Strong piece. Chasing immediacy distorts both outcomes AND judgment.
Once you train yourself to optimize for reaction, you stop trusting your own taste. You lose your identity, as does the passive scroller. And the algorithm will gladly fill that void.
I went into this assuming it would be slow, uneven, and often quiet. I don't consider that a downside at all. Call it a cost of business to stay honest and not add any more fuel to the pure dopamine fire.
I loved this piece. You put into (very eloquent) words what I have been feeling for quite some time, since becoming a writer on Substack.
The entire environment is constructed to make you feel as if you are failing if you're not meeting some publishing frequency benchmark and social engagement quota.
I quickly had to reorient myself and return to the reason I started this: to share knowledge about how our brain works in order to shape future behaviour for the better.
In short, I didn't start this to "create content."
I started this to add value.
And by that benchmark, even one subscriber is the definition of success.
Your distinction between art and content is powerful. Thanks for sharing - this is good timing for the reminder. I can only express myself and reach others in a meaningful way through art.
I've re-read this at least twice. It hits a note for me. I want to create something that is durable and reflect my exploration of history and security. It takes weeks for me to write an article.
But, I also want to share what I find. I hope that people take an interest in the events I have unearthed. I want to find like minded people who share my specific interest . . . but I sometimes wonder of they are even out there.
'There is no “late” in art. There is only “ripe.” ' 🧡
Strong piece. Chasing immediacy distorts both outcomes AND judgment.
Once you train yourself to optimize for reaction, you stop trusting your own taste. You lose your identity, as does the passive scroller. And the algorithm will gladly fill that void.
I went into this assuming it would be slow, uneven, and often quiet. I don't consider that a downside at all. Call it a cost of business to stay honest and not add any more fuel to the pure dopamine fire.
If you’re not honest you don’t have business. You have a job.
Gardens over factories. I love thinking of the creator economy as an ecosystem
"The work is to keep clapping for yourself until they catch up."
Love it. This is something I've been gradually coming to terms with and embodying too. Great article.
"Here lies a great content producer," said no one's epitaph ever
Sad that it needs to be said. But you're right on point
By the time you said “4 likes” I cracked laughing. So funny how we’re all so different and yet the same.
So true! Deep! Brilliant point again!
Excellent post my friend :)
Absolutely lovely insight
Keep going
✨
Beautifully curated. Such a pleasure to read, and so much depth to the truth.
I loved this piece. You put into (very eloquent) words what I have been feeling for quite some time, since becoming a writer on Substack.
The entire environment is constructed to make you feel as if you are failing if you're not meeting some publishing frequency benchmark and social engagement quota.
I quickly had to reorient myself and return to the reason I started this: to share knowledge about how our brain works in order to shape future behaviour for the better.
In short, I didn't start this to "create content."
I started this to add value.
And by that benchmark, even one subscriber is the definition of success.
Always go back to the “why”…Congrats!
Your distinction between art and content is powerful. Thanks for sharing - this is good timing for the reminder. I can only express myself and reach others in a meaningful way through art.
I need to put my kids to sleep early tonight so I can read it again.
I've re-read this at least twice. It hits a note for me. I want to create something that is durable and reflect my exploration of history and security. It takes weeks for me to write an article.
But, I also want to share what I find. I hope that people take an interest in the events I have unearthed. I want to find like minded people who share my specific interest . . . but I sometimes wonder of they are even out there.