Lately, I have been thinking about what it means to be online. Not online as in watching videos, reading the news or shopping in general, but to have an online personality and be active and engaged online. This could be someone who posts on YouTube, TikTok, Instagram and even Substack.
I sense the ultimate goal is to build a following and engage with a like-minded community. I assume LoG’s subscribers inherently enjoy the work I put out there and appreciate my forthright opinions. I mean, there’s no thirst traps here, lol.
A writer I follow on Substack recently released a podcast that wasn’t well received on the topic of Ozempic. (I question who has authority to talk about Ozempic outside of medical professionals and those with type 2 diabetes.) I recall enjoying the episode while walking to work and didn’t think too critically of it. I found the writer and their guests weren’t being malicious in intent. The episode fell to its demise by its engaged and supportive community of readers. Vitriol followed. Some critiques were valid and some unwarranted.
I followed the comments section religiously as one should never do. It lead me to spiralling about my online identity and the work I put out there on this newsletter. I support criticism and constructive feedback, but I am also sensitive to that idea. Any amount of online hostility would be discouraging and have me wanting to delete this newsletter. All it really takes is just one negative review.
It’s OK, LoG is coasting bi-weekly. For now…
Perry