Newsletters worth your clicks

I can’t believe I’m going to write a blog post about newsletters but here I am.

I’ve subscribed to many newsletters over the years (haven’t we all) and I’ve unsubscribed from even more. Haven’t we all. But there are some I haven’t unsubscribed from and - hold the phone - actually enjoy opening. I’ve even forwarded on an email to a friend like they all ask you to. Heavens to Betsy.

I think what the good ones all have in common is they don’t mess about. Most of them are essentially a bunch of links from other places on the internet. They’re not trying to rehash the content to fit their own “brands”. They’re just sharing good reads and that, dear reader, I can get behind.

Anyway. In no particular order, here they are:

The week in patriarchy

“A weekly newsletter on what’s happening in the world of feminism and sexism, from politics to pop culture”. That’s what it says on the tin and just like that wood stuff, that’s what it is. Read an example and then sign up here.

Meanwhile

Freelance book designer Daniel Gray does this one. It’s not that regular but when it does fall into my inbox it’s always got a worthwhile read or two about design, illustration or photography. Read an example and then sign up here.

Ann Friedman

This is the one I sent to a friend. Ann Friedman is a “a journalist, essayist, and media entrepreneur who loves talking to strangers and finding new ways to explain the world.” The newsletter is full of great reads of everything from racism and sexism to science and fashion. And so much more. Read an example and sign up here.

Them.

“The best of what’s queer, right to your inbox.” Yas gurl, that’s how I would describe it. It’s news, fashion, TV and culture all in one super gay newsletter. Read an example and sign up here.

Creative Review

This is a tricky one as I’m a paying subscriber so I’m not too sure how much of the content is behind the wall, but I think there’s a fair bit that isn’t. I’ve actually no idea to be honest but I can’t imagine that everything is. Can I? Anyway. It’s all things creative, from photography and illustration to architecture to product design. Read an example and sign up here.

UX Collective

“A weekly, self-funded newsletter that helps 118,600 designers stay in the know, be productive, and think more critically about their work.” I like how this is split into stories/articles from the community, news, and tools and resources. There’s always at least one link I click on and enjoy (and actually learn from. Imagine!). Read an example and sign up here.

Code Switch

Race and identity are the two main topics of this super newsletter from NPR. It can be upsetting and provocative but sometimes that’s just what we need.I can’t find an archive and there’s not ‘view online’ link so you’ll just have to take my word for it and sign up here.

And there you have it. Have you got any you always open?

Is this an email? No, but it is newspaper rock in Utah. If you can find a better image for a blog post on newsletters, be my guest

Really useful websites you probably don't know about

Every now and then there’s a really good thread on /r/askreddit. This is one of them. Featuring gems such as:

Just Watch - A search engine for streaming services.

10 Minute Mail - Gives you an email address for 10 minutes. Avoid spam etc. when signing up for stuff.

Icons for everything - Free icons.

Super Cook - Add the ingredients you have, it’ll give you a recipe

Wifi everywhere - Wireless passwords for places all over the world, including lots of airports

Check it out. It’s a goldmine of info.

The Westminster terror attack

The BBC were filming an episode of Hospital at St Mary's Hospital when the Westminster terror attack took place. The hour-long episode shows the immediate aftermath, together with the hospital implementing their major incident protocol. It's a little bit graphic, but extremely powerful.