I’ve been thinking a lot about social media lately. I think a lot of us are. There was a period of time when it represented a democratization of the tools and reach that are needed as creators to get ourselves in front of a larger, potential audience. Fortunes were won, careers made. “Influencers” rose and fell. A tool for good. Somewhere along the way, the platforms realized their power. Their earning power. And it shifted into something ugly. No longer would I be able to see my friend from college’s latest piece of writing or my neighbor’s latest project. It all got drowned out in a deluge of algorithm driven trash. A tsunami of outlandish, performative, manufactured drivel. I barely open Instagram anymore. Twitter is being driven into the ground by a billionaire man child. People fled. Too hard to whittle the signal from the noise.
So, I ask. If a wave crashes on the shore and there’s no one there to see it, does it earn a like ♥️? Is there a point in creating if no one will see the creation? As a photographer, I create pieces that are meant to be viewed. For whatever reason. To inspire, to give a moment of beauty, of thought, of desire, happiness. Whatever. As a creator, as an artist, if no one will see my work, is it worth making? Is it worth expending my resources of time, energy, money on something that will leave no impression? Is my message lost in the darkness? Am I shouting into the void? These are the thoughts that possess me. So, as a matter of course, I have to ask myself, what does it matter? What does it matter if my works are seen? If my words and images have weight? Is it just ego driven? Do I have some deep need for validation and love that’s not being met? Maybe. Maybe I just want to feel that what I’m doing is worthwhile. To someone. That it matters.
In the course of mulling all this over, I think back to days and experiences like the one below. Times spent creating with and experiencing fellow human beings. Building memories. And fuck yes its worth while. I think back to that day shooting with Bella and what the weather was like. Rainy on the south shore, warm, humid, fragrant. The sound of her voice and the laughter of my friend and assistant Greg. Her friend that happened to be at the beach we were shooting at. Our dinner together and beer that should have been colder. Walking to an active volcano in complete darkness and the smell of sulphur in the air. It all matters. Every image I take is tied to a trove of memories. Memories that build a life. I hear the waves crashing. All I can do is share it with no expectations.
So, with all that in mind, I’m feeling like the only course forward is to create and maintain sites such as this. Longer form words and images that can’t be shown on the platforms anyway. Something that I own and control. Though, sooner or later, the puritanical p@yment pro$$ors will catch on and crack down. Flying under the radar I am. This was never meant to be a money making endeavor. It would be nice, as a way to off set the costs of doing business, but its not necessary. I’d find a way to make these things even if I were flat broke. I can’t not. As of now, I’m reducing the monthly membership to $5. Kind of an experiment, Kind of curious about the price/quantity balance. In all reality, I can’t commit to keeping this thing updated every week, so I make no promises. Your support is appreciated. Oh, and if you’re a current member, feel free to cancel your membership and rejoin at the lower tier. Or it may just re-bill at the lower price. Don’t really know.
Its more about being seen and heard than anything else. Or maybe its just about speaking. Whether it’s heard or not. . .
