Chasing the algorithm

Or why we do what we do.

Another quick interlude and something I need to get off my chest.

I’m reading a lot lately about the creator economy, about how, essentially, the rise of The YouTube has lead people to try and strike out on their own creating “content’ for a living independent of anything else. This in turn has lead to the rise of “the influencer” and the idea that anyone can become rich and famous on the Internet. This content creator is chasing the algorithm. They are chasing an ideal video or photo that will create likes and subscribers and drive ad revenue. While they may start off with creative drives and interests sooner or later they will follow where the algorithm leads.

On the other side, trying in their own fashion to hitch their horse to the creator economy, are the others. These others rarely get book deals, mentions in national papers or invites to appear on Strictly Come Dancing. These are the people for whom what they create is paramount. They might make music or film, they might knit or paint or cartoon or animate, they might make hats or crochet prayer shawls. They make sonething that is important to them and they want people to see it or hear it or wear it or play with it and maybe, just maybe buy it. They believe “if you build it they will come” and they are, of course, largely wrong. Thousands will watch a video of a cat eating pizza but a process video of how you created your crocheted Narwhal? Maybe in the dozens if you’re lucky. This isn’t always the case but for most artists on social media this is the reality.

So why do it? Why do we throw our creativity out there into the social media void? I can only answer for me. Connectivity, community. Finding I am not alone in what I do and connecting, encouraging and being encouraged by others is wonderful. Being an artist, being a musician, an animator, a knitter can be a lonely thing and community can help keep you going though the tough times. There is also the hope you might encourage others to follow their creativity. Since I started this newsletter it’s encouraged 3 people to pick up art materials and give it a go. And finally for me there’s accountability. As long as there’s one person out there wondering what I have been working on this week I have a reason to keep doing what i’m doing and notslack off, not decide “I can’t be bothered this week” which inevitably slides into months and years.

So if you are on Social Media or here on Substack make the search facility work for you. Find makers who are creating stuff you’re interested in and support them. Fill your feed or wall or whatever with things that interest you. Take a break from the cute kittens “we made a toilet out of snickers bars” videos and open your mind to a world of creative wonder.

And if you’re not sure where to begin, in two weeks time join me for my next “10 things”.

Pete

A mind map for the story that’s going to be key to my next post.