50 Comments
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Michael Hatcher's avatar

Hey, HVR. I just saw this. You don't ever have to apologize. Even a month in, I realize Substack can be all-consuming. Love reading your stuff!

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Hawtorn V. Rabot's avatar

I'm still hanging out. Just a little less.

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Saif's avatar

Some people in the comments say you don’t owe us anything. Their liars. Don’t believe them.

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Hawtorn V. Rabot's avatar

Paid sub is an option...

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Hina Gondal's avatar

Best of luck

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Hawtorn V. Rabot's avatar

Thanks.

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You know, Cannot Name It's avatar

You sound like someone who’s kept the classroom open even after midnight.

Substack is just a new blackboard, but the chalk’s worn down to skin.

Maybe reciprocity isn’t “like for like,” but who can stand the silence first.

Thank you for the honesty — it teaches more than any curriculum.

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Hawtorn V. Rabot's avatar

That's a real way to put it. Thanks.

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Miles Hack's avatar

We out here… no real reason to feel accepted. The best service is one’s self in authenticity, I feel.

No need to comment at all back to me, I’m just churning the gears here, other’s writing helps me write ✍️

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Hawtorn V. Rabot's avatar

Commenting is my favorite.

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Justin Zimmer's avatar

I respect the balance: what you put out for all stays free, what you can offer each individually needs $$.

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Hawtorn V. Rabot's avatar

You get it. Thanks.

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The Mad Widow's avatar

You’ve done the underdog Substack writers a great service when you didn’t have to. I’m sorry you feel like you’re not getting the same in return. So many people are greedy little selfish goblins who just take take take. If I could give them all a boot to the head, I would. Gonna miss you as a regular force around here. But you got to do you. Your baby should come first, always. Good job, dad.

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Hawtorn V. Rabot's avatar

I'll be around, but I'm reducing my hours.

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Cailin & Eirian's avatar

I wish I had great words to say but there are none left , everyone stole them before I got up. However, I don't think any of us can thank you enough for the help you have given us in getting to know each other. Half the people that have responded here I know because of you and we are all friends again because of you. Yes, spend the time with your daughter believe me that time will go by faster than you realize. Please don't vanish and when I can I will help contribute on the paid. Thank you for being a friend.

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Hawtorn V. Rabot's avatar

I'll be around. Part time. Thank you.

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Cailin & Eirian's avatar

I'll take part time over not at all

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VedJournal ✍️📜's avatar

That's amazing article

Loved it

Your Substack articles are like conversation between you and reader like me.

Thanks for sharing and keep writing 💫

Just highlighting this part

Expect my reads to be OGs, those who ask, those who reciprocate, or those who write what I like.

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Hawtorn V. Rabot's avatar

Thank you. I need to read more about your psyc.

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VedJournal ✍️📜's avatar

Definitely will bring more

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Hawtorn V. Rabot's avatar

Yay.

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Andrea Thorfinson's avatar

I really appreciate your honesty here, Hawtorn. It’s so important to set boundaries around the energy we give. Especially when that generosity starts taking from our own time and peace. I completely understand where you’re coming from and admire the balance you’re trying to create.

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Hawtorn V. Rabot's avatar

Thank you. I'm making sure to invest in the right people, like you.

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Machine Poet's avatar

Half assed comment :)

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Hawtorn V. Rabot's avatar

Half assed response.

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Dorie Snow/雪多丽's avatar

It is a good thing to set these boundaries. I’m proud of you! It’s the same thing over and over, if you don’t take care of yourself you can’t take care of anyone else. You have done your part, now it’s up to others to do theirs.

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Hawtorn V. Rabot's avatar

Yeah. I need to cut back. Thank you.

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Michelle Ray's avatar

I’ve related to your English teacher vibes and love what you do here—bringing the classroom dynamics to Substack. I don’t think people realize what a fucking master communicator you have to be to run a successful classroom. One of those things is to have clear boundaries, but with love. I see doing that here, so good on you. My son is kinda jealous of Substack and regularly gives me shit about zoning in too hard. So I’ve had to chill at times myself. I try to keep a pace I can manage here, and in life. Keep up the authenticity and representing English teachers so well. 🙌

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Hawtorn V. Rabot's avatar

I laughed at the son line a little. Maybe too hard. I get it. I will just be cutting back and offering less.

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Cory's avatar

That's awesome! 😊I hope you get a good bit of extra income for all of your time and effort spent here.

You've helped build people up, you've helped new authors get a spotlight, you've helped give a voice to those silenced, and you're a very genuine person. It's hard not to hope the very best for you! ❤️ You deserve so much more for yourself, and don't let anyone tell you otherwise!

Sending much love, and the best of positive energy your way!

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Hawtorn V. Rabot's avatar

Thank you. I'm still around. Just reduced hours.

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Cory's avatar

Keep more hours to yourself and daughter. ❤️

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Hawtorn V. Rabot's avatar

Thanks.

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Ian DM Taniels's avatar

Hey man,

Wishing you all the best for this next phase.

Appreciate all the support you've given me and enjoyed exchanging comments and likes.

I don't remember explicitly restacking you because it felt stupid to restack someone with 4-5 times the sub count. Will restack you now, though, to support your new phase :)

I will remain a free subscriber and read with interest whatever you keep writing publicly and hope everything works out in a way that works for you.

Until next time!

IDMT

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Hawtorn V. Rabot's avatar

Hehehe. You're good.

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Gary L Taylor's avatar

You don't owe anyone anything, though I do appreciate you being around.

I can definitely empathise and relate to it eating into time with your daughter though. I feel a similar way at times.

I like that you've defined some boundaries and rules though. Couldn't be clearer.

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Hawtorn V. Rabot's avatar

I'm glad you can see it. I just need to "cut back."

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