Lmfao I adore you Mike and thank you for saying the damn thing. I have noticed it too. I have openly talked about my ick of this place. Mostly with Substack and what the reward. I wish this platform would reward authenticity and not polished work. I also appreciate the cringy omg did someone just say that kind of writing so thank you for continuing to be you my friend. I see it your not alone in that 🫶🏼✨
That’s exactly what I was trying to say. I don’t want Substack to become another place where authenticity gets polished until the humanity slowly disappears. I want the weird, raw, awkward, funny, wounded, beautiful stuff.
Wow...this made me think. I wonder if I'm doing that very same thing: TRYING to be vulnerable but framing it performatively or poetically. Well then, I've written a lot of poems. Substack is more like a diary. Hmmm. I truly appreciate this essay. Now I'm going to go write something from the heart.
I just read through some of your posts, which up until now I am shamed to admit I have sadly neglected. I can tell you right now… you are not framing anything performatively. What I see in your writing is exactly what I expect and want to see. Someone being down to earth and real.
I was just thinking all my photos on my essays are poorly shot from my camera or obvious stock footage, wondering if i was failing to substack game. I appreciate your invitation to be human.
Makes me want to go back to my posts and re-think my photos. Like instead of walking alone on the beach, I should be washed up dead on the shore. like not kidding, a much better photo to go with the blood i leave on the page.
Yes, yes, yes. Substagram is why I am falling out of love with substack. And it just keeps getting worse with podcasts and reels. It’s all downhill really once images and video begin show up it seems.
I just read my comments, which...somehow...I missed. Thanks, all of you. I am sort of knocked back. This gives me SUCH confidence...and a kick in the pants to KEEP GOING. I love you guys.
I love this perspective. Social media often rewards speed, but writing rewards depth. If we can bring thoughtful storytelling into spaces built for quick scrolling, maybe we remind people that attention is still worth earning, not just capturing. Quality will always outlast the algorithm
I’m going to say the same thing back. I love reading what you have to say because it’s real and from the heart. You can always feel the love in what you say.
Ditto! You crack open your damn soul and get silence back. From a therapist lens, it’s creating more “unseen” trauma.
“Performed Sincerity” is exactly right! When I first joined Substack, I noticed categories of people and quickly realized who the platform rewards. You’re exactly right, Mike. Another social media platform rewarding performance over true/messy authenticity. It was inevitable with how the algorithm promotes.
Lmfao I adore you Mike and thank you for saying the damn thing. I have noticed it too. I have openly talked about my ick of this place. Mostly with Substack and what the reward. I wish this platform would reward authenticity and not polished work. I also appreciate the cringy omg did someone just say that kind of writing so thank you for continuing to be you my friend. I see it your not alone in that 🫶🏼✨
Thank you, my friend. I really appreciate this.
That’s exactly what I was trying to say. I don’t want Substack to become another place where authenticity gets polished until the humanity slowly disappears. I want the weird, raw, awkward, funny, wounded, beautiful stuff.
I appreciate you continuing to be you too. 🥰
Wow...this made me think. I wonder if I'm doing that very same thing: TRYING to be vulnerable but framing it performatively or poetically. Well then, I've written a lot of poems. Substack is more like a diary. Hmmm. I truly appreciate this essay. Now I'm going to go write something from the heart.
I just read through some of your posts, which up until now I am shamed to admit I have sadly neglected. I can tell you right now… you are not framing anything performatively. What I see in your writing is exactly what I expect and want to see. Someone being down to earth and real.
I adore Marianna! ❤️✨
I was just thinking all my photos on my essays are poorly shot from my camera or obvious stock footage, wondering if i was failing to substack game. I appreciate your invitation to be human.
I like you just the way you are, warts and all. 😂😉
Hugs <3
Makes me want to go back to my posts and re-think my photos. Like instead of walking alone on the beach, I should be washed up dead on the shore. like not kidding, a much better photo to go with the blood i leave on the page.
Okay, that's hilarious. I genuinely laughed out loud while sitting here in Starbucks. I'm sure people are now questioning my sanity.
For the record, I wasn't advocating for post-apocalyptic levels of authenticity. A thoughtful walk on the beach is still perfectly acceptable. 😂
I was mostly poking fun at those moments where the tripod seems to be having a more authentic experience than the person.
too late, im searching google for the washed up dead girl photo now.
🤣
Yes, yes, yes. Substagram is why I am falling out of love with substack. And it just keeps getting worse with podcasts and reels. It’s all downhill really once images and video begin show up it seems.
It makes me sad. I’m also feeling a lot better about not being happy with it because clearly this has resonated with some people.
I just read my comments, which...somehow...I missed. Thanks, all of you. I am sort of knocked back. This gives me SUCH confidence...and a kick in the pants to KEEP GOING. I love you guys.
I love this perspective. Social media often rewards speed, but writing rewards depth. If we can bring thoughtful storytelling into spaces built for quick scrolling, maybe we remind people that attention is still worth earning, not just capturing. Quality will always outlast the algorithm
Thank you, Belinda. I really like that distinction: attention is worth earning, not just capturing.
I think that’s exactly what I’m afraid of losing. If we’re not careful, we start optimizing for engagement instead of truth.
I love the Real You, Mike. And that is what it should be about, #️⃣ realisthedeal ❤️✨️🦋
I’m going to say the same thing back. I love reading what you have to say because it’s real and from the heart. You can always feel the love in what you say.
Thank you Mike, that means a lot to me 🙏🏻❤️
Ditto! You crack open your damn soul and get silence back. From a therapist lens, it’s creating more “unseen” trauma.
“Performed Sincerity” is exactly right! When I first joined Substack, I noticed categories of people and quickly realized who the platform rewards. You’re exactly right, Mike. Another social media platform rewarding performance over true/messy authenticity. It was inevitable with how the algorithm promotes.
Substack motto: “Polish it or piss off.” 😅🫠
Substack motto: “Polish it or piss off.” 😂😂😂
Love it. So very well stated. I think I’ll just quietly remain exactly who I am.