Something Beautiful
Online interactions have become marketing opportunities. Real exchanges are now replaced with tricks, tips, and link-bait that lack substance. A nation of self-appointed “experts” tell us how to bend situations to our advantage. I find it hard to ignore this shit, and suppress the urge to barf in said experts’ mouths.
Technology has so much possibility, but it’s being overtaken by hucksters. Worse yet, I am one of those people. I use technology as a promotional tool. It’s my job to increase likes and follows for companies. I’m increasingly less able to see situations without imagining promotional opportunities. This bums me out and makes me wonder when I turned into such a bag of shit.
When I was a kid, my parents took us camping. At some point, they needed a break. (I think they wanted to hump in the camper.) Dad was clever. He asked who could run up a hill, fastest. Without even finishing his sentence, we were off—we never asked why.
The smart kids in The Valley have us doing the same. We chase follows, likes, and views, but fail to consider what to do upon getting them. While the value of these metrics may be questionable, achieving them is seen as a win. Few are wise enough to ask whether these numbers matter.
Having an audience can help you get paid and that’s good. Putting your focus solely on building a following is a fool’s game, though. This pursuit of recognition is boring, and a terribly crowded race.
While you have little control over others’ attention, you have full control of what you make. So, why not put your effort into building something beautiful? Doing so is infinitely more rewarding than bombarding friends with junk. The result may even be something you can promote—should you suffer the need to do so.
I know this post won’t change anything. But… if writing it saves us from even one more, “6 Steps to World-Class SEO” post, I’ll go to the grave having done my part.
I’m @karj and the above is just my opinion. Looking for more? Here’s a full list of articles and information on my books. This is what I’m doing now, and what I don’t do. I’d love it if you tried Emetti on your website!