Monetized by the Media
Social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter used to be this online space to share with those who follow, and whoever else might find it. There weren’t suggested posts or sponsored videos. It felt like an honest place to be creative. Somewhere that anyone can publish their own content, and in turn discover others who are pursuing a similar outlet. It feels like now when we open the apps we are being taken straight into the most viral video, controversial topic, or whatever advertisement our algorithm wants us to see.
As creative people, we can still remember the days when sharing on Instagram felt inspiring and worthwhile. Some days it still does. But it can be hard nowadays to keep that motivation when the platform’s whole goal is to drive engagement to monetize. Not to engage for good. Can good also be monetized? We see creative people everyday creating for the platform with hopes of growing their following and to help establish their business. It seems to have turned this creative outlet into a sales floor. If we consider ourselves a creator, should the art we’re creating be hosted by anyone but the artists themselves? It affects the viewer too, if they realize it or not.
It’s understandable to invest time into a platform with the most reach that could help establish your craft, especially if that’s your way of earning bread. That’s probably why these social media platforms have turned into marketplaces after all. But should you put all your bread in one basket? One of the collective’s goals is to push the notion of creating on your own terms. Does the platform you publish on deserve to set the guidelines, the aspect ratio, word count? How about whose feed your post actually shows up on?
Comp Collective is an alternate space without that sense of being sold to or manipulated in some way. We’re hosting this website to share straight from artists in a way that feels cohesive and intentional. Not a disposable scrolling feed. We share stuff that sticks around in the archive. It’s about the story, the perspective, and the art form; not about ad campaigns or sponsored posts. Could advertisements be art?
Chase the algorithm if you want to chase. There’s nothing wrong with playing the game as long as you know what game you’re playing. The online realm is changing fast and it’s hard to tell if it’s for the better or not. Be wary about how the place you’re publishing on is affecting what you create and how you create it. And maybe, how that platform wants you to feel about it.
