“Build it and they will come,” they said.
What they didn’t tell me is the second half of the story:
Sometimes you build something and almost nobody shows up. At least at first. That definitely happened to me. But out of sheer stubbornness, I kept going anyway.
For a long time, the growth was so gradual I only noticed it when I stopped to look back. Then suddenly, out of nowhere, the universe hit the fast forward button.
For the last few months, my Substack has been growing steadily, usually around 5 to 10 new free subscribers a day and, if I’m lucky, 1 or 2 new paid subscribers. Nothing viral or explosive. Just gradual, encouraging growth fueled by curious readers, fellow weirdos, and kind people sharing my work with others.
Then the last 24 hours happened.
Thanks almost entirely to a recommendation from Matthew Rettenmund over at BOYCULTURE, my little corner of the internet has welcomed over 50 new subscribers.
So first and foremost: thank you, Mr. Rettenmund! And thank you to everyone who clicked over and decided to stick around to see what this project is all about.
Which raises the obvious question: What exactly is COLLIDE PRESS?
At its core, COLLIDE PRESS is an ever-evolving offshoot of my YouTube channel, where I create SFW montages celebrating men through the ages: old Hollywood heartthrobs, queer pioneers, historical figures, and the many faces of masculinity across time.
Over here on Substack, things get more personal. And a little less safe for work.
This space has become a motley mix of exclusive NSFW montages, personal essays, political commentary, pop culture musings, queer history, nostalgia, and whatever else happens to rattle around in my brain in the middle of the night.
In other words: it’s a collision. Hence the name.
And honestly? I’m grateful for everyone who connects with me and my work.
There’s something deeply encouraging about realizing that the internet still has room for independent creators carving out their own niches instead of chasing algorithms, outrage, or whatever social media trend I’m avoiding like the plague.
Years ago, I came across a quote from Steven Soderbergh that stuck with me:
“Talent + Perseverance = Luck
Be ready when it happens.”
That feels especially relevant right now.
Because most “overnight success stories” are really just years of quietly building something before the right people finally stumble across it.
So to all my new subscribers and longtime readers alike: thank you for being here. And for being queer. Thank you for supporting independent creatives. Thank you for encouraging me to keep building this strange little world.
I’m looking forward to getting and growing better together.
Thank you for being a friend!
Clint 🌈✌️
COLLIDE PRESS is a reader-supported publication.
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thru 05-31-26
FROM THE ARCHIVES
BORN THIS WAY ON THIS DAY
05-23 = Annemarie Schwarzenbach (1908-1942) = Swiss writer and journalist 🌈
05-23 = Guinevere Turner (1968- ) = American actor and screenwriter 🌈
05-23 = Lea DeLaria (1958- ) = American comedian, actor, and singer 🌈
05-23 = Lotte Hahm (1890-1967) = German activist 🌈
05-23 = Maya Keyes (1985- ) = American social and political activist 🌈
MAN CRUSHES OF THE DAY
“There is one thing in this good old world that is positively sure - happiness is for all who strive to be happy - and those who laugh are happy. Everybody is eligible - you - me - the other fellow. Happiness is fundamentally a state of mind - not a state of body.”
Douglas Fairbanks Sr.
“I was only saying to the Queen the other day how I hate name dropping.”
Douglas Fairbanks Jr.
Congratulations, dear Brian! Woo-hoo!
Please note that the "serving face" photo is of Mr. Fairbanks, Jr., not his famous Dad.
Cheers and hugs to you.