Yes. That’s right. There are some subtle differences between Medium and Substack mostly owing to the fact that Medium was originally designed as a blogging site and Substack was originally designed as an email newsletter platform (with a place to park blog posts as well). So each is a bit catered a bit more catered to their original goal, although they’ve certainly become more similar over time.

Ghost seems to be squarely in the middle: both a blog site builder/newsletter platform from the outset. Honestly, Ghost looks to maybe be doing the site builder piece even better (like more ability to remove Ghost branding relative to Medium/Substack, which makes sense since it’s open source).

I think what may be implied by OPs comment:

The other members of the club will harass you to come to events. Your dues are your indirect way of paying for your social event harassment (ha!).

As a friend of a club member, I often don’t want to go but am cajoled, and then I’m glad I went. It’s awesome. Highly recommend.

Really? Could you provide some sources? I’m curious to learn more.

Well that’s terrifying.