I've Got a Question for You
Alex Hillman
This essay was originally published in the Indy Hall newsletter. If you’re not already subscribed, you can sign up using the form below.
6 months ago I started an experiment - really a series of experiments - with the Indy Hall newsletter.
It kicked off with a new design and format. Then a new time-saving production workflow. And finally, with an idea to revisit stories from our past and connect them to the present and future.
In a world where so many newsletters become a promotional channel, I wanted a place to tell stories that make people feel more connected.
Creativity Craves Feedback
Speaking personally, it’s been really fun to have this creative outlet again in my life. Pre-2020, I was a pretty avid writer. Especially across the long arc of Indy Hall’s history.
Then during the pandemic, I kinda stopped publishing. I won’t get into why today, but I’ve definitely missed having a place to write in my life.
And like any creative endeavor, the big question is always will people like this? Will I like this?
6 months in, two things have surprised me.
First, I am often surprised who responds, and what they respond to.
I’m grateful for every response, but sometimes, I’m flabbergasted (in the best way) by who shows up in my inbox after I hit send.
Sometimes it’s people I haven’t seen in a very long time, who I had no idea were even reading.
Other times, it’s total strangers who’ve only been to the Clubhouse once…or never! But they follow along to our story (I think) because they feel connected or curious for some reason.
Maybe most surprising is when people respond to one small thing buried deep in the newsletter, easy to miss if you’re just skimming.
Turns out people DO still read! 😉
Second, I’m surprised how often people mention the newsletter in person.
At least a few times a week, someone comes up to me — at the Clubhouse, at events, even at the coffee shop around the corner — and says some version of “I really liked what you said in the newsletter.”
And every single time, it catches me off guard and genuinely makes my day.
But for as often as someone says something, or responds, I don’t always know why it connected with them.
So I decided to just ask directly.
What do you like about the newsletter?
What do you look forward to? What should I do more of?
Honestly, I want to know, so we can do more of it. Is it:
- The philosophy stuff? When I write about how we think about community, or why Indy Hall works the way it does?
- The behind-the-curtain looks? When I pull back the curtain on how we make decisions, or share the messier parts of running this place?
- The event spotlights? When we shine a light on community partners and the people behind the events?
- Something I haven’t thought of? Maybe there’s a thing you’d love to see more of that I’m not even considering.
I also want to hear from you if you’re newer to the community. If you found us recently and something in one of these emails made you curious enough to keep reading, I’d love to know what that was.
Send me a note. Even a one-liner counts. There’s no wrong answer, and I actually read every single one.
We’re 6 months away from Indy Hall’s 20th anniversary, so I really wanna make this special!
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