Struggling to find where I fit in.
I have been reflecting a lot on how to create content that both serves an audience and glorifies God and my family.
I don't think I will ever have a definitive answer that I can set and forget; this is something I will always be adjusting, testing, and questioning.
The main issue is this:
I am passionate about technology and enjoy discussing it.
And there is a large market for reviewing and talking about tech and how it can improve our lives, how well it is designed, etc.
However, I have noticed that the tech community is largely comprised of 20-somethings who strive to have the latest and greatest tech, and show it off in the most aesthetically pleasing way possible.
Their audience? Other 20-somethings who strive to have the latest and greatest tech, and show it off in the most aesthetically pleasing way possible.
It feels like one big flex industry with a massive man-made idol at the center.
As a minimalist, I am immediately set apart from many of these people because I don't want or need a lot of the newest, coolest tech.
I have a list of needs to accomplish various tasks in my professional and personal life, and I want to find the best, most all-in-one tools available to fulfill those needs.
Now, don't get me wrong, I am an artist at heart and an aesthetically pleasing workspace is important to me.
There is something beautiful in admiring the things we create as humans and the intersection between art and functional tools is really interesting.
However, I am struggling to find my place in this tech community and industry to create intentional content with grace and humility.
Here are some of my initial thoughts:
Create tech review videos for products that companies send me to review, review them, and talk about how great or terrible they are, then do a giveaway of that product to my audience. This tech might not be useful to me, but it may serve someone else's workflow better. And I get a chance to give back to you all.
Talk about tech from a minimalist and intentional viewpoint - how does this tool (or toy) fit into my priority list? Who does it serve?
Provide philosophical or theological reasons why certain tech is better than others.
Discuss and appreciate good design and functionality of tech but from a distance and always point back to the ultimate Creator and how He gave us the talents to make such things.
This is unrelated but true - I am finding less and less time to work on personal brand and this kind of content creation due to increased family and work duties. So, the next question is, how do I create this content with as little effort as possible yet still produce a quality product on a regular basis?
I am writing this newsletter spontaneously, just before sending it out. Like I said earlier, I am struggling to find the time to create outside of my 9-5 right now. But I always find it beneficial to jot down thoughts that have been in my head.
I always appreciate hearing your thoughts and ideas on these topics. You all have a great influence on the kinds of content I create.
Thank you for joining me as I continue to figure out what I am doing in this digital content creation world. I feel like we are forging a new path. Glad to have you along for the journey.
I can understand the dilemma ... of course, I'm 59 and not a 20-something. Some of the things they get all jazzed about are either beyond my capabilities (or interest to develop those capabilities) or seem meaningless to me. There are a lot of people doing what you do ... but this post reminds me that not many of them are doing it with the kind of thoughtfulness and intentionality that you are. That may or may not set you apart from the crowd ... but I think it's more important to be genuine than to be always waving your hands saying 'look at me'. I am with you.
Just your faith, in that space; you already recognize tech is insufficient for weightier soul stuff. Heard a message recently; we're in spaces unique to us by design, and we need to scatter seeds. Great post Spencer.