Writers

I wrote a new essay about how and why it’s so difficult to pay artists.

I’ll be honest: this was a hard essay to write. I started it six months ago, and after 4,000 rambling words, gave it up. It was too depressing.

But I wanted to share, especially in light of all these new tools that are trying to monetize creative work. A map of some of the difficulties might be helpful.

I wrote a new essay about how and why it’s so difficult to pay artists.

I’ll be honest: this was a hard essay to write. I started it six months ago, and after 4,000 rambling words, gave it up. It was too depressing.

But I wanted to share, especially in light of all these new tools that are trying to monetize creative work. A map of some of the difficulties might be helpful.
https://paragraph.com/@driftless/why-artists-cant-get-paid?referrer=0x33514A171B0eC657a0237Dd388fAA4f39eE2a2E4

Writer ✍️ | Creepy stories: unnerv.ing 👁️ | Essays: paragraph.xyz/@driftless ⚡️

Congrats on getting to the finish line with an unruly and depressing piece that you once gave up on. 👏 I find that so exhilarating on the rare occasions when I'm able to pull it off.

I appreciate you so much for tackling this complex topic in depth, and even more so for doing so in such an accessible writing style. 

Looking forward to further discussion. As usual, I'll be quoting from your work frequently.

Also, you mentioned Piranesi! Love his work, especially those gothic style etchings. I almost posted a Piranesi piece in my public domain series this week, in fact. 💜

Word-Slinger-in-Chief + Senior Editor /slowcore-hq + /gift-economics | GenX eldergoth | dark ambient music nerd | contemplative animist 🏳‍🌈

gift-economics

I’m down for a discussion! Let me know when and I’ll pop in as I can.

No apology necessary, Tom. You have a newborn. Anyone who knows that would expect that you'd have other priorities, and rightfully so. 😄

In any case, I can imagine why making this post public might have been a challenge. I have a bunch of writings on these topics in my files (as you know from our convos in DCs) but I've only posted a tiny fraction of them in public so far. So I'm impressed with your piece for all kinds of reasons.

I've been wanting to discuss your essay in the /gift-economics channel (and I think @abundance would like to do the same). No pressure, of course, but if you'd like to participate in that discussion also, we'll gladly schedule it at your convenience.

Thanks, Danica! And, apologies for responding 23 days later 😅 I think it took something out of me to post this that I needed another immediate break. 

Always appreciate your reading and your thoughtful comments!