Being Independent
I’ve been having a blast untethering myself from centralized platforms, and trying new alternatives, networking with other artists. I had a strong response to how Patreon was treating me, my dissatisfaction with social media and I did something about it by making my own spaces. I was on the internet back when websites were how you found people on the internet, and it made sense to return back to what works.
It’s been a different experience. There’s a peace and quiet in knowing that I don’t have to share space with people who don’t share the same opinions, or are incentivized to make content and do anything for likes and shares, follow any trend desperate to stay relevant while slowly losing themselves. That’s not what I’m about.
My original idea years ago was to reach only the people who are interested in what I do. That’s it. And, I am doing that now uninterrupted. My sites do not have an algorithm. I don’t have any dm features. No ads. No ragebait. Just me and the people who want to be here.
I am making a point that we do not have to accept this treatment, and thanks to my supporters I can make spaces that are not controlled by venture capital, nor can it be abused by bad actors who look to harm marginalized creators like me over something as dumb as what things you like to draw. I want out of this mess and to create and experiment in peace.
When I mentioned my plans to friends, they thought I was crazy. Considering how shitty the situation is for NSFW artists, I don’t look so crazy now. I help where I can with whatever knowledge I have to share, but I think at this point if artists aren’t willing to look into going independent, things are going to get a lot harder so utilize tools to get an edge.
Safety To Express Myself
I’ve been safe enough to explore into manxboy art and stories again over the year, and I’ve been networking with other artists who aren’t even on places like Twitter. It feels good being in places that accept many expressions of art outside of insufferable places like Twitter. There’s a whole other world outside of soc med and I’m having fun discovering new places to be. There’s never been a better time to create things you want. Worrying about fandom antis is a waste of time.
More importantly, having your own spaces helps with this. You control everything. If someone leaves an annoying comment or attempts to harass you in your own home, you can kick them out. It’s all up to you and your comfort level, something modern soc med sites cannot guarantee you.
In light of “ID verification” measures taking place on the internet in Europe and in the US, I am doing my part by having my sites available to visit by anyone, anywhere world-wide. Supporting artists like myself brings more of the stuff you want, and that matters right now.