Nothing Like a Good Bandwagon

Ever wonder where the expression "jump on the bandwagon" came from? I never really knew until I joined one of my own. It actually originated in 1855. It was a phrase used by Phineas T. Barnum, who used it in reference to the wagon that would carry around a circus band. This was a ploy to attract villagers to the circus performances. Politicians would later do something similar to attract attention to their political campaigns.

Now, we just use it to refer to when someone joins something because of its popularity. 

Lately, I have done that with Substack. Ladies and gents, I have started my own Substack newsletter.

It all started when I read Sue's post about her starting her own. I've been contemplating doing one for a (sometimes) weekly feature on my blog, Three Things on a Saturday Night. It's when I share (or a guest shares) a book, movie, and wild card recommendation that someone would enjoy on a Saturday night. It's a feature that I've always felt deserved more attention.

I've hesitated to start one because I don't want to deter people away from my writing blog, especially since I've been blogging a lot more lately. However, today I realized this could be a great way to drive traffic to my blog. In my first post, I snuck in a link to a book review that I had written recently. While I only have a grand total of two (yes, TWO) followers, I'm excited to have an easy-to-use outlet to share random weekly thoughts and recommendations.

Another reason why I decided to start one is the lack of a social media community online. Since Twitter is rocky and I've never been one for Instagram, it has left me with only Facebook. While that's fine, casual conversation isn't really part of the Facebook groups I'm in. I miss the day-to-day chatter you'd find on Twitter. Sure, Threads is a thing now, but I like to cover my bases. Since a lot of writers are on Substack, I figure I may as well join in the fun.

So, if you are looking for some fun weekly recommendations, subscribe to my Substack, Three Things on a Saturday Night. You may as well sign up to receive updates from my writing blog, World of My Imagination. And find me on Threads while you're at it.

Nicole Pyles is a writer living in Portland, Oregon. Her writing has been featured in Ripley's Believe it or Not, Best Colleges, Mental Floss, WOW! Women on Writing, Sky Island Journal, Arlington Literary Journal, The Ocotillo Review, and The Gold Man Review.