The future of The Path Not Taken

In the last few months, this Substack has been silent. I apologize for this. As I have said before, I am working on a book which analyses the rise of social justice ideology (or, if you prefer, progressivism or ‘wokeness’) from an academic perspective and uses multiple datasets.

Fortunately, the book is almost finished and, by April 25, we will have submitted the final manuscript to our publisher. I will reveal specific details after this date.

Finishing a book is gruelling enough, yet an extremely concerning development has occurred alongside this: the collapse of UK academia. As many UK readers will know, Cardiff University (my employer) has announced 400 job losses. Though my job is not threatened to the extent of others – the university plans to close programmes in music, ancient history and nursing – long-term implications are ominous. Developments in the wider UK sector are not much better; many universities are introducing similar programmes and the academic labour market is moribund.

Many of us are thinking about alternatives. I do not wish to leave academia entirely, yet have been reflecting on a different relationship with the sector.

My thoughts have turned to this Substack. Though the paid subscriber model is common on this platform – typically, subscribers pay about £5 per month, entitling them to additional content – I have never used this option (though have raised hundreds of pounds for charity with occasional appeals). Rather, I have seen this site as a labour of love and have not wanted the pressure of providing regular content.

But in current circumstances, I am reconsidering. Were I to introduce a paid option, I would provide much more regular content (i.e. 2-3 posts a week). Though my substantive concerns would remain the same (i.e. popular and elite ideology, socioeconomic institutions, freedom of speech, academia), I would make greater use of data and might experiment with artificial intelligence.

I am writing to see what readers think of this. Might you consider taking out a paid subscription? On an expanded Path Not Taken, what sort of content might you like to read? Do Substackers who already use the paid option have any advice?

I would love to hear your feedback and look forward to the next stage of this Substack.