You got me with this one. I resonate and have had proven to me time and time again that what people connect with are the most human moments I share. Power to you.
This meritocratic idea—"just make great art and the rest will follow"—is certainly wrong, though I don't think it's all that harmful. I do think a focus on craft should precede, for a very long time, a focus on growth. No one wants to see an artist grow if they don't offer something new and great (although, this does happen. A lot. A whole lot.)
Anyways, thanks for being honest about how fickle all this stuff is. Best of luck staying consistent, keep your momentum.
I've just come across your work and already read all your essays. Love em and thank you for sharing. Maybe your viral moment has past, but your approach to genuine, authentic connection is working. Pulled me right in!
This is super interesting and I totally agree! I think I've tried to avoid chasing "building" an audience at all. I'm more interested in my writing landing in the right hands rather than forcing myself to fit it in the most hands. I think growth-hacking eventually becomes tiring and deeply unsatisfying. I also had an essay go viral, and was starting to feel down when the rest of my posts weren't getting as much love as that. I thought about studying what made that post go viral and mimic it, but that was sucking the joy out of writing. Instead, I want to spend more time engaging with my community that I have. I view them as peers than consumers, and really enjoy a back and forth conversation. Fundamentally, I disagree that my writing only matters when people read it. It inherently has value to me, and when its time, it'll find its people :)
Connection is also a link to Creativity. Love the message!
~M
So cool to see other basketball players on here! I also sprained my finger a few weeks ago! Love your recipe. Wish you a speedy recovery!
I like this !! Also how you summed it up too 👏👏👏
hope your hand heals
i loved reading your take on this and your transparency!
I enjoyed your essay. Best of luck on your journey.
You got me with this one. I resonate and have had proven to me time and time again that what people connect with are the most human moments I share. Power to you.
Also, wonderfully written
Now I have to go pick my vegetables.
This meritocratic idea—"just make great art and the rest will follow"—is certainly wrong, though I don't think it's all that harmful. I do think a focus on craft should precede, for a very long time, a focus on growth. No one wants to see an artist grow if they don't offer something new and great (although, this does happen. A lot. A whole lot.)
Anyways, thanks for being honest about how fickle all this stuff is. Best of luck staying consistent, keep your momentum.
I've just come across your work and already read all your essays. Love em and thank you for sharing. Maybe your viral moment has past, but your approach to genuine, authentic connection is working. Pulled me right in!
This is super interesting and I totally agree! I think I've tried to avoid chasing "building" an audience at all. I'm more interested in my writing landing in the right hands rather than forcing myself to fit it in the most hands. I think growth-hacking eventually becomes tiring and deeply unsatisfying. I also had an essay go viral, and was starting to feel down when the rest of my posts weren't getting as much love as that. I thought about studying what made that post go viral and mimic it, but that was sucking the joy out of writing. Instead, I want to spend more time engaging with my community that I have. I view them as peers than consumers, and really enjoy a back and forth conversation. Fundamentally, I disagree that my writing only matters when people read it. It inherently has value to me, and when its time, it'll find its people :)
ironically seeing this after saying poetry doesn’t get pushed out to the algorithm but i find comfort in that :)