24 Comments

When I used to have Threads (which I no longer do) that's where I first started noticing people talking to the algorithm. I was like WTF? The algorithm isn't a person and doesn't care what you want. Now I see it on Substack and I roll my eyes. Just post and engage. It's not that hard. And yeah, look at others to follow. Also not hard. People are weird.

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Stop humanizing the computers, and get real with the people above your post, and below it! Say hi! Like, leave a comment! It's NOT that hard haha

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LOL exactly. Can you imagine doing that in real life? Hello sky - can you send me some friends that like writing and self publishing? I am looking for other introverts to follow. ha ha

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RIGHT. Or saying that at a dinner party??! Like, there's people right there around you!

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there’s so much talk about reclaiming attention, but I think it all starts by first reclaiming intention

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For sure - can't just put down the phone and then... gotta know the next part, the "now what?!"

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Oh man, BMX Plus! is a classic! I technically STILL display it, just via Radical Rick stickers, posters, and collectible figures 😂

It's very much a "if you inow, you know" type of signal at this point. It's also usually a good indicator of how well I'll get along with someone. If they recognize Radical Rick today, chances are good that we moved in similar circles.

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RADICAL RICK, of maaaaan. That and Freestylin’ from the grocery store newsstand!

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I'm literally in the process of decorating a bookshelf with pages from Freestylin' and Go magazines (I've also got a shirt with a Go magazine cover on it).

Those magazines definitely defined a big part of my life.

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Remember GPVS? Gravity Powered Vehicles? They took BMX frames, flipped 'em upside down and loaded the seatpost with WEIGHTS. Was just talking about this with another old bike nerd hahaha

LOVED those old mags.

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The opening photo busted me up. I don't get it, but I love it. Talk about signaling.

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u inspire me

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So what signals are you sending now, Seth, with the orange hat and heavy black glasses?

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100% hipster santa look, I guess.

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Is Santa a Dutch soccer player!? 😆

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I've been really put off by the "notes" talking to AI algorithm robots asking to be connected to folks AND THEN they get a bunch of likes. Ugh! I know I know, Seth, followers aren't loyal readers. But as a human I'm tired of authentically using my voice and it falling into a silent abyss, especially on Notes.

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You left a comment, KNOWING I would see it. You KNEW that saying hello, I would get a ping. But you also know that if you go on a street corner and just start talking about whatever, well... most people are going to ignore you, which is probably why you don't go on street corners and start talking about whatever!

SOOOO... where then is a good place to put our energy? What's the best use of our time?

You KNOW that if you send something to your email list they'll see it. If you can text a friend they'll get it. If you call up someone, they'll likely pick up.

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I'm picking up what you're putting down. Thank you for the realignment chat.

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Oh dear! I think I might be sending "go away" signals 😆 Maybe I'll take a look at that.

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Oh no!

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Gosh! This is fascinating! I’m going to pay more attention to the signals I’m sending and the ones I’m picking up, too.

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The obvious and the subtle ones, the blaring loudspeaker kinds and the ones tucked away as a bookmark silently when no one was looking, the obnoxiously neon-colored signs with comic sans font and the pastel colored Garamond ones — so many signals. Just one you.

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Multi-signals! Of course!

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"Stop begging the Substack Notes algorithm to “send you” cool people to follow"

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