I have recently been watching how the algorithms have helped or hindered me in promoting creative projects I have been involved in. Online engagement isn’t the only way of promoting creative projects, but it does help.
I invest in the arts in many ways but pushing other peoples algorithms is an easy way to show support.
However, the more time you are online the more time you can lose. Time that you could spend actually being creative, or resting, or making real life connections.
How can we find a way to be content in a world full of content?
‘Content’ adjective
satisfied with what one is or has; not wanting more or anything else
‘Content’ noun
something that is to be expressed through some medium, as speech, writing, or any of various arts
An impossible combination of letters. Separated by far more than intonation. Non-identical twins eternally pulling in opposite directions.
Without one you may have been able to get to know the other a little bit better, but together, both will be forever just out of reach. You can never have too much. Luther Vandross didn’t have to ‘go viral’ to know this.
Art. News. Jokes. Opinions. In all the formats that have ever existed and will ever exist.
How are we meant to feel content after binging on content? The initial rush of instant gratification that the algorithm creates wears thin quickly. A quick scroll can turn into lost time. Beyonce doesn’t do this. Molly Mae told us that. In fact, wasting time scrolling is the only reason I know about Molly Mae and everyone else’s opinion on Molly Mae’s opinion. Except Beyonce’s.
‘Scroll’ noun
a roll of parchment, paper, copper, or other material, especially one with writing on it
‘Scroll’ verb
to move text vertically or horizontally on a display screen in searching for a particular section, line, etc
The noun has a start and an end. The verb is the middle. Always. No satisfying conclusion, filled with cliffhangers and meandering plot holes that consume you for days until you don’t remember why it fizzled out. Or why it consumed you in the first place.
‘Social’ adjective
seeking or enjoying the companionship of others
‘Social’ noun
websites and other online means of communication that are used by large groups of people to share information
Non identical twins are more common than identical twins (source: NHS), but a sliver of commonality exists at the core.
Connection is a human instinct. Permanently seeking connection is exhausting. Sharing creates connections and bonds. Constantly sharing is exhausting.
Never Enough
‘Never’ : adverb
not ever; at no time
‘Enough’ : adjective
adequate for the want or need; sufficient for the purpose or to satisfy desire
One persons adequate is another persons deficient. One persons sufficient is another persons excess.
Enough cannot be defined by anyone other than yourself. And only when you can do that and be happy with what works for you, and you alone, can you attempt to create a feeling of content with the content you create and consume.
I haven’t cracked my own definitions and they move, depending on many factors.
Here comes the hard sell
I posted the official poster for an event I am doing in late November on Instagram recently. It’s reach was limited, I think because they can see it is a sales pitch and they are looking for ad revenue.
I posted a more abstract ad in the form of a meme and the reach was 5 times higher. I don’t know if or how this will translate into sales but given the cause I feel a bit of shameless plugging is allowed, including this sub-stack post xoxo
Official poster
The meme:
Let me know your experience of trying to promote creative projects in the comments below (help the algorithm eh?)
Ohhh I feel this one. I don't have any answers!