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Nahh don't worry I don't think you qualify as "content creator", even if you create code that could be thought of as "content" or to be honest even if you're a

by smcl 4y ago

Nahh don't worry I don't think you qualify as "content creator", even if you create code that could be thought of as "content" or to be honest even if you're a streamer who live-codes or something.To me what this usually refers to is video produced by "influencers" (or wannabe influencers), produced to a schedule purely to drive clicks and engagement. (edit: originally I tried to work in a fast-food metaphor here, but it did not land at all) I wonder if you're like me at all - I kinda recoil when I encounter these people talking about creating "content" or selling "product". Just sounds like people are creating slop for their hogs to consume.

jstarfish 4y ago
> Just sounds like people are creating slop for their hogs to consume. I've always been put off by the concept of Facebook's "feed" [trough], but my wife pointed out that the whole "influencer"/"follower" dichotomy mirrors the power dynamics and verbiage of a cult.
bena 4y ago
I think because the term "content" has become a little nebulous. As programmers, we are content creators, we are creating content. Programs are content. But it's a specific type of content. Actors, directors, writers, singers, songwriters, butchers, bakers, and event the candlestick makers. But they all create specific types of content. Due to the ubiquitousness of recording equipment, the availability of publishing platforms, and the ability to transmit globally, the future where everyone will get their 15 minutes of fame is here. But it's really hard to pin down what kind of content is being created. Pretend I am a "content creator". I took a picture of my lunch. But it's not serious enough to be "photography". The picture isn't designed to be high art. It's ephemeral. It's taken to demonstrate that I am having this for lunch. And while I may take pains to shoot it well, there are limits. The goal isn't to say anything about the food or society at large. The burger is just a burger. But it's got to go up. The feed must be fed. Gotta keep up engagement. So what the fuck did I just create? "Content". The persona of my social media is the goal of the content creation. I am essentially selling you a parasocial relationship with me. Come hang out on my feeds. Watch me live my life, engage with my posts as you would a friend. That's the disconnect you're feeling. You're not buying into the parasocial relationship these people are trying to foster.
ask_b123 4y ago
https://www.gnu.org/philosophy/words-to-avoid.en.html#Content https://www.gnu.org/philosophy/words-to-avoid.en.html#Conten...

by smcl 4y ago

jstarfish 4y ago

> Just sounds like people are creating slop for their hogs to consume. I've always been put off by the concept of Facebook's "feed" [trough], but my wife pointed out that the whole "influencer"/"follower" dichotomy mirrors the power dynamics and verbiage of a cult.

bena 4y ago

I think because the term "content" has become a little nebulous. As programmers, we are content creators, we are creating content. Programs are content. But it's a specific type of content. Actors, directors, writers, singers, songwriters, butchers, bakers, and event the candlestick makers. But they all create specific types of content. Due to the ubiquitousness of recording equipment, the availability of publishing platforms, and the ability to transmit globally, the future where everyone will get their 15 minutes of fame is here. But it's really hard to pin down what kind of content is being created. Pretend I am a "content creator". I took a picture of my lunch. But it's not serious enough to be "photography". The picture isn't designed to be high art. It's ephemeral. It's taken to demonstrate that I am having this for lunch. And while I may take pains to shoot it well, there are limits. The goal isn't to say anything about the food or society at large. The burger is just a burger. But it's got to go up. The feed must be fed. Gotta keep up engagement. So what the fuck did I just create? "Content". The persona of my social media is the goal of the content creation. I am essentially selling you a parasocial relationship with me. Come hang out on my feeds. Watch me live my life, engage with my posts as you would a friend. That's the disconnect you're feeling. You're not buying into the parasocial relationship these people are trying to foster.

ask_b123 4y ago

https://www.gnu.org/philosophy/words-to-avoid.en.html#Content https://www.gnu.org/philosophy/words-to-avoid.en.html#Conten...