Welcome to The Speakeasy – Exclusively for You!
I’m excited to announce a new online discussion platform exclusively for my readers. In keeping with a historical theme, I’m calling it The Speakeasy for a couple of reasons – first, like any respectable speakeasy during Prohibition, you need an invitation and a password to get in (more on that below); and second, once you’ve signed up, it’s easy to speak on a variety of topics.
The goal of The Speakeasy is for me to continue and improve my communication and discussions with you. I publish about 3-4 emailed newsletters (e-blasts) a year, and regularly post on Facebook, Instagram, and Linked-in. But consider The Speakeasy a more informal and targeted discussion group that will fill the gaps in between. Also, the new platform allows two-way posts and discussions – this will give you an opportunity to share your thoughts with me, and with my other readers! I think it will be fun and will enhance the sense of community we share.
To sign up, just go here and put in your email and select a password (If you already receive my e-blast, you’ve shared your email with me – thanks for that; any password you choose remains confidential to you. That’s how simple it is).
Once you’ve entered The Speakeasy, you’ll see topic area tiles (shown below) labeled “Books,” “History,” “Medley” and “Ask Me Anything.” I wanted to keep the categories as broad as possible. You’ll see posts from me to get things started, and you can post your comments accordingly.
I’m looking forward to this. In some ways, I think many people are a little weary of all the noise on “big social media,” and might like sharing ideas and comments with people who share at least one common characteristic – being amazing and loyal “Puleo readers.”
And on that same note, I’d ask that we focus our comments on my books, history, writing, and other general questions and comments. In those contexts, I welcome and will be happy to discuss the history of politics – and even the politics of history – but The Speakeasy will not be a forum to discuss current partisan politics or resort to using disrespectful language or personal attacks. There are plenty of other social media platforms for you to visit if that is your desire. I’d respectfully ask that you adhere to these guidelines when you visit The Speakeasy.
So, let’s see how this works! I’m excited to have another forum to communicate with you, and more importantly, to hear from you. Let me know what you think, and, as time goes along, we will tweak things when necessary based on your feedback. By the way, please continue to send me your emails, as you do so often, to let me know your thoughts. I love receiving them – The Speakeasy in no way replaces those; it merely enhances our opportunity for discussion.
So, welcome and enjoy The Speakeasy. Just tell the doorman, “Steve sent me.”
