Care to Comment
E136: Earthday 2024; How to position our friends for success, WoP12
That’s not a question. It’s a statement. And a suggestion that you do the same. (Read time: 4 minutes)
Feed the Algorithm the Right Signals
I’ve been coding long enough to know that we have to position our fellow human friends for success.
Algorithms respond to human behaviour. They shouldn’t, however, determine it.
I Spread Hearts Freely
For instance, if a [Substack], LinkedIn or Instagram post garners significant attention within the first hour of publication, the “algorithm gods” strive to amplify its reach, potentially expanding its audience within YOUR circle and creating virality and stickiness on that platform. Comments on your post signify engagement, which boosts algorithmic results tenfold, leading to exponential growth in the radius of your reach.
Positioning others for success is paramount. This is especially crucial for emerging writers, such as first-time WoP12 contributors, who may pour their heart and vulnerability into their work, and hit publish only to be met with the sound of … crickets.
In response, I choose to support the voices that deserve amplification. I promptly like a post and, time permitting, add a comment. Even if a topic does not align with my interests I select an example of excellent writing that caught my attention and offer a reflection to continue the conversation the writer has started with me, the reader. Engagement.
The Attention Funnel
But this was not always me. So let me argue why you, too, should change.
For much of my adult life, I wished to separate my IRL from my digital footprint. I stayed invisible. No likes. No comments. I was wary of algorithms shaping my online experience based on my interactions. I didn’t want it to direct my behaviour. “That is the risk,” as I was forever advising my teens.
My workaround has been to flummox the system. You may have read about my avid interest in K-pop (E32: Sticky BTS algorithm funnel) and K-drama (E58: K-conomics); my on-again-off-again fling with crypto (E135: Longview on Crypto); and my foray into photography (E108: Spawning Salmon). Each started with a post I read and liked somewhere.
It is like browsing at a library. My social media algorithms struggle to predict my preferences or guide my interests! By engaging with a variety of topics, I'm exposed to ideas both within and beyond my usual scope. Space? Brazilian Jujitsu? Kefir?
So, spread your comments and likes liberally. It encourages and elevates voices around you and injects much-needed diversity into the algorithms powering AI and ChatGPT (E106: AI is the reason you should share your ideas). You might also stumble upon something new and fascinating.
Do something dirty
Reminder: Monday, April 22, 2024, marks EARTHDAY. It's time to step outside and embrace the beauty of spring in the northern hemisphere or the enchanting fall season if you find yourself in the southern parts of our globe.
Here are a few ways to connect with the Earth and make a meaningful impact:
Plant a seedling: Invest in the future by nurturing new life and contributing to the planet's greenery.
Play in the water: Whether it's a serene lake, a babbling brook, or the crashing waves of the ocean, immerse yourself in the revitalizing power of water.
Connect with the soil: Get your hands dirty and reconnect with the Earth's nourishing soil. Gardening, farming, or simply digging your hands into the earth can be incredibly grounding experiences.
Engage in climate conversations: Katherine Hayhoe, author of "Saving Us", reminds us that meaningful change begins with dialogue. Seek out inspiring voices and conversations that offer hope and tangible solutions for regeneration and recovery.
Follow inspirational accounts: Surround yourself with positive influences that showcase the possibilities for environmental renewal. Seek out individuals and organizations sharing stories of regenerative practices, local activism, and sustainable living.
Here are a few inspiring accounts to get you started:
Sam Knowlton ( @soilsymbiotics on Instagram): Explore regenerative soil practices and stunning visuals of river regreening efforts in India. (E37 Tribe Tilt member profile)
Act for Goa: Witness the power of local action and community mobilization in the fight for environmental protection.
Future Energy Oakville: Access practical tips and checklists for greening your home and daily commute.
The Daily Difference newsletter by The Carbon Almanac Network: Stay informed with insightful articles and updates on environmental issues.
Adam Tank ‘At Waters Edge’ newsletter: Dives into humorous and thought-provoking content on water conservation and climate solutions - green (OK, blue) job opportunities Oyster DJs & Water Sommeliers; climate-tec Water Roomba; and What if Water was Illegal
As we celebrate Earth Day, let's reflect on the challenges we face and embrace the opportunities for positive change. Let's inspire each other to make a difference. Care to share your favourite environmental initiatives and voices in the comments?
Thank you for being part of Tribe Tilt! And welcome if you have recently joined. We believe we can make a difference to the people and places so precious to us - that we have hope and agency within our own lives that ripples through to others.
Stay healthy. From there all else becomes possible. Treat your health as the precious resource it is.
Until next week,
Karena
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I often spend time thinking of a response, and never quite formulate or articulate what I want to say, or think it’s too boring of a comment or doesn’t add value, then I get distracted by the next thing, move on, and forget all about commenting at all. I was pulled away twice from even commenting on this post! But felt like I had to after your call to action lol.
I love that you are calling this out Karena. The art of commenting is a hidden gem that not enough people take advantage of. It lifts all boats as the saying goes. The writer is empowered by the visible presence of the reader, and the comment-leaver deepens their capacity to engage thoughtfully and usefully with others. When I started commenting as a practice I had no idea how much personal benefit it would provide. Turns out you can't be generous without helping yourself too! The ROI for the time it actually takes to jump in the comment section and engage is off the chart. I hope everyone uses your post as an opportunity to practice! : )