Welcome to Unregistered, a weekly dispatch for readers who want to make sense of the world in a way that relates to their day-to-day experiences.
It’s brought to you by Dirk Hohnstraeter, a German writer and academic based in Berlin.
About Unregistered
Unregistered observes a rapidly changing world through the lens of everyday life. It’s a junction where big ideas and small things tangle up—a place to explore things hidden in plain sight.
Why subscribe?
If you enjoy some inspiration while drinking strong coffee, that’s a reason. If you’re more into tea or wine, that’s fine, too. As a subscriber, you can expect considered and curious texts that zoom out for clarity while trying to stay at eye level with the world's complexity. If you care about reflecting blind spots, taking different angles, and adding nuance, you just found something new to read.
By signing up as a subscriber, you will never miss a post. The latest editions will go directly to your in-tray every Thursday. You’ll receive:
THE LETTER
Every other week, I post an original essay exclusively written for this Substack–thoughts, tools, and treats that seek to capture the extraordinary in the ordinary.
THE POSTCARD
The postcard is a fortnightly roundup of recommendations (and warnings). Expect curated and commented sites, pods, books, translated quotes from non-English sources, and a mystery link leading into the unknown.
REGISTERED MAIL
Seasonally, I send out glimpses into my workshop and more personal updates. Only paid subscribers get access, which is why I call this section „registered mail.“
Why upgrade to paid?
You can show your appreciation for my work by becoming a paid subscriber. Your contribution will help me keep things running around here. I say thanks to paid subscribers by
gaining access to REGISTERED MAIL, exclusive articles I will send out seasonally, offering concrete advice on the topics I write about, a look behind the scenes of my work as a writer, as well as more personal updates
one question per month (via e-mail) about literally anything that I’ll answer as best as I can
community chats that will become available as the blog grows.
If you decide to go a step further and become a Founding Member, you get all the benefits of paid subscribers plus uniquely receive:
the opportunity to ask me as many questions as you wish (within reason)
the option of a one-on-one Zoom chat
my profound gratitude (seriously!).
If you enjoy my writing, please consider becoming a paid subscriber. If you’d like a family member, friend, colleague, or anyone else to become a part of this, consider buying a gift subscription.
Every subscription counts. Remember, Unregistered is an independent newsletter with no ads, affiliate links, or sponsored content. With your support, you’re voting for a world where independent media exists.
If you can’t afford it, that’s okay. If you become a paid subscriber, thanks so much for your generosity. I do appreciate your support.
Where’s a good place to start?
If you're looking for something to read right now, here are some previous issues you might like:
You can find the entire archive of past editions here. I also take part in the conversation on Notes, Substack’s built-in, ad-free social medium. Click here to read my contributions.
A note about comments
Comments are encouraged. I want my Substack to be a place where you might actually want to hang out. Conversations are supposed to be lively yet respectful, like in a traditional European coffee house. Disagreement is welcome; just make sure to engage civilly and constructively and treat everybody as a partner in thinking. I will comment back as often as I can.
About Dirk
I’m a Berlin-based humanities scholar and author of five books (including an essayistic travel guide and a crime novel). In my research and writing, I focus on the cultural aspects of the economy and everyday life, paying particular attention to aesthetics.
Here are some nice things that others have said about me:
“Dirk Hohnstraeter aims to avoid the routines of cultural critique.”
–Süddeutsche Zeitung
“An expert in quality”
–Neue Zürcher Zeitung
“thoroughly researched & enjoyably written”
–AD about my most recent book
To learn more about me, head over to my personal website.
