I wonder if what we’re sensing is a movement toward the anti-brand? A shift away from selling versions of ourselves that are neat and tidy and curated and instead just embracing the no-filter, real human messiness? That’s what I would like more of. 💗
Yes, I think anti-brand is a good way to describe it, or even something akin to the difference between a local market/old-fashioned trade and a department store/supermarket. We know we're still marketing ourselves, in a way, but it feels so much more holistic and genuine and healthy - a respectful and symbiotic exchange instead of capitalistic exploitation.
It’s freeing to not feel like you have to write about just one area. I’ve had similar reckonings as I journey through beginning my writing process and learning what it means to flourish in my own right. I know I find it compelling when others show up fully in their art, even if I don’t personally relate to their experience of life.
Yes! Not everyone thrives the way I do. I don't have to relate to everything in order to find value in someone's work, I'm just looking for genuine expression.
I came to Substack for connection, for real community. I'm glad to say that that certainly is here, but I hate to see it becoming more like social media with the addictive dopamine-inducing hits. Plus, everywhere there are lessons and tips about how to grow our subscribers, how to leverage our audience, what we should be doing on here, etc. Just seeing all of that makes me feel tired, so I'm trying to bow out of all of those shoulds and just stick to what feels good. Remembering why I'm here, and not fretting about the numbers or the growth so much (easier said than done sometimes!)
Thank you! I've noticed that myself - even from some writers whose work I really value! It's hard to let go of that. Obviously I would love to reach more people, and even make some money from my writing, but it's a hard line to walk between valuing your own work (and the work of others), and making numbers the main focus.
Exactly. I think it's so easy to let the metrics bring our moods both up and down, and trying to remain above that and just keep writing/sharing as best as we can without that being the focus is definitely hard.
So much to love here: the part about leaning into wholeness; I am my own niche; weaving loose ends into constellations . . . Glad I found your stack.
I'm so glad to have you here, Deborah! Thank you!
I wonder if what we’re sensing is a movement toward the anti-brand? A shift away from selling versions of ourselves that are neat and tidy and curated and instead just embracing the no-filter, real human messiness? That’s what I would like more of. 💗
Yes, I think anti-brand is a good way to describe it, or even something akin to the difference between a local market/old-fashioned trade and a department store/supermarket. We know we're still marketing ourselves, in a way, but it feels so much more holistic and genuine and healthy - a respectful and symbiotic exchange instead of capitalistic exploitation.
It’s freeing to not feel like you have to write about just one area. I’ve had similar reckonings as I journey through beginning my writing process and learning what it means to flourish in my own right. I know I find it compelling when others show up fully in their art, even if I don’t personally relate to their experience of life.
Yes! Not everyone thrives the way I do. I don't have to relate to everything in order to find value in someone's work, I'm just looking for genuine expression.
I came to Substack for connection, for real community. I'm glad to say that that certainly is here, but I hate to see it becoming more like social media with the addictive dopamine-inducing hits. Plus, everywhere there are lessons and tips about how to grow our subscribers, how to leverage our audience, what we should be doing on here, etc. Just seeing all of that makes me feel tired, so I'm trying to bow out of all of those shoulds and just stick to what feels good. Remembering why I'm here, and not fretting about the numbers or the growth so much (easier said than done sometimes!)
Love your piece about all of this 😊
Thank you! I've noticed that myself - even from some writers whose work I really value! It's hard to let go of that. Obviously I would love to reach more people, and even make some money from my writing, but it's a hard line to walk between valuing your own work (and the work of others), and making numbers the main focus.
Exactly. I think it's so easy to let the metrics bring our moods both up and down, and trying to remain above that and just keep writing/sharing as best as we can without that being the focus is definitely hard.
I'm in 😊
So glad to have you!
And ditto : )