Letter Exchanges

Feb 12, 2026

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I’m getting near the end of a ‘letter exchange,’ and I thought it might be worthwhile to lay out what they are, at least as I use them, and invite others to join in tthe fun. And I am always looking for more letter exchanges, so maybe I’ll encourage someone to get into one with me!

Definition

Now, let’s start out by saying that there is no definition of a ‘letter exchange’. There are no rules, no format to follow, no guild. The word is used to describe something that some people on Substack have done, and if the term is useful, keep it. If not, well, then, do your own thing.

But what I have done as a ‘letter exchange’ is basically this:

Two or more people are involved.
Each of them writes posts
There is some agreed topic
They link to each other when they write.

Controversy is the spice of letter exchanges

Now, as far as I am concerned, there is another point about letter exchanges: there must be something controversial. Not like you have to disagree with cats and dogs, but you have to at least bring different perspectives to the exchange.

But, at the same time, you have to agree enough for there to be some common ground for the discussion itself. If you want to talk about collecting stamps, and he wants to talk about high fantasy… not sure that letter exchange will get off the ground.

Keep your Eye on the Ball

In my opinion, the Substack Letter Exchange works best when you are writing for the audience, not for each other. When you take the opportunity of writing your letter to present your case, do not worry about whether your interlocutor will agree. When you are trying to convince and engage with your audience, not your opponent.

There is, in my oh so humble opinion, nothing quite as boring as an author who writes something like, “Now, as for your fourth point, it really seems to me that you didn’t understand my twenty-seventh point in my third post…”

You should assume that most of the people who are reading your post have not read your opponents post, and probably haven’t read (and definitely don’t remember) your opponents posts… not even his last post. So every time you write a post, put what your audience needs in it, and write for them… even if you address it to your opponent.

Chill, Dude

The biggest issue that I see in letter exchanges is when one party gets a little heated. When they expect something from the exchange that they aren’t getting. When they were hoping that their brilliant logic would convince their opponent after three posts, and it didn’t, or when their opponent continues to post arguments that they think that they have already refuted!

To which I say, “Chill, Dude”… and write for your own audience. Indeed, for every person who likes or comments, think about the hundred people who just read it and were influenced. Do your best writing, and don’t worry about what the other guy is writing. Use his writing to trigger your imagination and logic… not your temper and emotions.

Stay Focused

Now, the next bit of advice I would give to someone doing a letter exchange, or considering it, is: ‘Stay focused.’ It is easy for any debate or discussion to go off into the weeds, or down all sorts of rabbit holes. But you should keep your goal for your letter exchange in mind, and stick to that. Every post, comment, or note you write should keep your goal (and your audience) in mind.

Thank you for reading Von’s Substack. I would love it if you commented! I love hearing from readers, especially critical comments. I would love to start more letter exchanges, so if there’s a subject you’re interested in, get writing and tag me!

Being ‘restacked’ and mentioned in ‘notes’ is very important for lesser-known stacks so… feel free! I’m semi-retired and write as a ministry (and for fun) so you don’t need to feel guilty you aren’t paying for anything, but if you enjoy my writing (even if you dramatically disagree with it), then restack, please! Or mention me in one of your own posts.

If I don’t write you back it is almost certain that I didn’t see it, so please feel free to comment and link to your post. Or if you just think I would be interested in your post!

If you get lost, check out my ‘Table of Contents’ which I try to keep up to date.

Thanks again, God Bless, Soli Deo gloria,

Von