#How to beat the Instagram algorithm

[sociocosmos]

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[burreauxsss]

its over, im sorry

background: y/n a wag for the chiefs who is dating travis kelce of 3 years finds out he cheated on her. she assures herself that she'd never watch the nfl nor date another nfl player, until a convincing quarterback hits her dms.

(all pics from pinterest/ all tweets are fake this is a 2 part series fyi)

notes: posting twice in a day because my x account gets unsuspended tomorrow won't he do it!!! anyways warnings: none??

joe burrow x reader x ex!kelce smau

duexmoi

❤️ 420,494 💬 33,000

Liked by: tmz

duexmoi: ladies!! what do we think?

username_1: bro she deserves so much better.

username_2: i hope she upgrades

username_3: about time.

username_4: i need to hear about her experience with him fr.

username_5: my favorite wag????? seriously!!

*load more comments*

y/n_handle

❤️ 84,100 💬 5,000

Liked by: yourbsf and others

y/n_handle: the world is finally healing.

username_6: wym by that..

username_7: so its healing because of you leaving that man.. oh!

username_8: rule 1, dont date a athlete, got it.

username_9: you deserve better.

*load more comments*

joeyb_9

❤️ 755,111 💬 87,915

Liked by: lahjay10 bengals and others

joeyb_9: keep fighting.

lahjay_10: joey b is back.

bengals: we missed 9.

username_10: yall sucked this week, pull it together against kansas city.

username_11: that man was scared and we all know it.

username_12: who dey as always!

*load more comments*

y/n_handle 📍kansas city, mo

❤️ 82,100 💬 6,987

Liked by: yourbsf

y/n_handle: with yourbsf

username_13: my algorithm is messy since that tweet.

username_14: i wish he wouldve just broke off the engagement and been done with it.

username_15: shes so pretty, he fumbled.

username_16: her friend is a bengals fan, is she going with her to the game this sunday?

username_17: i fear travis is beating himself up about this rn.

username_18: who did he even cheat on her with, thats the million dollar question.

*load more comments*

bengals 📍kansas city, mo

❤️ 900,777 💬 120,337

Liked by: lahjay_10 joeyb_9 and others

bengals: business trip.

username_19: if this business trip doesnt involve a dub then i dont know what.

username_20: joe actually looks nice today.

username_21: hes so fine its unreal.

username_22: chiefs been deadass silent on insta since last week..

username_23: travis talking 💩 on his podcast as usual.

username_24: yk what would be crazy... travis's ex showing up to see travis lose.

*load more comments*

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

conversation between joe and y/n on instagram dms

joeyb_9: saw one of your pics, you're very beautiful.

y/n_handle: thank you. 🤍

joeyb_9: i also see you're travis's ex.

y/n_handle: yeah, crazy story. i know you hate kansas city but

joeyb_9: i heard what happened, therefore ive always seen you on tv and loved how well you carry yourself.

y/n_handle: if this is you asking me out, i promised myself i wouldnt date another athlete.

joeyb_9: maybe it is, but i promise you if this "stage" doesnt work you can block me and we'll forget about eachother. deal?

y/n_handle: so basically this is a talking stage.

joeyb_9: i mean we've dmd eachother every once in awhile to congratulate eachother so... we know about eachother.

y/n_handle: deal.

y/n_handle: i need to admit this also, you're very handsome.

joeyb_9: i appreciate it.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

y/n_handle posted a story

caption: im here for the orange team. w/ yourbsf

duexmoi

❤️ 350,823 💬 12,920

Liked by: tmz and others

duexmoi: blind alert!! according to a spectator fan at the bengals vs chiefs game cincinnati bengals quarterback joe burrow ended up flirting with travis kelces ex?!?!?!?

now this is awkward after y/n just confirmed the cheating rumors with the engagement speculations.

username_25: this has to be crazy

username_26: she deserves all the love she can get.

username_27: and the bengals won?? oh honey i wouldve hard launched right then and there.

username_28: her bsf is a bengals wag so that might be a connection.

username_29: you could tell travis was pissed as hell that his ex girl showed up lmaoo.

username_30: long distance might be even worse for her..

*load more comments*

y/n_handle posted a story

caption: flirting with the don julio

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

conversation between joe and y/n

joeyb_9

❤️ 667,009 💬 78,403

Liked by: bengals lahjay10 y/n_handle and others

joeyb_9: another week, another dub

bengals: hes him!

lahjay_10: f the chiefs.

username_31: y/n liking this post might be insane knowing whats going on..

username_32: i love jamarr's comment so much lmaoo

username_33: travis kelce crying in a corner rn??

username_34: joe has to have the most insane villain arc ever to be hitting travis kelces ex fiance

username_35: kermit 🤮 who dey!

*load more comments*

note: crazy ending, possible friend zone, possible rejection idek... sike yall know damn well

[featguler]

it made us restless ────── my god, this reminds me of when we were young.

lewis hamilton is seen reconnecting with an old lover.

⌗ pairing : lewis hamilton x reader ⌗ tags : reader is female, and her faceclaim is established. reader is a singer. not proofread, possibly shitty. ⌗ notes : this is my 200 followers special!! a different sports!! i haven't done a 100 followers special because i'm technically supposed to write for a football athlete that is not from real madrid, but i haven't decided who i wanna do for that so... you get this first :3 also i tried doing something different with the header!!! title and description is from 'when we were young' by adele ♡ masterlist.

FACECLAIM 𖤐⭒๋࣭ ⭑ yura yunita ( instagram )

DISCLAIMER 𖤐⭒๋࣭ ⭑ 𐙚 i am not affiliated with yura yunita, lewis hamilton, or anyone mentioned in this fic 𐙚 any similarities in name, time, and place is purely coincidental 𐙚 do not mind the time stamps 𐙚 click on the pictures if it seems blurry

ynusername

liked by hamiltonsource, ynluvr, lewishamilton, and others

ynusername some of that ldt (long distance tennis) 🤪 @.lewishamilton tagged lewishamilton view all comments

lewishamilton <33 ❤️ by author

ynusername <33

username okay so anyone else got recommended this post on their timeline... seven years later...

username let me tell you about the heart attack i got... username i fr thought they were getting back together

lewishamilton i totally beat you though ❤️ by author

ynusername liar liar pants on fire → lewishamilton my pants aren't on fire?? → ynusername i wouldn't know you're half the world away → lewishamilton aw sorry pretty baby :( <33 username oh... this relationship wasn't a hoax... → username ??? 😭😭😭 username they were CUTE cute huh..

username i love you my mother and my father please adopt me

username wow seeing my comment from 7 years ago here is crazy... → username 😭😭😭

username this must be a sign from the universe huh...??? HUH???

username it's literally just the instagram algorithm fucking things up again calm down username REAL i'm not even following y/n

yourfriend cutiessss! ❤️ by author

ynusername i love you! 🥺

ynsource

liked by ynfanaccount, ynluvr, hamiltonsource, and others

ynsource my sources say that y/n is rekindling with an old lover 🤭 tagged ynusername view all comments

username and what sources are these

ynsource trust me → username LITERALLY "trust me bro" SOURCE???

username creating unnecessary drama

username i feel like it's been a few months ❤️ by author

ynsource 🫣

hamiltonsource wait can u tell me ❤️ by author

ynsource ofc baby username not the ship going so strong that their fan accounts are also in a love affair

username that's a dinner for TWO...

username she's allowed to have friends you know → username or other men idk → username no other men → username ?????

ynusername

liked by ynsource, lewishamilton, and others

ynusername some fresh air before the tour 🤝 which dates will you be going? :-) <33 view all comments

username oh she's teasing us

username guys.......... they're obviously talking again right

ynusername i'll see you all!!!

username I'LL SEE YOU I LOVE YOU username SEE YOU SEE YOU SEE YOU username vitamin SEE YOU!!! ❤️ by author → ynusername ohh that's cute → username WAIT ILY THANK YOU FOR REPLYING → ynusername <33

username I'M GOING TO THE ARLINGTON SHOW QUEEN ❤️ by author

ynsource work those hamstrings 😍

username i feel like i'm in a cult

hamiltonsource we will... be seeing you <33

ynusername which dates? xo <33 ynsource HOW DID YOU GET A REPLY BUT NOT ME??? @.hamiltonsource → hamiltonsource i'm just better baby

username london 2nd night! <33 ❤️ by author

username she's fucking with us right

georgerussell63 monaco date ❤️ by author

ynusername which obviously exists → georgerussell63 🤣 ❤️ by author username great now we have both of *****' ex interacting with one another

username why are we so afraid to say the word lewis

username SHHHH THAT'S FORBIDDEN AROUND HERE → username wtf??? i'll @ him idc @.lewishamilton → username real → username @.lewishamilton

ynusername

liked by ynsource, ynluvr, yniloveu others

ynusername found some gems for a couple of years ago 🥰 view all comments

username were you getting married 😹

ynusername 🤫

ynsource to WHO!?!?!?!?

username happy bday queen

username it's not her bday yet 😭

ynluvr oh you are GORGEOUS gorgeous ❤️ by author

ynusername <33

username white is fr her colour

username whoever is going to marry her will be so lucky to see her walking down the aisle... 🥺

lewishamilton

liked by ynusername, hamiltonsource, and others

lewishamilton First paddock birthday in a while 🎂🥳 <33 tagged ynusername view all comments

ynusername happy birthday to me!!! ❤️ by author

lewishamilton Birthday girl! → ynusername :-)

username HARDLAUNCH?????

username me when the world didn't end in 2015

username my mom thinks i'm insane for tossing my phone across the room after seeing this

hamiltonsource happy birthday mom @.ynusername

ynsource go away that's MY mom??? → hamiltonsource OUR mom 🥰

username HEEELLLLLLOOOOO??

username OMG.....

username wait why am i emotional

username seeing lewis post y/n gave me such intense whiplash i think i was transported back to 2011

username i have no one to send this to

[titleknown]

I will say, when people say "The problem isn't AI, the problem is capitalism," a lot of people tend to read that as "The only way to fix this is to end capitalism," which I feel loses the plot a bit (Tho this is admittedly not helped by a lot of leftists being dickheads about this)

Because like... there's a lot of shit we can start doing right now to fix it, it's just it needs to come from a broader anticapitalist/pro-labor schema rather than merely an anti-AI one...

Like, the things we'd want to do would deal with the issues of AI, but it would also help with a lot of other shit that was going on well before that tech, because the practical problem with anti-AI stuff is that it thinks too small.

Like, take the issue of how a lot of online artists are afraid because of the problems of AI being used to Flood The Zone With Shit and drown out creators that work slowly.

Given that even the users of AI imagegen I actually like tend to work far more slowly than the slop farms, I generally agree this is a problem. but also, it's a problem that exists in systems in general that incentivize high-volume low-effort work, especially social media feeds.

Because, even before it was Shrimp Jesus it was Elsagate and Minion Memes, and the system that produces that shit is the real target.

But, I can think of a list of demands artists should fight for to mitigate it.

Specifically:

Multiple different feeds to put different types of artist a user follows in, so artists aren't drowned out by high-volume creators.

Search settings that allow for users to filter users based on the frequency of the creator's uploads, so artists with slower high-effort output are easier to find

Transparency with regards to advertising algorithms, algorithmic deprioritization and copyright takedown algorithms, because security through obfuscation is bullshit and evil.

Inbuilt archival features that allow for allowing a prioritization of back catalogue perusal as a means of building an audience (Big problem with sites like Instagram and bluesky)

No algorithmic hiding of posts with external links. It feels like this fucked over the open web big-time, and yet nobody talks about.

Inbuilt ability for followers to port their following list to other sites, as an escape clause against enshittification.

Ability to separate art searches by medium. "AI generated" and "AI assisted" should be their own categories, and there should be categories for "general multimedia" and "things too new to have their own categories (Tho they can be added later)"

And that's just for that one issue! There's lots of other shit that can be fought for that would result in way more gains for online artists than anti-AI could ever provide!

How do we fight for it? Well...

....I'm shit at organizing and internet organization has its own limitations compared to so I leave that to smarter people, but I'd say there are things that can be looked to as potential models.

The "inverted pyramid" model of activism is one big one, and another would be the many tactics rideshare and other gig economy workers have used in their labor fights.

Because, let's be real, a lot of the online commission art economy is just a gig economy with a thin layer of vocational awe plastered over it, and realizing that is how we fight this enshittification.

The point is, there is so much more we can do, so many more ways we can win if we start realizing this is not a mere fight against "AI," but a fight against the shadow bosses that draw the boundaries 'round our world, and it doesn't require a revolution to start beating them back, just organization, clever tactics and effort.

[thecozycat]

🧡 Tuesday Tips #4: 🧡 50 Reasons to Build a Personal Website Instead of Relying on Social Media

So you’ve been thinking about making a personal website, huh? Maybe you're feeling a little burned out from ad bombardments, or just social media in general lately. Good news: you’re not alone. There’s a growing group of people carving out cozy corners of the internet that are completely their own. We call it the Small Web (also known as the Indie Web), and it’s honestly kind of magical.

Still not sure if you're ready to dive in? Here are 50 reasons why building a personal website beats relying on social media. (Warning: may cause spontaneous domain name purchases.)

----------------------------------------------------------------------

1. It’s yours. Like, actually yours.

When you post on social media, you're essentially renting space. Your content can be removed, shadowbanned, or buried at any time without warning. With your own site, you're the landlord, the designer, and the content creator all rolled into one. It’s digital ownership in its purest form.

2. No weird algorithm whispering.

Social media is a game of guessing what the algorithm wants. One day, it loves video. The next, it punishes you for posting too much. With a personal website, what you post is what people see—no weird magic tricks required.

3. No ads.

Unless you choose to put them there. Your website doesn’t need to shout at visitors to buy toothpaste or download the latest app. It can just be a calm, ad-free oasis of you.

4. Zero doomscrolling.

You know the drill. You go on to post something and 45 minutes later you’re deep into a thread of rage. Your personal site? No feed, no drama. (You can create a blog feed though via RSS if you want to!)

5. You can make it look exactly how you want.

Want a sparkly cursor? A cozy vintage theme? Maybe a floating cat gif? Go for it. Your site is your canvas, and there are no design police.

6. You get to be weird.

Weird is welcome. In fact, it's encouraged. Build a shrine to your favorite childhood cartoon or create a digital bookshelf of every novel you’ve ever loved. There are no rules here.

7. You’ll learn cool stuff.

Even if you’re starting with zero knowledge, making a website teaches you things—HTML, CSS, design, structure, creative writing. It’s the kind of learning that feels like playing.

8. You can make it feel like a digital home.

Social profiles are rented apartments. Your website? A house you get to decorate, organize, and live in. It becomes a familiar, comfortable space that reflects you.

9. No one’s watching your every move.

Unlike social media platforms, which track everything you do to serve you ads, your website can be a surveillance-free zone. Visitors can hang out without being followed around the internet afterward.

10. You’re not competing for likes.

There’s no like button on your site (unless you want one). So you’re free to post what you love, not what will perform best in a popularity contest.

11. You set the vibe.

Want lo-fi music autoplaying in the background? Go for it. Want every page to start with a motivational quote or your cat's daily wisdom? It’s all up to you. Your site, your mood.

12. It can evolve with you.

Unlike a locked-down profile, your personal site can grow, change, and shift over time. Turn your blog into a portfolio. Make your old art gallery a recipe archive. It’s a living space.

13. No random feature changes.

Remember when Instagram tried to become TikTok overnight? Yeah. Your website isn’t going to suddenly switch up on you because a CEO changed their mind. Stability, baby. You make the rules.

14. You decide what stays up.

Posts don’t disappear unless you want them to. No mysterious removals. No content warnings slapped on your grandma's casserole recipe.

15. You won’t get locked out.

Unless you forget your password (write it down!), you can’t get banned from your own website. No more waking up to “your account has been suspended” emails.

16. You control the narrative.

Algorithms love to de-contextualize things. Your website gives you the full story. A place to explain, explore, and express on your own terms.

17. People visit because they want to.

They didn’t stumble in while scrolling. They came to see you. That kind of intentionality makes every visit feel a little more meaningful.

18. You can make timeless content.

Instead of disappearing into a sea of tweets, your thoughts can live forever on a well-organized blog post or static page. Evergreen content has a real home on the web.

19. It helps you build your digital legacy.

Someday, people will want to know who you were. Your website is a time capsule. A treasure map. A story of who you are in your own words.

20. You can connect without the chaos.

Guestbooks, comment sections, or even email forms let people reach out without the noise of DMs, trolls, or spam bots.

21. No character limits.

Got a lot to say? Say it. You're not confined to 280 characters or forced to cut down your thoughts to fit a format. Write a sentence or an essay—your site doesn’t care.

22. You can build your own community.

With a little creativity, you can add forums, guestbooks, chat boxes, or webrings. Create a cozy club of like-minded folks without relying on corporate platforms.

23. It’s immune to social media shutdowns.

When a platform dies or gets bought out and ruined (*cough* Twitter), your site doesn’t flinch. It’s still there, waiting for visitors.

24. You can express yourself fully.

From color schemes to quirky fonts and animated gifs, you’re not boxed into a single identity photo and bio. Let your personality spill into every page.

25. There are no trolls unless you invite them.

You can moderate comments or remove them entirely. Unlike public platforms, you don’t have to tolerate abuse, spam, or bad vibes.

26. You get to experiment freely.

Try a new blog format, embed a mini-game, host a digital pet. You can play and break things and rebuild—all without anyone watching.

27. It gives you creative freedom.

Poetry, zines, recipes, fiction, rants, longform essays, audio diaries—whatever you make, there’s space for it.

28. Your content won’t be buried.

On social media, your posts vanish/become irrelevant within hours. On your site, people can discover things you wrote years ago just as easily as something from yesterday.

29. You can showcase your work beautifully.

Whether you're a photographer, writer, or crocheter, your site can act as a curated gallery. Show off what you’re proud of without it being surrounded by chaos.

30. It’s a great place to archive.

Old blog posts, artwork, digital journals—your site becomes a place to store your memories, milestones, and the things that matter most to you.

31. You can link out to cool stuff.

Unlike platforms that try to trap you inside their walls, your website can point people to other places you love, including friends’ sites, resources, or secret gems.

32. You’re not a product.

Social media thrives on turning users into data. Your website doesn’t track or manipulate you. It’s just… yours. That's it! There's no catch.

33. It doesn’t interrupt you.

No notifications. No infinite scroll. Just a peaceful little world that sits quietly until you decide to update it.

34. You’ll meet kindred spirits.

People who find personal websites often do so intentionally. They’re curious, thoughtful, and usually pretty lovely. Great ingredients for real connection.

35. You can revisit and reflect.

Years later, reading your old posts can feel like a time machine. Your site becomes a living archive of your thoughts, dreams, and progress.

36. It makes you more mindful.

Without the instant gratification loop of likes and retweets, you might find yourself thinking more deeply about what you post and why.

37. It’s free of FOMO.

You’re not constantly seeing other people’s highlight reels and comparing your behind-the-scenes. Your site focuses on you, not everyone else.

38. You can go slow.

No need to keep up with trends or daily posts. Update when you feel like it. Take a break. Come back refreshed. Your site will still be there.

39. You can use your own domain.

Having yourname.com just feels cool, right? It’s like planting a flag in your own corner of the internet.

40. You don’t have to chase followers.

Instead of playing the growth game, you can focus on making cool stuff. The people who find you will be the ones who genuinely care.

41. It encourages intentionality.

Because updates aren’t instant, you’ll likely spend more time crafting your content. That care shows, and it makes your site feel special.

42. You can build your own tools.

Want a mood tracker? A mini wiki? A spell-crafting generator? You can code or embed whatever tools you dream up.

43. It’s surprisingly fun.

There’s joy in creating just for the sake of it. Tinkering with layout, colors, and content can feel like digital gardening.

44. You’re contributing to a better web.

Every personal website weakens the monopoly of Big Tech. You’re helping build a diverse, vibrant, human-centered internet.

45. It’s nostalgic in the best way.

Remember the early internet when people made fansites and blogs and shared links just because? That energy is still alive on the small web.

46. You can go offline anytime.

Want a break? Just stop updating. No pressure. No guilt. The web will wait.

47. You’ll have a creative outlet.

Even if you don’t consider yourself an “artist,” a website gives you a space to express and explore yourself.

48. It’s easier than ever.

You don’t need to be a tech wizard. Tools like WordPress, mmm.page, Straw.page or Carrd make it super beginner-friendly.

49. You can inspire others.

Your little corner of the internet might be exactly what someone else needed to see. You never know who you’ll touch.

50. Because you deserve a space that’s 100% you.

No ads. No algorithms. No noise. Just a place where you get to be yourself, unapologetically and fully. The internet needs more of that—and more of you.

----------------------------------------------------------------------

So, Why Wait?

The internet doesn’t have to be a loud, crowded mall where everyone’s shouting for attention. It can be a quiet cabin in the woods, a secret garden, a tiny café glowing with string lights where you share your thoughts, dreams, art, and self with whoever wanders in.

Building your own personal website isn’t just about escaping the chaos of social media—it’s about coming home to a space that reflects you. Your humor, your quirks, your passions, your pace. It’s a chance to slow down and make something meaningful. Something that doesn’t ask you to perform, compete, or conform.

And here’s the beautiful part: you don’t need to be a tech wizard. You don’t need to have a niche or a “brand.” You just need to be curious, a little bit brave, and willing to make something for yourself. The rest? That comes with time—and it’s honestly kind of magical to watch it all unfold.

So go ahead. Plant your flag. Build your nest. Start small, dream big, and know that every pixel you place is a step toward reclaiming your presence online.

We’ll be here cheering you on, one cozy corner of the web at a time. 💻

When you're ready to get started, head over to the Resources page! There are tons of helpful links to help you start building your personal space on the web. ✨🌿 See you there!

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Want to help the Small Web movement grow? Join us on other platforms. ♥

FB Page & Group: facebook.com/thesmallweb facebook.com/groups/thesmallweb

Twitter/X: x.com/smallweblove

Tumblr Community: tumblr.com/communities/thesmallweb

Mastodon: indieweb.social/@thesmallweb

[br1ghtl1ghtz]

I didn't post these yesterday cause I was absolutely beat, but here's my official entries to the bbno$ art contest. I'm happy with how it turned out but I'm a little upset that I might not ever get recognized because of the algorithm on TikTok and Instagram. I'm hoping that at least I can get attraction and have people DM me for comms tho!

Gotta look on the bright side.

Anyway, tonight I will be working on my species sheet for Wisp and there should be a post about it sometime after!

[sexybritishllama]

i had to make this its own post because i was typing too much whoops

i actually read that review before and i also love how they write! very entertaining read. i do agree with a lot of their points but also find some of them pretty baffling

for the agreements, the booktok/instagram algorithm really does shove the secret history down your throat, and it is longer than it needs to be, although that's a criticism i have against like... 70% of the books i've read this year. editors need to get more mean

i also agree the prose IS gorgeous. i love love love the prose, not just the opening but throughout it is a delight to read on a sentence to sentence level. just to pick out some random excerpts that aren't the go-to quotes:

And I know I said earlier that he was perfect but he wasn’t perfect, far from it; he could be silly and vain and remote and often cruel and still we loved him, in spite of, because.

I forgave him, a hundred times over, and never on the basis of anything more than this: a look, a gesture, a certain tilt of his head. It seemed impossible then that one could ever be angry at him, no matter what he did. Unfortunately, these were often the moments when he chose to attack. He would be amiable, charming, chatting in his old distracted manner when, in the same manner and without missing a beat, he would lean back in his chair and come out with something so horrendous, so backhanded, so unanswerable, that I would vow not to forget it, and never to forgive him again. I broke that promise many times.

There was a horrible, erratic thumping in my chest, as if a large bird was trapped inside my ribcage and beating itself to death.

He was a bad painter and a vicious gossip, with a vocabulary composed almost entirely of obscenities, guttural verbs, and the word “postmodernist."

It is easy to see things in retrospect. But I was ignorant then of everything but my own happiness, and I don’t know what else to say except that life itself seemed very magical in those days: a web of symbol, coincidence, premonition, omen. Everything, somehow, fit together; some sly and benevolent Providence was revealing itself by degrees and I felt myself trembling on the brink of a fabulous discovery, as though any morning it was all going to come together–my future, my past, the whole of my life–and I was going to sit up in bed like a thunderbolt and say oh! oh! oh!

i could keep going for ages honestly it's just gorgeous writing, i want to eat it

i think because the prose is so good on a sentence to sentence level it made the book not feel like much of a slog for me, but i can see why someone would say it drags on a bit. it definitely could have been cut down. at the same time though, i'm always surprised people bring up the funeral as an example of where the novel drags, because i feel like there's actually quite a lot of character exploration in seeing how they all react to the funeral + the tension of not knowing whether they're going to get caught

i do think the second half of the book could do more with the pages it has, but to say that the book doesn't reflect on any deeper ideas and to use that quote as an example is... bizarre, imo

like, that quote seems obnoxious out of context, but the whole point is that it's from a narrator who is obsessed with aestheticising his life. it's how he got here in the first place. he loves the idea of being the tragic character, because then he can romanticise all of his decisions as narrative spectacle and feel better about himself and what he's done. he's not reliable. he tells us that he could have gone home with this girl, that she wants him and wants to rescue him, but he has decided in the narrative that he is this sympathetic tragic character and THAT's why he doesn't go with her, it's totally his choice. it's a random scene of him at a party trying to distract himself from the fucked up murder they just committed but it still reflects important character traits and ties into the rest of the book, and i think a lot of this section's passages are like that, they're not for nothing

the second half also does explore stuff like how they cut the potential of bunny's life short, how different people show or grief, the LACK of actual friendship between the classics class that richard had tried to ignore up until now, regret and guilt, and other stuff like that, so i'm not really sure what kind of messaging the reviewer wanted when they say they wanted the book to explore deeper ideas of adolesence or friendship....? did they want some 'oh life is beautiful but so short' message? i don't get what they want here

really really weird take. like no, you are not meant to empathise with the narrator talking about assaulting this girl. it's obviously meant to be fucked up. he is in a very fucked up state of mind at this point and i think there's a few ways to interpret it- maybe it's a call of the void intrusive thought moment, maybe it's showing that he's not the innocent tragic bystander he pretends to be, that he is capable of horrific violence, maybe it's showing how the murder corrupted his once much more 'pure' seeming love of camilla into this fucked up jealous possessiveness. but you are not meant to be like 'yeah i totally get it man'. a narrator is not always a good and relatable person

this is a tricky point because i... kind of agree?

like, the characters don't really develop in a typical sense, they all just suffer from a slow moral rot that might have been eating away at the foundations the whole time. i do think the characters come off as fairly shallow, but not so much in a poorly written sense, but moreso that they ARE shallow people without their own beliefs

i can get why that would still frustrate someone- just because a writer makes a character shallow on purpose doesn't make them suddenly pleasant to read. but ultimately i think them being pretty shitty people with a shiny veneer and nothing underneath was kind of the point. they're beautiful and mysterious and richard thinks there must be more to them, wants to be part of the secret club, and then he gets to be in the club and finds out it's just.... nothing. them accidentally killing someone in a drug-filled haze because they were obsessively chasing after the aesthetics of the past. them purposefully killing a friend to keep their secret. incest and abuse. all that glitters is not gold and all that. he realises that eventually, but too late, and by then we see he's just as hollow as them

ANYWAY this got way too long but yeah, disagreements aside it's fun writing for a review. i do think the secret history is a solid read if you haven't tried it before, dark academia memes aside, i gave it 4/5 stars in the end which is pretty high for me (<- chronic hater on goodreads)

[shitaholicshits]

Does anyone feels this sense of guilt not being able to do anything to help people literally being murdered in a genocide? Especially when we are here sitting in our homes with all the privilege we have. I feel like crying everyday seeing children dying, people losing their whole families. A father lost the only kid he had after 20 years of trying. Another one was looking for his kid's body parts and carrying it in a trash bag. Entire lineages of certain families are completely wiped. My screen time for Instagram has increased from an average of 1 hour everyday to 4 hours, because only certain pages on social media are showing the ground reality. News channels just refuse to show anything about it. They are calling Palestinians the terrorists. I have even heard people saying, "well they deserve it for supporting Hamas". Really? Really? Do you even have an ounce of humanity left in you? And who funded Hamas? Please tell me. I'm angry, but grieving the loss of so many innocents at the same time. My day starts with interacting with as many posts as I can related to Palestine because Instagram is shadow banning the influencers who are using their platform to show this. They are hiding these posts. They won't let us see the reality. I am trying to beat the algorithm by going to these pages, interacting with the posts as much as I can. A Palestinian reporter recently lost his whole family while he's been on ground reporting since this started. And Israel has the audacity to play the victim. I am seeing headless bodies of babies. How can you sleep after seeing all of this? How can you be okay with this? How do you people not see it. It's not a Muslim vs Jew situation. Its Palestinians vs Israelis. It's the oppressed vs the oppressors. It just feels so heavy on my heart that I can't do anything but talk about it on social media, and pray for them. I pray for them every single day. I end up crying while praying for them. It honestly hurts so much. When will this end?

[danielsiegelalonso]

Going Social: How Social Media Platforms Shape Music Careers of Artists | Daniel Siegel Alonso

Once upon a time, making it in the music industry meant playing gigs at every dive bar, hoping a record exec might be in the audience. Today, while talent and hard work are still essential, there's a new stage where stars are born—social media. Platforms like Instagram and TikTok have become the modern-day springboards for music careers, providing artists direct access to their audiences and unprecedented control over their look and sound. Daniel Siegel Alonso examines how social media is reshaping the music industry, one post at a time.

The New A&R

Siegel Alonso notes that in the pre-digital era, unknown artists used to rely on A&R (Artists and Repertoire) scouts to discover them. However, today, algorithms are doing much of that leg work. Platforms like TikTok have turned music discovery on its head. The app's For You Page (FYP) is the new A&R office, where a catchy beat or a witty lyric can go viral and propel an obscure artist into the limelight.

Take Lil Nas X, for example. His breakout hit "Old Town Road" started as a viral TikTok sensation, with users creating videos around the song's catchy hook. Before long, it was the number one song in the world, and Lil Nas X went from an internet meme to a controversial, Grammy-winning artist. In this digital age, virality is the new word of mouth, and it can make or break a music career in record time.

Building a Brand, One Post at a Time

Social media isn't just about amplifying content; it's also about building a brand. Today's artists are expected to be more than just musicians—they need to be content creators, influencers, and entrepreneurs. Platforms like Instagram and X permit artists to showcase their personalities, interact with fans, and create a brand that transcends their music.

Siegel Alonso considers how artists like Lizzo have used social media to their advantage. Lizzo's Instagram is a masterclass in branding—she posts everything from body-positive messages to behind-the-scenes glimpses of her life, all while keeping her music front and center. By being authentic and engaging, Lizzo has built a loyal fan base that's just as invested in her as a person as they are in her music. In today's music industry, a robust social media presence is often as significant as a strong vocal range.

Cutting Out the Middleman

One of social media's biggest benefits is that it allows artists to connect directly with their fans. Gone are the days when artists had to rely on record labels or PR teams to manage their public persona. Now, artists can tweet, post, or live stream whenever they want, sharing new music, announcing tours, or simply chatting with fans.

This direct engagement has led to a more personal connection between artists and their audiences. Fans feel like they know their favorite artists on a deeper level, which can translate into increased loyalty and support. For example, Billie Eilish built her career by connecting with fans on platforms like Instagram and X, sharing snippets of her songs and thoughts long before she hit the mainstream. This direct line to her audience helped her cultivate a devoted fan base ready to support her when she released her debut album.

The Power of Community

Social media has also made it easier for artists to collaborate and engage in creative challenges that keep their content fresh. TikTok has become a hotbed for musical collaborations, with artists jumping on trends, remixing each other's songs, and participating in challenges that showcase their talents.

Take the "Savage Love" remix, for instance. Initially a TikTok hit by New Zealand producer Jawsh 685, the track caught the attention of Jason Derulo, who added his own vocals and turned it into a global smash. This type of cross-pollination was only possible with social media, where artists can quickly discover and work with one another, regardless of genre or location.

The Double-Edged Sword

While social media offers incredible opportunities, it's not without its challenges. The pressure to constantly create content, maintain an online persona, and engage with fans can be overwhelming, especially for emerging artists still finding their footing. However, for those who can navigate the highs and lows, social media offers an unprecedented platform to shape their careers on their own terms. 

Daniel Siegel Alonso concludes that social media is no longer just a marketing tool; it's an integral part of the music industry. Whether you're an aspiring musician or an established artist, mastering social media can be the key to success in today's fast-paced digital world. 

[sociocosmos]

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[bizarrequazar]

GJ and ZZH Updates — July 02-08

<<< previous week || all posts || following week >>>

This is part of a weekly series collecting updates from and relating to Gong Jun and Zhang Zhehan.

This post is not wholly comprehensive and is intended as an overview, links provided lead to further details. Dates are in accordance with China Standard Time, the organization is chronological. My own biases on some things are reflected here. Anything I include that is not concretely known is indicated as such, and you’re welcome to do your own research and draw your own conclusions as you see fit. Please let me know if you have any questions, comments, concerns, or additions. :)

[Glossary of names and terms] [Masterlist of my posts about the situation with Zhang Zhehan]

07-02 → A TikTok account called Ocean Zhang posted an extremely cringey video of Zhang Sanjian dancing with one of the ugly dolls they’re obviously having trouble selling. The account was found to have been made on 06-15 at an IP address located in Taiwan. The IP of the video was California. [source] Given how TikTok’s algorithm works, it’s best to completely avoid it.

→ Gong Jun made it to Jay Chou’s concert in Haikou and even got to sing with him! Videos: [1] [2] [Translation of their conversation] #Gong Jun Jay Chou chorus Hair Like Snow# got on Weibo entertainment hotsearch and #GongJun trended on Twitter.  Fan Observations:  -  He was wearing the Wooyoungmi shirt again.  -  Hair Like Snow was mentioned by Zhang Zhehan as one of his favourite Jay Chou songs, which he had sung himself at a school talent show. The album that it’s on, November’s Chopin, released on 2005-11-01.

→ Gong Jun posted a video of himself at the concert. Caption: “I’m! so! ha! ppy!”

(photo from the fansite Elaine&Pipi)

07-03 → The Legend of AnLe Weibo account posted a video of behind the scenes footage. Caption: “The boat of love makes waves at first sight?! Ren AnLe @Dear Dilireba made a bold move to Han Ye @ Gong Jun Simon, as if he heard someone's heart beating in disorder!” Shortly after, they also posted eight promotional stills of the main cast.

→ Gong Jun’s studio posted three promotional stills of Gong Jun in Legend of AnLe. Caption: “Qingming is like a sweet spring, Ye Ran is like a god, hope to meet with his highness @ Gong Jun Simon soon.”

07-04 → #TheLegendofAnle trended on Twitter.

→ Fresh posted a commercial featuring Gong Jun. (1129 kadian)

07-05 → The Instagram posted song lyrics.

→ Fresh posted a photo ad featuring Gong Jun. (1129 kadian)

→ Gong Jun’s studio posted a vlog of him at the Jay Chou concert. Caption: “There is also a chorus without mic, and the enthusiastic audience @ Gong Jun Simon has a full record of the concert!”

→ Gong Jun’s studio posted a douyin of him singing at the concert. Caption: “@ Gong Jun Simon is confident! (We also have a solo cam!)” (17:05 timestamp and 1:29 long video, if you want to make a 51129 kadian out of that)

07-06 → The Instagram posted pictures of Polaroids. 

→ #ZhangZhehan trended on Twitter.

→ The teashop was fined 129k RMB for excessive packaging in violation of environmental protection laws, violation of food safety laws, engaging in food production they do not have a license for, and failure to correctly label food quantity on packaging, with Chen Bingjun (Chen Liying’s daughter) fined 11k RMB personally.

07-07 → Gong Jun reposted a post from Xinhua News in remembrance of the Marco Polo Bridge Incident. Added caption: “Don’t forget the national insult, remember the history, and use the deeds of heroes and martyrs to inspire our generation to act bravely!” His studio did the same, added caption: “Follow the right path and strive for self-improvement. Always remember the spirit of the martyrs, and may peace remain forever!”

→ A photographer, Xie Huailiang, made a Xiao Hong Shu post reminiscing about a photoshoot he did with Gong Jun in 2016, saying that Gong Jun hasn’t been changed by the industry and is still very caring and hardworking. His post mentioned Word of Honor as the point Gong Jun rose to fame. Fan Observation: The photographer also previously did a shoot with Zhang Zhehan, and did not delete his post of this after 813.

07-08 → Another Zhang Sanjian TikTok video with content similar to the previous one.

Additional Reading: → Hidden Strike, the Jackie Chan and John Cena action-comedy that Gong Jun played a small role* in in 2018, is now showing in theatres in the US. It will be releasing on American Netflix on 07-28. *He is reportedly only in about the first 20 minutes. → Offline promotions for Legend of AnLe have begun. It seems it really is finally coming soon. 🤞 → Subs are finally being made for Go Fighting! season 9! At the time of this post the first 3 episodes are subbed. [playlist]

<<< previous week || all posts || following week >>>

[starsoakednight]

22-6-24

Day 8

I attended a workshop today and midway started feeling so sad because this is how we had started talking last year. I had reached out to you for a workshop you were giving. I never got the courage to attend it even though every time you announced a new one, it was exactly what I was looking for.

I lied down after it and cried for a bit. Then I got up and made breakfast and spent some time with my family.

My anchors today were: listening to nostalgic music from my childhood, instagram videos when the algorithm reminds you this too shall pass + hypes you up lol, reminders that God is in complete control and to give in to Qadr wholeheartedly and just be patient.

Internal support work that I did today was: not beating myself up for still fantasying about you, sitting with my sadness and actively looking for the ease in difficulty.

[ardathksheyna]

Do It For You

I haven't been posting my art as much. The reason? I'm tired of attempting to coerce whatever algorithm each site is using to reach my current followers or even new followers—and that includes Tumblr. I was doing pretty good on Instagram... until they changed their algos to favor big influencers more, which happened sometime in August.

Actually, Tumblr seems to be the worst offender compared to other sites. Or I'm probably getting pissy because of the tabs "For You", "Your tags", and "Following"—all three show me the same shit I saw a few days ago. And don't even get me started on Tumblr Live. If I wanted Only Fans, I'd go to Only Fans. But I digress...

Since then, I've slowed down on posting artwork of any sort on all platforms that I'm part of. Yesterday was probably the first piece I've posted in a while, and that was basically done on a whim.

Anyway, what it boils down to is I am (and a lot of other people) are tired of sacrificing mental health for likes because in order to keep the engagement, you have to constantly churn out piece after piece. Unfortunately, the algorithms seem to favor quantity over quality—you can bust your ass on a piece, but someone else churning out prompts (yes, I'm referring to AI art) can get more engagement because that's what the algos favor: speed.

AI art is problematic by itself—for many reasons, the least of which is how the AI algo is trained. However, that is a complicated mess and another thoughtful post for another time.

On the flip-side, algorithms also favor videos over static content—Insta's in particular (basically favoring the sloppy seconds of TikTok over genuine content). On that subject, I like YouTube's implementation (Shorts) better than Instagram's anyway.

All that being said, the current climate of the internet is hostile to content creators. Twenty years ago, you didn't have this uphill battle of trying to train an algorithm just to get views. Really, all you had to do optimize for search engines and you were pretty much set.

Now, it's a balance between your mental health and trying to retain the level of engagement that you do have, and then become frustrated when you're doing everything right and still get fucked because some bean-counter decided that they want more profits.

It's almost too easy to get discouraged and think that what you're doing doesn't matter and all you're really doing is shouting into the void. When that happens, you have to ask yourself these questions:

Who are you doing this for? (0 for someone else, 10 for yourself)

Do you like making art? (0 for no, 10 for yes)

Do you want the attention (rate 0 to 10)

Are you only doing this for likes (rate 0 to 10)

Yeah, I made that up on the spot. Whatever score for each question you come up with will tell you where your priorities are. If you're doing this for anything other than enjoyment or for yourself, well... that leads me to my next part:

You see, I learned a long time ago that when you're doing something mental/time-intensive for reasons other than pure enjoyment, it is very easy to get burned out quickly. I know this because once upon a time, I used to enjoy writing code. After graduation, I spent my free time trying to improve my skills—not for myself or because I enjoyed it, but because I thought it was the only way for me to retain a job in my field.

Well, I think we know how that ended—badly.

Because of my past experiences, I made a decision a while ago that what I'm doing, I'm doing for me (and maybe my boyfriend) but not for anyone else. The stories I write, the artwork I create. I'm not doing it for likes, I'm doing it for me, because I like what I do. Because I like the creative process and seeing how far can I push my skills.

So keep that in mind if you're struggling with mental-health and trying to beat bullshit algorithms. It's not worth the stress, and that stress just steals energy from your creativity.

You're doing what you love for you and maybe a few others—not for likes, attentions, engagement or whatever fake internet points exist nowadays.

Remember: do it for you!

[firespirited]

Yesterday I had an ultrasound scan of my salivary glands (wrt long term swollen tongue with ridges loss of taste and thick saliva) . It came out clear. Next step is a panoramic teeth x-ray. But after the post car ride migraine took me out, I had an odd moment of pain clarity if that makes any sense. I made a bunch of decisions weighing up the cost- benefits of various stuff. It just sort of clicked into a logical sense like when you understand the spoons metaphor but for multiple factors intersecting with energy. It was a horrid 16 hours rager of a headache and insomnia but I guess something shook loose. Funny how that happens.

Once i could use screens again, I continued the momentum and did a kon mari of youtube and instagram subs.

Anything not actually sparking joy/enjoying the actual person instead of fomo... unfollowed. I much prefer the tumblr dollblr vibe and the commentary channels were either critiquing media I just can't get around to watching any time soon or discourse I find a little silly (drama pays the rent but I hate rewarding the algorithms that pay for drama).

I've really enjoyed interactions over the past few months with folks here and it puts things into perspective. This is fun, it sparks joy, I can be useful and the rest is sinking work into an attention economy that my type of energy and output isn't made for. I've also been working painfully for over 7 months and while I can't take a break and vacations are for well people, I do need to cut myself some slack in other areas.

To Do lists become a weight around your neck if they were put together in a different time with different constraints. Even, if that was last week. You end up focusing on what you can't do instead of shelving that To Do list and making a new one that fits the current state of affairs. Or in this case, multiple lists: daily, physio goals, hobby projects, destash...

❇️ I'm going to do some hobby stuff at the end of the month even if it costs me because that's a thing just for me and not chores. The head bundle didn't sell (the buyer is a regular question asker who's interested then doesn't actually buy) so I've removed all those reroots and will be sending them out to be rehomed this autumn (energy permitting). I haven't been spending money on the hobby and doing ok with very occasional treats.

Next up:

❇️ Map routes to walk that avoid the tiger mosquito danger zones - there's a stagnating stream close to the phone library. Keep to set times due to the heat wave.

❇️ Delete TV, films and documentaries that aren't actually fun-fun or seem to rehash stuff I already know. I went ahead and got paperbacks of bell hooks just to have in hand. Felt extravagant but she's essential.

❇️ Schedule medical appointments after the heatwave is over. Factor in the post car-ride migraine to weekly chores.

❇️ Stop beating myself up for being 'negative', it's ok to be annoyed and angry. However, recognizing patterns of things that are not worth engaging with when you're overtired and sore is also a good habit. Writing this stuff down helps to remember.

Discourse is the mind killer, Explaining capitalism or Barbie is the little-death that brings total obliteration. I will NOT face the discourses. I will permit it to pass over me by aggressively muting or scrolling past. And when it has gone past I will NOT turn the inner eye to say that very pertinent take even if the other person is completely off base.

[treasurecreative]

Can brands beat the Instagram Algorithm?

Understanding the Instagram algorithm.

Let’s break it down in simple terms. The Instagram algorithm is like a smart computer program that decides what posts you see on your feed. It uses a few factors to decide which posts to show you and in what order.

One important factor is engagement. The algorithm looks at how many likes, comments, and shares a post gets. The more engagement a post has, the more likely it is to appear on people’s feeds.

Another factor is relevance. The algorithm tries to show you posts that it thinks you’ll be interested in based on your past behavior. It considers things like the accounts you follow, the posts you’ve liked, and the hashtags you interact with.

Timing also plays a role. The algorithm wants to show you fresh content, so it takes into account when a post was published. If you’re active on Instagram, you’re more likely to see recent posts.

Lastly, the algorithm may also consider the type of content you engage with the most. If you often like and comment on videos, for example, it might show you more video posts. Heiring a digital marketing agency can help you to understand more about it. Top Digital marketing agency has the power to beat the instagram algo

Understanding these factors can help brands optimize their content to increase their chances of appearing on people’s feeds. By creating engaging posts, using relevant hashtags, and posting at strategic times, brands can work with the algorithm to reach their target audience.

Strategies for increasing organic reach by Treasure Creatives — Digital Marketing Agency     Following are some strategies for brands on Instagram Algorithm that can definitely help you for increasing organic reach on Instagram

1. Create Engaging Content: One of the most important ways to increase your organic reach is by creating content that captivates your audience. Be creative, authentic, and share content that resonates with your target audience. It could be stunning visuals, informative videos, or inspiring stories that grab attention and encourage people to like, comment, and share.

2. Use Relevant Hashtags: Hashtags are like little magic keys that unlock visibility on Instagram. Research and use hashtags that are relevant to your brand, industry, and target audience. This helps your content appear in hashtag feeds and explore pages, where users can discover and engage with your posts.

3. Foster Meaningful Interactions: Building a strong community is vital for organic reach. Engage with your followers by responding to comments, asking questions, and encouraging discussions. Show genuine interest in your audience’s opinions and experiences. This not only boosts engagement but also increases the likelihood of your content being seen by more people.

4. Collaborate with Influencers: Partnering with influencers in your niche can be a powerful way to expand your reach. Find influencers whose values align with your brand and collaborate on content or campaigns. Their followers are more likely to trust and engage with content recommended by someone they follow, leading to increased visibility for your brand.

5. Leverage User-Generated Content: Encourage your followers to create and share content related to your brand. User-generated content not only increases engagement but also acts as social proof, showing potential customers that others enjoy and endorse your brand. Repost and give credit to the creators, fostering a sense of community and encouraging others to participate.

Remember, these strategies take time and consistency to yield results. By implementing these tactics, brands can beat the instagram algorithm , organically grow their reach on Instagram and connect with a larger audience.

The role of analytics and insights in beating the Instagram Algorithm

Here are a few reasons why tracking and analyzing Instagram insights is significant:

1. Understanding Your Audience: Instagram insights provide you with demographic data about your followers, such as age, gender, and location. This knowledge helps you tailor your content to better resonate with your specific audience. For example, if you find that a majority of your followers are interested in fashion, you can create more fashion-related content to cater to their interests.

2. Identifying Top-performing Content: By analyzing the performance of your posts, you can identify which types of content receive the most engagement and reach. Insights such as likes, comments, and shares can give you a clear indication of what your audience finds valuable and engaging. You can then optimize your strategy by creating more of the content that resonates with your audience. This is one of the best strategies for brands on instagram finding the top-performing content.

3. Discovering Optimal Posting Times: Instagram insights also provide data on when your audience is most active on the platform. This information helps you determine the best times to post your content for maximum visibility and engagement. By scheduling your posts at these optimal times, you can increase the chances of reaching a larger audience and receiving higher engagement.

4. Tracking Campaign Performance: If you run Instagram ad campaigns, insights allow you to track the performance of your ads. You can monitor metrics such as impressions, click-through rates, and conversions to assess the effectiveness of your campaigns. This data helps you make data-driven decisions and optimize your ad spend for better results.

5. Adapting and Improving: Regularly tracking and analyzing Instagram insights enables you to adapt your content strategy based on real-time data. You can experiment with different content formats, themes, or captions and measure their impact on engagement. This iterative approach allows you to continuously refine your strategy and improve your results over time.

In conclusion, understanding the Instagram algorithm can help your brand to be visible on Instagram and reach a large audience. Hiring a digital marketing agency can be the solution for beating the Instagram Algorithm and it will help your brand thrive in the digital landscape.

[itscristyb]

The seed of something - October 17th, 2023

My problem is is that I'm a talented writer, but my brain is an obstacle. It interrupts my flow of thought and disrupts the words I truly feel, obsessing over how it will be 'read' or 'understood' or whether I could change the wording to 'explain it better.' It's a curse, erasing the rawness of what I really want to say. I don't know when I became so distant from writing.

Maybe it comes from having to craft every sentence with perfection whilst studying creative writing and literature at University, the threat of docked marks from not using the 'best word choice' dissolving my natural instinct. Or it could be the rise of Instagram, an endless pit of carefully curated words fighting in the noise to be heard. To 'hit home', 'stand out' and 'be creative' in a sea of content that, when you really think about it, is all the same. There, creativity exists in a bubble of rules, expectations and algorithms. It forces my creativity into a box, a 'check-list', and my vision beyond that box has fizzled away. I think perhaps its both, as well as the gradual peeling away from myself that I have suffered for over a decade.

I think I forgot that writing is creative, it is for me. It is meant to be raw and off-beat and heart felt and controversial. It is meant to ignite emotion, make us feel seen, heard, valid.

Writing is meant to be real. And it feels like my calling. I'm not meant for the battlefield of reels or for content that delivers one message but shows another through its curation. I am meant for creativity. I am meant for vulnerability. I am meant for truth and for being so unapologetically truthful about my experiences through life no matter how dark they were. I am meant to make others feel seen by showing myself fully through my words.

... I had the urge to write tonight, not knowing what would flow through my fingertips, but it feels like its the seed of something.