Finding Balance: Writing for Joy vs. Algorithms
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Chapter 1: The Writer's Dilemma
In the contemporary landscape of writing, a conflict arises between the pursuit of joy and the demands of algorithms. Recently, while on a run, I stumbled upon a notion I refer to as "creative pockets." Before diving into that, it's worth noting that runners often become fixated on measurable goals — pace, distance, time. This obsession with numbers is not inherently negative; it can signify progress and achievement.
Similarly, writers often gauge their success through metrics such as word count, published articles, and acceptance rates. In the digital writing realm, where noise is abundant, numbers become crucial for standing out. The days when writers could simply create without concern for metrics are long gone. Today, a writer must navigate niches, SEO, marketing, competition, and AI tools — a reality that would surely bewilder a Victorian author.
To thrive in this environment, one must adopt a data-driven approach. But what about writing for the sake of art? As a child, I would pour my thoughts into poetry, leading to some publications in children's magazines. In my teenage years, I started a modest WordPress blog where I shared my musings without external pressure or rules — it was pure self-expression.
As I matured, I recognized the potential to monetize my writing, which was exhilarating. However, I soon discovered the need to identify a niche, research trending topics, optimize for keywords, market myself on social platforms, and engage in guest blogging. It felt overwhelming.
While my blogging journey has progressed — I've earned income and cultivated a readership — I sometimes yearn for the carefree writer I once was. The younger me would seize inspiration, pause her tasks, and write fervently until the ideas flowed freely, allowing creativity to flourish.
Now, when inspiration strikes, I find myself questioning how to transform that idea into a blog post, how to make it appealing, and where it fits into my content strategy. This pressure often stifles my creativity before it has a chance to develop.
A Moment of Celebration
The concept of "creative pockets" emerged during one of my guided runs. I was following a structured interval workout, alternating between different paces. As I monitored my watch, the virtual coach eventually congratulated me and suggested a celebratory run for thirty seconds — a chance to run at any pace I desired.
In that moment, I felt an unexpected sense of freedom. My body relaxed, and I began to run effortlessly, taking in my surroundings. The sun was setting, painting the sky in vibrant colors, while the sea shimmered in gold. I was captivated by the beauty around me, something I often overlooked in my focus on performance.
I realized that I was running faster than I had imagined possible, even though moments earlier, I felt at my limit. It was a liberating experience, a celebration of simply being — not a fast runner, a beginner, or someone training for a marathon. Just a runner.
Balancing Creativity and Profit
How can one reconcile the joy of writing with the necessity for income without compromising either? I believe I've found a solution: you can embrace both by utilizing two key components: a platform and dedicated time slots.
A platform is where you share your writing, whether online or in a notebook. While a paper notebook offers privacy, it limits your audience and is susceptible to loss. Hence, I prefer online platforms where you can write freely without being tied to follower counts.
For a liberating writing experience with some readership, consider platforms like an old-school WordPress blog, Tumblr, or Blogger. I recently revived my WordPress.com blog from my teenage years, transferring personal reflections there. Though few read it, I find solace in the freedom it offers.
I also express thoughts on Tumblr, which feels like a safe space despite limited engagement. Small, unmonetized online communities foster an environment free from competition and comparison, allowing for authentic self-expression.
On the other hand, you can choose platforms dedicated to monetization — Medium, Substack, or a self-hosted blog — where you can engage in the metrics game without guilt. The key is to allocate your time between these two platforms.
Thus, you can write for enjoyment and financial gain by compartmentalizing your efforts.
Final Reflections
Today's writing landscape, dominated by performance metrics, competition, and AI, often stifles the Hemingway in many of us. Instead of creating for fulfillment and joy, we find ourselves catering to audiences and algorithms, leading to a sense of suffocation in our creativity.
"Creative pockets" offer a refuge from these pressures. They are dedicated moments when you celebrate your identity as a writer, free from expectations. In these intervals, you can write fiction, journal entries, poetry, or anything that inspires you, allowing your muse to flourish.
What are your thoughts on this duality?
The first video titled "How I'm fighting bias in algorithms | Joy Buolamwini" explores the importance of addressing biases in algorithmic systems, highlighting the need for awareness and advocacy in tech.
The second video, "Our Obsession With Algorithms Sucked The Fun (and Conversions) Out of Content Creation," discusses how the fixation on algorithms has detracted from the creativity and enjoyment in content creation.