Why is everyone the same?
It’s like we are striving to be clones
I have been writing these newsletters for one and a half years now. That's 40 letters. Thank you to everyone that has read any number of editions. I appreciate your time and attention!
Have you noticed that every person and piece of content online looks like a carbon copy of the last? Each person's account is themed the same way, they use the same LUTs (color presets), they produce the same content, they even remix each other's content. How does one stand out in a world where you are meant to fit in?
I am not much of a trend follower. I will 100% admit that with both pride and humility. Pride, due to the fact that I am glad I am not a follower, but humility because it feels like it has limited my visibility to more people. As someone who considers themselves a storyteller and at times an artist, visibility is key to unlocking your craft and turning it into a true career. People use trends and meme culture as a working of the system to hack growth. I have contemplated it, watched others do it successfully from afar, but never tried it.
I feel like every young person is just trying to become an influencer, either as a full-time gig or at least a side hustle. There are people out there with real talent, skill, and grit that deserve to be seen, but because they are different they get washed away by an algorithm that favors sameness.
This has been a thought of mine for a while, as someone that loves making but is rarely seen. Right now it is front of mind because I am creating a Skillshare course, called Remote Filmmaking. I am planning to launch it by the end of this month. While looking over example classes I saw thumbnails that all look the same, fake smiles by people so they look more approachable, and topics that are basically the same with slight tweaks. While filming the first six lessons I decided to rethink how I approach this course. Partly, due to the fact that there are some dry, redundant parts that need trimming, but also due to my individuality. My thumbnails aren't going to be me smiling or doing something to catch the eye of someone with the attention of a fly, I am not going to be grinning ear to ear for 60 minutes of lessons, I am going to be me.
In a sea of sameness, why do the different drown?
This is a question I have asked myself and will continue to do so. But it will not stop me from being me. I am not the same, I will never be. Yes, I will not excel as fast as the rest, but I will create as I see fit.
Lastly, I think I am ready to make this letter weekly. I have written a letter every other week for 40 weeks with success. I might not have had the growth that I hoped for, but it has been good for me. Not only is it a welcomed routine, but it also gets me fired up creatively. Why not have that weekly, right? Maybe it will accelerate the growth a bit too 🤷♂️? So, see you next week!
Links
Great newsletter about relative seniority as it relates to jobs in tech
Super interesting article about Vikings and their journeys along the Mediterranean
Well done.