they just show up in your feed in the app.

Making cute little graphics to go with my social media posts on Instagram and Facebook has stopped many a post because I didn’t have time to make the graphic. On this medium, I don’t have to make a graphic. I can just type. It’s fabulous. I’m so excited.

So for you have signed up for these emails, thank you. I’m so glad you want to stay informed about what is going on. I’m sorry I haven’t used these emails to the fullest, because half the time, what I sent didn’t work. I’m hoping this new platform will simplify all of this.

If you don’t want to get the app, no problem. The links and posts will still be sent to your email address and you need to do nothing further. But if you want to engage in a more personal way, the app is cool. Try it out.

Here is a link to my Substack account. Check it out. https://melaniestroud.substack.com/p/okay-fine-ill-do-it?r=6jc146

I will go ahead and add your email to that list so you won’t miss a post. It will be the same as if it was coming from here, but it’ll be easier and more organized for me. Yay

Thanks for sticking with me through all the ups and downs and through the pauses and the delays. I’m finally committed to doing this new Conversations about Joy and Jesus YouTube series and am so excited to engage in a more meaningful way with all of you.

Watch your spam for the Substack emails if you don’t automatically see them. Move them to your inbox and you’ll be set.

Also, while I’m writing, here’s the first YouTube video. Something funky happened when it went from my phone to the editing app. The color got wierd. I wasn’t trying to filter my face with a terrible sunburn… it’s a learning curve. I will fix what I can. Again, technology hates my guts. But I’m cracking down. I’m learning something new. Because I really feel that Heavenly Father doesn’t want me to be done sharing my testimony with the world. Why YouTube? I have no idea. Frankly, I’d rather just hide in my closet and ramble on the microphone only. No need to get ready. But pushing me out of my comfort zone is something the Lord loves to do to me, so I’m trying.

Shine on!