I read about a Christian essayist who just posted stuff and NEVER checked the metrics. She just threw it into the ether. Can't for the life me remember her name. She became a massive hit and wasn't even aware of it.
That seems like the only sane way to interact with these platforms.
Yep - fake it until you make it. You have to brainwash or propagandize yourself to succeed in life because everything is psychology. Few, if any people, could actually be unaffected by feedback or lack thereof. I think all ARE impacted, whether consciously or subconsciously. To truly create or consume independently is a near myth, but I agree that we should approach writing from the mindset of that author.
Actually one of the best pieces I’ve read in a long while. You’ve put my thoughts into words. I feel like this on Substack even, it’s already gamed from the jump. Even “opposition” or fringe isn’t real - it’s like Pepsi vs. coke. No one is the real good guy - we just have someone who plays Superman and someone who plays the villain. It’s all controlled, to break through with original, unique content is inherently nearly impossible unless you force it into reality / common consciousness through mass marketing aka money.
Rarely I do see or find something organically of true interest and merit, like yourself. Yet, it’s almost an honor or badge to not be a winner on an internet rigged for fakes and fools. Not sure if that’s just my cynicism and zero subscribers talking, but artifice seems to succeed over true art.
I won a comment the other day. Took me two years to get a comment on a post. I write random shit, sometimes I consider it a form of drool; you know the kind that spills out your mouth while you sleep and you wake in a start cause your face is wet. I feel that way about Substack notes from time to time now; algorithm drool.There’s some good drool though.
This shit is so sickening. Isn’t Substack supposed to be about quality writing? A refuge from dopamine culture?
I mean, yeah, it's cool you can do a podcast here and that other shit, but short-form video? Rather ram a welding rod up my nostril than have this turn into another game of who can yell "pick me" the loudest (and I'm guilty of this too. We all are... it's the reason we're here. Virtue signaling alert... at least we do it with some sense of dignity, right?).
But it reminds me of corporate farms gobbling towns whole, then slapping "stewards of the land” on their trucks like it’s gospel.
Or get this. Last week, one of the companies I work with asked me to give a testimonial about what makes them the best, yadda yadda. I knew it'd be the typical corporate hum drum bullshit, but figured i'd play ball, but in a different way than I ever have before. Stripped off my "professional" mask and answered the eight questions just as i'd answer them sitting across from the person asking.
Raw. No bullshit. Not super vulgar or anything like that....just honesty. The real story.
Stripped off my "professional” mask and told the story the only way it can be said -- by me. A half hour later, it comes back with “edits” -- seven times longer, corporate jargon thicker than a stockbroker’s convention. Grosses me out to admit this, but goddamnit George, for a second I considered saying fuck it and letting them run with their psycho-babble, stripping any semblance of voice from the thing and morphing it to robot tongues on strong acid.
What's one man going to change?
But then I thought, no fuck that. What am I doing here? Part of the goddamned problem with that attitude.
So I pushed back. Said thanks but no thanks. That's not the way I talk. If you'd want the typical corporate garbage every other company spouts, then you're not the company I thought you were and this opportunity is not for me.
Shit you not, three minutes later, the apologies come flying in like locusts in a drought. oh we're so sorry we tried to wash out your voice, we'll publish it as is, not enough companies are authentic like you and blah blah blah. I could almost feel their cogs aligning, the wheels already drumming up authenticity strategies for the monthly meeting where somebody will make their nut on this brilliant "idea" that their company needs more "authentic voices."
And watch how it fucking sells.
Watch how fast these other companies will trip over one another to be the most "authentic."
Like John Kerry in that 2004 Election wearing a Carhartt jacket fresh off the shelves. Damn that makes me sound old...
Lipstick on pigs, George. That’s all this is.
And pigs don’t win beauty contests, no matter how shiny their slop is. 🌱
Dude . Your testimonial story is perfect . Just like Substack wants creators but not actual creation. They want the performance of authenticity they can package and sell.
We're watching them build the same cage with prettier bars.
And yeah, we're all here playing some version of the game. The difference is admitting it instead of pretending we're running a digital Ellis Island for 'smart creators.
I’ve recently come to the same conclusions. I’ll die on my hill alone, if necessary. One should always stick to their guns, my issue for too long was figuring “fuck it, everyone else is doing it”.
Beautifully said, George. As always. I love the passion behind your words, too. I think many of us were having these thoughts, so thanks for being the one to put it out there.
You know, I was wondering about the sudden trend towards ~*authenticity*~. I think this year's thing is the Personal Brand, which is an extension of authenticity now that authenticity got ground down in the machines of content platforms.
Marketing is always gonna change . It went from “ funnels “ to ecosystems . Authenticity to personal branding . Email marketing to newsletters . It’s all just fancy talk .
I’m almost curious to see where it will end up, but I also am done with it as chasing metrics has stunted my painting and writing. Reprioritizing my humanity ;)
Well done Substack marketing team! One of the best lead magnets I've come across in a long time. I guess the investors want to see the key metrics sparkle (and quality content isn't one of them...)
2. more possibilities for monetization (sponsored content, ads in posts, affiliate revenue,...?)
3. tweak algorithms to favor most profitable content
I just don't think that Substack can survive with just 10% commission on its subscriptions. They'll need to grow fast first, then launch additional revenue streams.
All social media go through 3 phases:
1. they do everything to create a superb platform
2. they do everything for the users that bring in the cash
3. they do everything for their investors
IG, FB; LI are in phase 3 and f*ck the users big time. Substack was in phase 1 until early last year. It's in phase 2 now. They'll either go bust or move to phase 3 in a couple of years.
A couple of beers when you are in Brussels or when I am in wherever you happen to be.
"I've watched writers stop writing because their short-form content gets more engagement."
That is true. I started to write shorter and punchier pieces on Medium, because that is what does well, versus long thought out posts. I am back to writing more authentically on Substack. I can't live trying to go viral.
You've put into words something that's been rolling around in my own head for weeks now! Thank you for this piece!!
I never could bring myself to go all-in on any of the social media platforms for the very reasons you've spelled out. The fake-ness of it all rubs me the wrong way. My own authenticity has been too hard-won to force it or minimize it for the sake of the algorithm.
And so, despite the fact that homesteading and lady-farmers are killing it on Insta and TikTok, I've remained much in obscurity as someone who prefers to write stories about farming. Compared to many who are force-feeding "content".
lol, im impressed you got that reference. That T is for Tik Tok... I don't know, this is very profoundly written, but I disagree that there's some big change that happened at one point. I also don't really care about social media, complaining about it, thinking about it, what it has done to people, what it offers people. Honestly, before social media most artists were already probably pretty lame and things were just as bad as they are now. I like when you write that fiction heat more than this but you do what you think is right brother.
Appreciate the thoughtful feedback brother. I just whether it's fiction or calling out platform bullshit. The marketing brain never shuts off when you've spent years seeing how the machine works from the inside. But I hear you on the fiction heat . I’m growing there
I read about a Christian essayist who just posted stuff and NEVER checked the metrics. She just threw it into the ether. Can't for the life me remember her name. She became a massive hit and wasn't even aware of it.
That seems like the only sane way to interact with these platforms.
Yep - fake it until you make it. You have to brainwash or propagandize yourself to succeed in life because everything is psychology. Few, if any people, could actually be unaffected by feedback or lack thereof. I think all ARE impacted, whether consciously or subconsciously. To truly create or consume independently is a near myth, but I agree that we should approach writing from the mindset of that author.
Actually one of the best pieces I’ve read in a long while. You’ve put my thoughts into words. I feel like this on Substack even, it’s already gamed from the jump. Even “opposition” or fringe isn’t real - it’s like Pepsi vs. coke. No one is the real good guy - we just have someone who plays Superman and someone who plays the villain. It’s all controlled, to break through with original, unique content is inherently nearly impossible unless you force it into reality / common consciousness through mass marketing aka money.
Rarely I do see or find something organically of true interest and merit, like yourself. Yet, it’s almost an honor or badge to not be a winner on an internet rigged for fakes and fools. Not sure if that’s just my cynicism and zero subscribers talking, but artifice seems to succeed over true art.
We’re here. The question is WHERE we are going to go. Back to private blog/publishing, I suppose.
I won a comment the other day. Took me two years to get a comment on a post. I write random shit, sometimes I consider it a form of drool; you know the kind that spills out your mouth while you sleep and you wake in a start cause your face is wet. I feel that way about Substack notes from time to time now; algorithm drool.There’s some good drool though.
This shit is so sickening. Isn’t Substack supposed to be about quality writing? A refuge from dopamine culture?
I mean, yeah, it's cool you can do a podcast here and that other shit, but short-form video? Rather ram a welding rod up my nostril than have this turn into another game of who can yell "pick me" the loudest (and I'm guilty of this too. We all are... it's the reason we're here. Virtue signaling alert... at least we do it with some sense of dignity, right?).
But it reminds me of corporate farms gobbling towns whole, then slapping "stewards of the land” on their trucks like it’s gospel.
Or get this. Last week, one of the companies I work with asked me to give a testimonial about what makes them the best, yadda yadda. I knew it'd be the typical corporate hum drum bullshit, but figured i'd play ball, but in a different way than I ever have before. Stripped off my "professional" mask and answered the eight questions just as i'd answer them sitting across from the person asking.
Raw. No bullshit. Not super vulgar or anything like that....just honesty. The real story.
Stripped off my "professional” mask and told the story the only way it can be said -- by me. A half hour later, it comes back with “edits” -- seven times longer, corporate jargon thicker than a stockbroker’s convention. Grosses me out to admit this, but goddamnit George, for a second I considered saying fuck it and letting them run with their psycho-babble, stripping any semblance of voice from the thing and morphing it to robot tongues on strong acid.
What's one man going to change?
But then I thought, no fuck that. What am I doing here? Part of the goddamned problem with that attitude.
So I pushed back. Said thanks but no thanks. That's not the way I talk. If you'd want the typical corporate garbage every other company spouts, then you're not the company I thought you were and this opportunity is not for me.
Shit you not, three minutes later, the apologies come flying in like locusts in a drought. oh we're so sorry we tried to wash out your voice, we'll publish it as is, not enough companies are authentic like you and blah blah blah. I could almost feel their cogs aligning, the wheels already drumming up authenticity strategies for the monthly meeting where somebody will make their nut on this brilliant "idea" that their company needs more "authentic voices."
And watch how it fucking sells.
Watch how fast these other companies will trip over one another to be the most "authentic."
Like John Kerry in that 2004 Election wearing a Carhartt jacket fresh off the shelves. Damn that makes me sound old...
Lipstick on pigs, George. That’s all this is.
And pigs don’t win beauty contests, no matter how shiny their slop is. 🌱
Dude . Your testimonial story is perfect . Just like Substack wants creators but not actual creation. They want the performance of authenticity they can package and sell.
We're watching them build the same cage with prettier bars.
And yeah, we're all here playing some version of the game. The difference is admitting it instead of pretending we're running a digital Ellis Island for 'smart creators.
👉🏻⏳how much is left until the elegance and quality of this place is diluted?
I’ve recently come to the same conclusions. I’ll die on my hill alone, if necessary. One should always stick to their guns, my issue for too long was figuring “fuck it, everyone else is doing it”.
TikTok cracked the dopamine code, and now every platform wants your vertical soul facts !!🙌🔥❤️
And we both know what vultures do
Beautifully said, George. As always. I love the passion behind your words, too. I think many of us were having these thoughts, so thanks for being the one to put it out there.
And I doubted my self for a second yesterday...thanks for the reminder
No problem, my dear! It happens to the best of us.
You know, I was wondering about the sudden trend towards ~*authenticity*~. I think this year's thing is the Personal Brand, which is an extension of authenticity now that authenticity got ground down in the machines of content platforms.
Marketing is always gonna change . It went from “ funnels “ to ecosystems . Authenticity to personal branding . Email marketing to newsletters . It’s all just fancy talk .
Oh, yeah, I saw the newsletter thing, too.
I’m almost curious to see where it will end up, but I also am done with it as chasing metrics has stunted my painting and writing. Reprioritizing my humanity ;)
Needed. Thank you, George.
Definitely needed right now
Dayum! This slays!
Well done Substack marketing team! One of the best lead magnets I've come across in a long time. I guess the investors want to see the key metrics sparkle (and quality content isn't one of them...)
It’s a great idea…just wonder how it’s all gonna play out
My bet:
1. more video content
2. more possibilities for monetization (sponsored content, ads in posts, affiliate revenue,...?)
3. tweak algorithms to favor most profitable content
I just don't think that Substack can survive with just 10% commission on its subscriptions. They'll need to grow fast first, then launch additional revenue streams.
All social media go through 3 phases:
1. they do everything to create a superb platform
2. they do everything for the users that bring in the cash
3. they do everything for their investors
IG, FB; LI are in phase 3 and f*ck the users big time. Substack was in phase 1 until early last year. It's in phase 2 now. They'll either go bust or move to phase 3 in a couple of years.
A couple of beers when you are in Brussels or when I am in wherever you happen to be.
Cheers,
Hans
Your platform lifecycle is spot-on. Phase 3 is where they remember investors don't read newsletters. Then the real vulture feeding begins.
Beers in Brussels sounds better than watching another platform pretend they're different until they're not. I don’t drink so have one for me .
"I've watched writers stop writing because their short-form content gets more engagement."
That is true. I started to write shorter and punchier pieces on Medium, because that is what does well, versus long thought out posts. I am back to writing more authentically on Substack. I can't live trying to go viral.
Welcome back
NAILED IT.
Yup, I was just saying this, but looks like you're th one who won the content lottery.
Thank you George for sharing your perspective. This was needed.
We gotta stick up for ourselves and our work
"We're not just dying. We're forgetting we were ever alive."
Thank you for the perspective. I'm full of nothing but questions. So when does the next Renaissance start? What will it take? Are we incapable of it?
It’s always been about humans. Relationships. The craft . This is how you win .
You've put into words something that's been rolling around in my own head for weeks now! Thank you for this piece!!
I never could bring myself to go all-in on any of the social media platforms for the very reasons you've spelled out. The fake-ness of it all rubs me the wrong way. My own authenticity has been too hard-won to force it or minimize it for the sake of the algorithm.
And so, despite the fact that homesteading and lady-farmers are killing it on Insta and TikTok, I've remained much in obscurity as someone who prefers to write stories about farming. Compared to many who are force-feeding "content".
#womenwhofarm #mainefarmer
Keep writing about real dirt instead of algorithm soil. The only thing that matters is your work
Yall T-Paining too much.
Guess truth hurts more than autotune 😂
lol, im impressed you got that reference. That T is for Tik Tok... I don't know, this is very profoundly written, but I disagree that there's some big change that happened at one point. I also don't really care about social media, complaining about it, thinking about it, what it has done to people, what it offers people. Honestly, before social media most artists were already probably pretty lame and things were just as bad as they are now. I like when you write that fiction heat more than this but you do what you think is right brother.
Appreciate the thoughtful feedback brother. I just whether it's fiction or calling out platform bullshit. The marketing brain never shuts off when you've spent years seeing how the machine works from the inside. But I hear you on the fiction heat . I’m growing there