the stench of monetisation
I have no illusions about money and how it makes the world go round, but I am forever being frustrated by how far we're prepared to push monetisation.
From not wanting tracking cookies to not being able to read an article. From socials to media entertainment. From design software to newsletters.
Everything is becoming about monetisation.
Learn skills so you can monetise them, create a product that you can monetise, only give what people will pay for.
Like I said, I'm under no illusions about the importance of being paid for your work and being able to make a living and I wholeheartedly believe that we should all be paid for the work we make.
But it feels as though the only things we focus on are the things that we can inevitably monetise.
Copywriting, design, coding, video, audio and the list goes on...
The rise of 'content creator' as a way of making money has meant that our mindset has shifted from creating the very best work to pushing out as much work as possible, and all in the hope that we can earn those sweet, sweet dollar bills.
I know I'm generalising for the most part, but even when we start creative projects with the best of intentions, the allure of being able to monetise is a big part of why we continue them.
I've been creating pieces of art and I'd be lying if I didn't say I hadn't considered the fact of having a store front in which I could sell prints.
It doesn't matter that it's unlikely anyone would buy them, the thought of monetisation was enough.
And it's only going to get worse, you only have to look at your own bank accounts to see the sheer amount of subscriptions you already have.
Whether it's from streaming sites, newsletters or supporting your favourite content creators.
Everything is about subscription money.
So, have a think... Are you creating for the fun of it or in the hope of making some money?
I want to be able to create something that hasn't got the stench of monetisation over it. I want to be able to create something for the fun of it and because I lost track of time while doing it.
No e-books, no podcasts, no videos, no behind the scenes look but only if you subscribe.
Pure creative work for the fucking fun of it.
I know it's not going to be easy, especially if we start to see some success from what we're doing but I do think it's still possible and it may even be necessary when everything around us costs us a subscription fee.