....sorry about that yesterday. I've lost so much sleep, I had no clue where I was, and thought I was a day behind. So I was posting a day early on everything.
That might not be bad thing, but it was wiping out what energy I had left!!
There always seem to be those who want to game any system. Search results is another social proof type of situation where people work to skew the system... And we should not talk about Amazon reviews... In the publishing world, I'm constantly bombarded by ways to game systems, often promoted by so called gurus.
One of my favorites did an affiliate promo a few years back that annoyed me because I felt it was bad for writers. But then I researched how much money he'd make... And I was stunned by my estimates. He then vanished from the scene for a few years, but is now back promoting rational advice again. I'm guessing he needs money... But I'm not sure how strong his platform is now. Which makes me sad because he actually does seem to have good info.
But then I wonder: can I trust anything these people say?
And then there's a follow on thought: these shenanigans make people distrust all of us in that industry space.
Lack of social proof doesn't mean lack of quality. Having social proof doesn't guarantee quality. And yet... That's a key factor people look at for any purchase.
ungh,.....so....much....truth in what you're saying, and you know that I've experienced all this in spades as well.
That's the roughest part, when people in this industry muddy the water for EVERYone...and then that is because too many won't think rationally about this and throw s all into the same boat.
THAT'S not the truth, either...
...as for your: "But then I wonder: can I trust anything these people say?"
The answer is no.
It just is...
The answer has always been there and believe it or not, folks, it's from SCRIPTURES. God Himself told us how to solve this annoying problem: "By their fruits ye shall know them."
Funny thing...my oldest son, wise way beyond his years, said to me not long ago...
"Ya know dad, if we weren't such moral people, we could have made millions by now."
Yup.
...and watching people take advantage of others to fill their coffers while I'm eating ramen and popcorn and hoping to stay in doors this winter...and out performing them in content at nearly every turn...angers me at times.
No, I don't want to do anything different on my end...I just wish dishonest people didn't get AWAY with so much!
When I have a client come to me paying $250/month for services they don't need, and they are still struggling, I get mad. Most of that money was translated into affiliate commissions for those who convinced them to buy the products.
And then I turn around and recommend things, and yes, even occasionally get a commission. Or I charge for services... And I wonder, how can people tell what is real and what is not?
And it comes down to reputation which is such a fragile thing.
Some days it all just feels overwhelming. And then I go back to work and see the joy and value I get to participate in... And I can forget about all of those distractions.
Those folks will always be there. I think it is important to not let them drive us out of a space where we bring value and do good. And it is important not to let them depress me and steal my joy and energy.
Maybe if I comment it won't disappear like a fragment of my madness! 😇🤣
Not today, anyway.
....sorry about that yesterday. I've lost so much sleep, I had no clue where I was, and thought I was a day behind. So I was posting a day early on everything.
That might not be bad thing, but it was wiping out what energy I had left!!
Now everything seems to be back to abnormal.
...we are good!
Abby....Abby....Abby someone.
Abby Normal.
There always seem to be those who want to game any system. Search results is another social proof type of situation where people work to skew the system... And we should not talk about Amazon reviews... In the publishing world, I'm constantly bombarded by ways to game systems, often promoted by so called gurus.
One of my favorites did an affiliate promo a few years back that annoyed me because I felt it was bad for writers. But then I researched how much money he'd make... And I was stunned by my estimates. He then vanished from the scene for a few years, but is now back promoting rational advice again. I'm guessing he needs money... But I'm not sure how strong his platform is now. Which makes me sad because he actually does seem to have good info.
But then I wonder: can I trust anything these people say?
And then there's a follow on thought: these shenanigans make people distrust all of us in that industry space.
Lack of social proof doesn't mean lack of quality. Having social proof doesn't guarantee quality. And yet... That's a key factor people look at for any purchase.
And creatives still need to eat.
ungh,.....so....much....truth in what you're saying, and you know that I've experienced all this in spades as well.
That's the roughest part, when people in this industry muddy the water for EVERYone...and then that is because too many won't think rationally about this and throw s all into the same boat.
THAT'S not the truth, either...
...as for your: "But then I wonder: can I trust anything these people say?"
The answer is no.
It just is...
The answer has always been there and believe it or not, folks, it's from SCRIPTURES. God Himself told us how to solve this annoying problem: "By their fruits ye shall know them."
Funny thing...my oldest son, wise way beyond his years, said to me not long ago...
"Ya know dad, if we weren't such moral people, we could have made millions by now."
Yup.
...and watching people take advantage of others to fill their coffers while I'm eating ramen and popcorn and hoping to stay in doors this winter...and out performing them in content at nearly every turn...angers me at times.
No, I don't want to do anything different on my end...I just wish dishonest people didn't get AWAY with so much!
When I have a client come to me paying $250/month for services they don't need, and they are still struggling, I get mad. Most of that money was translated into affiliate commissions for those who convinced them to buy the products.
And then I turn around and recommend things, and yes, even occasionally get a commission. Or I charge for services... And I wonder, how can people tell what is real and what is not?
And it comes down to reputation which is such a fragile thing.
Some days it all just feels overwhelming. And then I go back to work and see the joy and value I get to participate in... And I can forget about all of those distractions.
Those folks will always be there. I think it is important to not let them drive us out of a space where we bring value and do good. And it is important not to let them depress me and steal my joy and energy.
Just going to do the best I can.
It's being ourselves and calmly pointing out things for people to consider... but you can't force others to think. You can't force others to choose.
You CAN stand there, shrug, and hold others accountable though.
That's what I try to do.
I strive to be books in trekking folks, "Hey, I'm not rich, in not famous, but this is what I do and why... choose for yourself. "