This essay started like many of mine do, inspiration plucked from the most random of places. In this case, an old commercial. I’m sure at least some of you remember it. In the wisdom of yet another clever screen writer, it involves a man with a cellular phone (still in its early stages) walking around repeating the question, “can you hear me now?” Who knew it would become such an applicable question to so many things? (Not just phone reception).
In the modern age of social media, it feels as though most everyone is thinking it. The entire world has become one giant “look at me” advertisement, everyone struggling to be seen and heard. Perhaps it’s another way of compensating for our self consciousness, trying to mask all of our supposed shortcomings by exaggerating what we view as our “relevant” qualities and screaming it from online rooftops. And, for a while, that was working. Everyone had pretty level ground (with the exception of those who were already famous, that is).
Then came the algorithm. Yet another concept born out of good intentions which has since become the bane of many. Now, instead of just letting things float around cyberspace, we’re all subjected to the whims of the algorithm. It was supposed to make things more streamlined and tailored, a well fitted suit for the masses. But since then it's only become more convoluted and messy, having trouble discerning up from down.
There are countless videos and articles about how to cheat or trick the algorithm. Basically it seems to come down to posting an enormous amount of times to keep yours towards the top of the list. Of course all of this takes time that I just don’t have. And while I’m not here on Substack for that purpose, it’s hard not to get caught up in it sometimes. Even I feel some defeat when an article doesn’t gain much traction. Or that I’m “speaking into the void,” as
would say (Thank you Kathrine for the inspiration! You can find her article here).And there's always a new and innovative way to draw you in. When they adorn the top of your notes feed with that little widget on your latest post in bold blue lettering, “view stats.” And before you know it, you’re clicking on it a hundred times throughout the day wondering why that post isn’t doing well or doesn’t compare to your “average.”
And, worse still, you start to doubt yourself, your very voice. You find yourself contemplating some other thing to write about (even when it’s not what you enjoy), taking you further from why you started this journey in the first place. It wasn’t for the likes or the mentions. It wasn’t even for the subscribers. It started with you and your written word. And it really is a journey. And some of the greatest journeys take time.
I don't remember who said it. I probably found it somewhere here on Substack but, someone said “Your audience will find you.” When I find myself getting stuck in that mud pit of despair, I try to remember to not only be grateful for what I recieve, but also of the reason I began this trek. Whether it's one hundred subscribers or one, five thousand views, or five. I know that each one of those matters. Perhaps out of those five views came one person who genuinely felt lifted, or laughed for the first time today (or this week). Isn't that enough? And if you find yourself saying “no, it's not enough,” maybe it's time to reevaluate.
The fact is, these algorithms, whether we like them or not, are here to stay. At least for the foreseeable future. So that means making the best of it. For some, like me, that may be riding the wave and seeing where it goes. For others, it may be a battle for the top. But don't let it shake you from your reasons. Don't let it control you or subvert you into doing something you don't want to do. The world doesn't need another Tolkien or Christie, Stevens or King. Let your writing speak for itself, algorithms be damned. This is your voice. No one else. Yours.
Challenge: Get a piece of paper (yes, a physical, tangible piece of paper). Got it? Great. Now, grab your favorite pen (make sure it's a pen and not a pencil. What you're going to write down needs to be written in something more permanent). Ready?
Write down your reason(s) for writing. Could be one, could be many. Just as long as money is nowhere on that list. When you are finished, put that list where you do most of your writing. If you have a writing desk, stick it there. Have a backpack or laptop bag? Put it in there. Put it somewhere you know you will see it when you are writing, a reminder as to why you do this. And remember, most of us (if not all) have felt this way more than once, so you're not alone in this.
Song: “Shine Your Way” - Owl City & Yuna
Thank you for tuning in! Don't forget to check out my previous essays on my main page. As always, I love to hear from my readers, so please, like, subscribe, and share your thoughts below!
Beautiful work, Makenna. Couldn't have put it better myself. My Substack is my creative outlet; somewhere my work can live after I have made it. Money, although it would be nice, is not a motivating factor. I just write what I want, when I want.
I could double down on the Aphantasia stuff as those posts seem to do well and capture people's imaginations, but I don't feel compelled to write about it again just yet. My music posts do about half of my political/culture war posts but my music is the main reason I am here so I will continue to put it out regardless.
I just make what I want, algorithm be damned.
Thank you for this...
Indeed, one of the most wholesome articles I've read lately on Substack :D