Yesterday Brett told me about his conversation with a long-time but out-of-touch acquaintance who said he was following him on social channels. He even referenced a post that Brett made the day before but didn’t tap an emoji and leave a reply. Even a few years ago, that would not have been the case.

I believe the very people out there who used to engage—contributing with a reply or endorsing with an emoji—have taken a step back to simply observing. They, you, me, we, are still out there but for whatever reason we’re mostly silent now.

LinkedIn is one of the more frustrating social networks I’ve been part of. But it, along with nearly every place I’ve been on, suffers from some sort of engagement hook demand. In 99% of cases where I see a post with a hook to expand and read more I scroll past in disgust. I’m simply not interested in that. 

Threads is guilty of this as well. 

I wonder if something has changed with folks where they want to continue to receive interesting content, but they feel affected in some way where their desire to interact is reduced. I’m not sure, but this is the first I’ve heard someone talk about this and I find it interesting. 

For years I’ve been inspired by writers such as Cal Newport, who talk about the importance of focusing on your craft, sharing and creating, and building up an audience around it.

My frustration has been that last part. Maybe that part should come first?

I love creating and putting things out there, and greatly value every bit of feedback that comes my way (ok maybe that’s a bit of a lie, but in general I love feedback!), but it’s so hard to keep creating without any feedback loop.

In recent months I’ve been surprised by friends and colleagues who have dropped comments that they’ve listened to my podcasts or read my content. They’ve shared it in a way that suggests they like it, but never felt a need to engage with the content in any way. Maybe that’s not a problem, but it does make me wonder if there’s a way to hear more from audiences. 

I don’t know the answer, but I appreciate the problem. 

(Via Brilliantcrank)