Update: This Week Marks One Year As An Independent Creator
The current state and what's next.
Wow, I can’t believe it. It’s been one year since I launched my personal audio blog. I’ve learned a lot within my first year and this week I wanted to spend some time reflecting on what I’ve learned but also look ahead.
This will be a little less structured and more word vomit. I’m writing this as I go so I apologize in advance for any formatting issues.
What I’ve Learned
By far the most important thing I’ve learned is that consistency is key but it’s not required. As an autistic creator, there were weeks where I simply just did not have the spoons to sit down and write. Did it hurt the first time I missed a week? Yeah, it hurt me a lot. But y’all kept coming back and I got tons of emails and social media posts telling me it’s okay.
It’s what motivates me to move forward. Whether you’re a free or paid subscriber, or if you just browse, I love you all the same. The fact that I can say this is my full-time job is pure insanity. Sure, before this I worked professionally in the journalism field for various online publications. But this is much different. I have no big publications with deep pockets that are paying me. I don’t have an editor or co-workers. I’m on my own. And that in and of itself taught me a lot. A one-person show is much harder than simply being just a writer. Everything is on my shoulders.
I’ve also had to learn that not every post will hit. There are some articles on here that I poured my heart and soul into that didn’t get much love. While others that I never thought would be that popular completely took off. For example, my Sonos Ace review is currently my most popular article to date. That’s wild to me as I was fairly negative in my review. But I guess people like my brutal honesty? I’ll take it. I’m autistic, I tell it how it is. I don’t like to sugarcoat.
But I’m glad. I am very thankful that y’all read my content and continue to come back to it. It’s been a blessing knowing that people not only care about my content but also enjoy it. Especially in the year 2024 when the bulk of internet culture has moved on to video content. I’m over here being old fashioned and doing everything in written form. It’s where I’m most comfortable.
What’s Next (Opinions Welcome)
More of what I’m already publishing, of course. I’ve found success in my react and review series, and my needs-to-be-more-often tech rants and deep dives. Going forward, I’d like to work with more brands to get my hands on the latest audio-related tech as well. I know those get a lot of love as well.
What can you expect this holiday season? Coming near the end of the year will be my favorite albums and songs released this year, along with the albums and songs I most listened to. I’ll also have a post out for my most listened to artists and ones I’ve discovered just this year. I did this last year for the first time and y’all seemed to really love it. Discovery is a two-way street. There are albums and artists I listen to privately that I don’t react to, and those may show up on that list.
Beyond writing, I’ve pondered the idea of either paid video content or maybe a podcast. Hell, maybe I’ll start streaming my album reactions live as I listen to them. I have many ideas, but I’m not sure which route I want to take just yet. And this is where you come in. I’d like to know. For my second year, I would love to expand and get content y’all are interested in. Let me know on my socials.
But formats aside, I’m more than happy to take suggestions regarding what albums you want a react and review to, and what other tech-related articles you’d like to see. The door is wide open.
Ultimately, I’m here to serve you. My main genres of music are pop and indie/alternative, but there’s a world of music beyond that I’d love to explore. As I’ve mentioned numerous times throughout my articles, I’m more than happy to react and review an album outside of my wheelhouse. I might not love it, but at least I gave it a shot.
Conclusion
It’s a short one this week, but I want to reiterate, I appreciate and love each and every one of you. Without you, I wouldn’t be here today. I’m forever grateful and thankful to call this my job. I never thought a year ago when I started doing this that I could say that. Without you, I’m just posting articles for myself.
It was a passion project. I was out of a job and was on the hunt. My wife had been pushing me to do this for years and I finally took the plunge. And I’m grateful that I finally did.
As a late diagnosed autistic, I’ve been struggling on the professional level for years. I knew what I wanted to do and how to get there, but I couldn’t quite keep up with others. I appreciate each and every employer and person I met and had the pleasure of working with along the way. But that was my reality.
I’ve said it before in past articles and across my socials, but I strongly believe that my autism diagnosis saved my life. I was having a rough time before that both on a personal and professional level. But a close second was this blog. Writing, music, and tech have always served as my special interests. In my day-to-day life, I don’t always have the space to share my interests. So having this blog gives me an outlet for the hundreds of you who come and read my weekly posts/newsletters. I will forever be thankful to you. Y’all keep the lights on and the bills paid.
But for real though, I’m looking for feedback on what to do next. I’m open to all ideas. There’s no such thing as a stupid idea, they’re all welcome. I’m currently working on another react and review article as you read this, and that’ll be ready to go next week. But beyond that, I would love to dip my toes into the unknown.
Once again I wanted to reiterate: I love each and every one of you. Whether you just subscribed last week, or you’ve been here since day one. I appreciate you all one and the same.