Thank you for this, Jodi. The internet feels like such a hostile wasteland right now, where the algorithm decrees book posts only get shown to 30 people but me reflecting on my brain surgery trauma gets shown to 10 times that many. 🙄
CERTAINLY the various algorithms aren't helping our perception of what we feel like we should be sharing. It feels very similar to the Bad News Bias, in some ways!
This is such a great post. I like the distinction you mention of being authentic online, but still keeping some parts of your life personal and private. I try to do the same.
Great post, Jodi! I agree with being cautious what we share since it lasts forever! I do think that avoiding current discourse is a privilege, though, since what is happening in the world can touch an author’s community and indirectly, their work. I’ve made it clear what I stand for and what I will fight against (especially with my MG books getting banned). But to each their own! I know a lot of folks believe in keeping their spaces peaceful and joy-oriented and everyone absolutely has the right to curate what they share.
Agreed! And I'm sorry, I should have been clearer about "discourse." I think we all have different definitions! Or maybe I'm the only one who doesn't know. (This seems entirely possible.)
But with "current discourse," I was thinking about the day-to-day conversations of who said what, or whether a popular book is overrated, or if four stars actually is a negative review. That kind of stuff. To me, those aren't worth the energy, especially when I know they'll just come up again in a few months, wearing a different hat!
This is sound advice! I think anyone who had Facebook at launch and sees the cringe-worthy memories from high school has shifted away from oversharing on social media. Plus the cancel culture could always get you in the future after all the cat-tastrophes occur and cats are bad business. Things that are okay to share today may contain a bias that is problematic but not loudly known until there is a platform and space to discuss.
As someone whose newsletter centers around tough parenting topics, some with comedic relief and some darker relating to my PPD experience, it's hard to remember that perspective of permanency on what you publish. I try to set boundaries with myself on what to share about my family or experiences. I also really focus on the point of the piece. What is the message or how do I think my story will help someone else? Those two things help me keep it in check. Your tips are a great reminder on where the lines are in publishing.
I for one welcome our future feline overlords.
For reals though this was so encouraging and soothing. Thank you!
Soothing is not a description I expected on this one, but I'm really glad you liked it!
Hahaha, comforting in that I'm not alone and that I don't have to kill my brain and sense of comfort for CONTENT CONTENT CONTENT!
Oh, haha. Yeah. Get yourself a couple of topics (if you want) and post about those. Or don't. Whatever gives you peace. :)
All hail the feline overlords!
Thank you for this, Jodi. The internet feels like such a hostile wasteland right now, where the algorithm decrees book posts only get shown to 30 people but me reflecting on my brain surgery trauma gets shown to 10 times that many. 🙄
CERTAINLY the various algorithms aren't helping our perception of what we feel like we should be sharing. It feels very similar to the Bad News Bias, in some ways!
This is such a great post. I like the distinction you mention of being authentic online, but still keeping some parts of your life personal and private. I try to do the same.
For what it's worth, I think you're really good at it!
Great post, Jodi! I agree with being cautious what we share since it lasts forever! I do think that avoiding current discourse is a privilege, though, since what is happening in the world can touch an author’s community and indirectly, their work. I’ve made it clear what I stand for and what I will fight against (especially with my MG books getting banned). But to each their own! I know a lot of folks believe in keeping their spaces peaceful and joy-oriented and everyone absolutely has the right to curate what they share.
Agreed! And I'm sorry, I should have been clearer about "discourse." I think we all have different definitions! Or maybe I'm the only one who doesn't know. (This seems entirely possible.)
But with "current discourse," I was thinking about the day-to-day conversations of who said what, or whether a popular book is overrated, or if four stars actually is a negative review. That kind of stuff. To me, those aren't worth the energy, especially when I know they'll just come up again in a few months, wearing a different hat!
This is sound advice! I think anyone who had Facebook at launch and sees the cringe-worthy memories from high school has shifted away from oversharing on social media. Plus the cancel culture could always get you in the future after all the cat-tastrophes occur and cats are bad business. Things that are okay to share today may contain a bias that is problematic but not loudly known until there is a platform and space to discuss.
As someone whose newsletter centers around tough parenting topics, some with comedic relief and some darker relating to my PPD experience, it's hard to remember that perspective of permanency on what you publish. I try to set boundaries with myself on what to share about my family or experiences. I also really focus on the point of the piece. What is the message or how do I think my story will help someone else? Those two things help me keep it in check. Your tips are a great reminder on where the lines are in publishing.