I definitely hear this, but there is some tension here for us. One of the big values of Substack for writers is that it is the place where you can build your most valuable audience, which means:

1. When folks opt in, you can reach them whenever you want, unmediated by an algorithm 2. They can pay to subscribe, and you keep 90% of the economics and 3. You own your email list. You can leave Substack and take them with you.

These things create the incentive structure that allows great work to get done on Substack. But doing the secret email thing breaks #3. Part of the bargain as a reader on Substack is that you're giving your email.

Definitely hear you on the confirmation link thing.