Death of the Follower & the Future of Creativity on the Web

The internet is going through a shift. There used to be a thing called a “follower.” It allowed publishers, creators, and anyone online to build a community around their work. But this piece of foundational architecture for human creativity and communication - the “follow” - has been threatened. In this talk, I put this internet-wide shift in historical context from the perspective of a creator, outline where the web will go in the future, and offer thoughts on what to do about it all as a modern creator on the internet.

[@adavidstroud]

14:50 joy ... 17:30 sadness ... 20:50 despair ... 23:30 hope ... 36:12 yearning ... 37:40 questioning ... 39:00 following (and soul-searching). Man, that was a rollercoaster. Thank you Jack.

[@madhvishukla4332]

Thank you 🙏

[@TJ-bx5px]

😆👏

[@LinkBuildingServicex]

White people problems are hilarious 😅

[@arcopolarisambient]

I'm 74 years old and well remember the early days of the Internet. All you have said resonates and, as an introvert and creative person, scares the sh!t out of me. But in a good way. In the short time I have left on Earth, you have given this old man hope for the future. Onca again, thank you.

[@fang_uk]

Create for [and in] the NOW. Let others appraise one’s work later! 🫂

[@DanoInOrlando]

Young a great man! My mother is your age. Life is such the journey right? Have a great day

[@Leto2ndAtreides]

Even chance life extention is available in 20 years. Just gotta live well until then.

[@tomyocom5886]

Your voice has fire in it. I think you have plenty. of time and energy to get er done.

[@David-hc4xh]

Totally agree, some of us remember what it was like before ‘the algorithm’. The best thing to do is to stay true to your creative vision, if you don’t get views or engagement initially, don’t worry, but stick with it and eventually ‘true followers’ will come and it’s also important to treat them as such too.

[@Langfocus]

It's totally true, the ranking algorithms have really reduced the importance of someone following/subscribing. I run into fans on the street who ask why I stopped making video, because they haven't seen one (or should I say, *haven't been shown one*) in months or years. The converse of that is that you can use those algorithms to reach a far larger audience than your subscriber base, BUT that likely requires you to be inauthentic (ie. sell out). The bottom line is, anyone relying on ad revenue for their income has to think about engagement as much as creativity.

[@pmaestro]

yup - back to Bookmarking - my bookmarks tabs and folders have exploded in the past couple years, but it's WAY better. i'm thinking the next step is RSS feeds to track updates.

[@zeeyannosse]

WhhhOoOooOoooo… thank you !

[@apollosmartyn]

This Great 👍

[@coinopanimator]

Comments are also starting to be sorted and ranked.

[@trajectoryunown]

Currently, we have an internet culture that discourages browsing. In the ancient digital era, there were A LOT of personal websites that were customized, often to often tacky effect. People would search, browse, and discover new things all of the time. Now we've got standardized accounts on a handful of platforms that have little to no customization at all. People are now given a feed of information, in service of the platform rather than to the account holders. The internet has been homogenized. We need a way to break that. RSS feeds are great, but they aren't nearly as accessible as the subscribe buttons on websites. I would absolutely love a way to follow creators cross-platform and have a way to donate directly to them, to be able to have a personalized news feed comprised of legitimate journalism and not mass media infotainment, to be able to have a constantly updated feed composed exclusively of things I've personally selected for my collection while having the _options_ to receive customized recommendations, browse by automatically generated or user-generated tags and/or metadata, or just to browse aimlessly through a random sea of new content updated in real-time. I'm tired of being boxed in and fed up with censorship.

[@tycox9364]

Didn't mean to watch all of this. But it happened 😂

[@hussainbhavnagarwala2596]

same thing happened to me :D

[@dhbe]

Same.

[@anitawhale1013]

Saw your comment decided to wait a minute and now am 29 mins in 😭😭

[@artofembodied]

Lol same

[@josuemartinez9688]

Same here xd

[@justjulief]

Jack, I don’t know you! But I do… I have been following you, pomplamoose and your other music ventures for quite some time now. I’m probably your mom’s age… but I am someone who has loved and lived for music my entire life. I also photograph things… people. So I consider myself a creative. Your video moved me to tears. You have summed this up brilliantly and I applaud you. I walked by you and Nataly at Bartavelle a few weeks ago, you were having coffee at that outside table in the corner next to the bike shop. I wanted to walk up to you and thank you for all you’ve done, all you’ve given, well, all of us. You’ve made a way in this online Wild West for others to make their passion into their livelihood and that is no small feat. You are incredible!

[@JackConteExtras]

Wow. This is so kind. Thank you - I can’t tell you how much this means to me. Next time you see me, SAY HELLO!! Nat and I don’t mind at all. Thank you again for the kind words - made my day!!

[@Rays_Bad_Decisions]

​@@JackConteExtrascool story up until the Patreon part. Patreon has been used to censor the WokeNazis political opponents

[@samtabby3373]

​@@JackConteExtras For 'Super Fans' you really mean 'cash cows' don't you. You gave an excellent marketing talk there for Patreon - pity you weren't upfront to your viewers about the game you were playing.

[@grantsutton8727]

@@samtabby3373 yes money

[@josuemartinez9688]

​@@samtabby3373 you need a hug

[@andykordsmeier]

I don't consider myself a "creator" but this resonates with me so much. What a brilliant summation of the last few decades. Thank you.

[@Sam-me5pl]

we have one life, why not try creating some stuff if you have down time? whatever comes to mind is your thing, for me, I picked up music later in life and the joy it's brought me it priceless, just a suggestion from the heart I'm sure u got probably too much goin on to add more to your plate, but 15 mins per day can do magic over a decade

[@edwin-1348]

This is one of the best talks I've ever seen. Such beautiful story-telling!

[@Chris_Faraday]

H has a genius team but it's raw wild energy and authenticity that glues you to the story

[@mariaorsic9763]

Totally agree! He just did to me exactly what he said his dream is; to affect someone forever. My life just changed!

[@TAMALnTRIP]

You can't imagine how deeply this video touched me. Being a 39 yr old (same age as yours I believe), a middle aged artist , I can relate to each and every point you've made. And as you finished this video, I couldn't help but tears are rolling down my eyes... Love you brother ! This is truly inspiring

[@TheGnarlyGnome]

I’ve been on a long rollercoaster as a creative. Trying to figure my place out in this world, to find ways to make it world, provide for a family, and to keep growing. I can’t even begin to tell you how inspiring this was and how much it hits at the right time for me. Thank you!

[@apollosmartyn]

I agree 💯

[@rubensolene]

😊😊p😊0😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊

[@yanuarabednego6761]

Well put, same here!

[@devernepersonal3636]

No one has ever spoken of the progression of the internet. i appreciated this. i was born in 1993. I watched Google be born, youtube be born, facebook be born. i saw it all come alive. and i am watching it fall. i remember in the early 2000s, all the comments were positive. by the 2010s, people hated each other in the comments. and quite often i dont get notifications for posts from anyone i subscribe to. i am honestly certain that there are people i dont even know that i follow anymore because there stuff never shows up. I am glad that you see hope.

[@gourdbox]

1993 my generation was in junior high and high school, we were building the web after school with pure, basic html. Only a few years later JavaScript came and began allowing more complex interactions- the changes were very clunky back then but swift. Having played around on the internet in the 80’s, 90’s, til now- no one should get used to any of it. It’s all ephemeral and we could lose it tomorrow. Especially this current crap- it’s creating a tottering tower of junk and misinformation which feels like it’s going to crash down our society itself.

[@Alkatross]

Do you remember dhtml? ​@@gourdbox it has always been terrible and nothing ever gets better.

[@DarthMadV]

Yes. I’ve noticed the internet shift towards payola and in-groups. Anyone can be successful on social media if they’re making content and willing to pay up. Same goes for those who have connections to the right people who work at these sites. They can make your videos pop up on more home pages. I miss the old KZbin when the home page showed what was popular around the world… oh and the awards system where it would tell you your stats like you’d get stars on your profile saying you were the most viewed person in Australia for today or whatever

[@GRUBB-MUDD]

Yeah you never comment on my videos anymore 😂😂😂 jk. Shorts king

[@ithurtsbecauseitstrue]

did you watch the Democrats collude with Twitter and Facebook to censor news and ban speech and purge conservatives. And Patreon kick Conservatives ofd their platform for activity and words expressed off the platform???? I watched that. Never forget

[@atomoyoga]

He wouldn't have appreciate what he has now without all those hours touring, hand crafting, waiting... Let's not forget about the way difficulties teaches us to be taught, to be resilient, to be strong, to be humble ! Congratulations for your success and I wish th best to everyone else 🎉

[@spektrograf]

This. This is how humanity-creators and fans-keeps the AI wave from consuming us. This is how music and art stays alive because its through music and art that we stay connected-soul to soul. Been a Pomplamoose fan for years! Thank you for a jolt of inspiration and hope for tomorrow! 🙏

[@MikeAndDawnGineseMusic]

Exactly! People want to “feel” & be “inspired”. ✨💜🎵 D

[@sub-jec-tiv]

AI is not the problem, friends. Other human beings not valuing human creative effort, *that* is the real problem. Ask any person loudly proclaiming we should be supporting human artists, ask them how much $ they’ve spent supporting a human artist this year. You’ll probably get silence. The problem is that nobody cares to pay creatives. Everyone likes the idea, but as we saw with Napster/Spotify, nobody wants to pay for it. That’s the real problem. I’m a visual artist who’s been painting for 30 years. Trained an AI model on my own work… now i’m doing collaborative works with myself, where i re-arrange bits and pieces i’ve generated from my own style, then paint a new painting inspired by the collage i made. And it has soul and character because it’s all me. I’ve never used AI to steal someone else’s style, i use it to help me push into new areas i wouldn’t have discovered by myself, just starting from a blank canvas. It’s been simply amazing. The potential of this technology is insane. Just wait, you’ll see what real artists will do with it in the next 25 years. Technology is simply a tool. Do you get mad at hammers because they could be used to harm people? Boomers in the 90s told me I wasn’t a real artist because I used Photoshop to sketch ideas. Even though i was a painter, painting physical paintings. In 20 years, young people will be making incredible art and music, and they’ll think it’s crazy that anyone was mad about this.

[@sub-jec-tiv]

Ask any person who proclaims that we should support human artists, how much money they have personally paid to support a human artist this year. That is the real problem, in my opinion. Like Spotify vs Bandcamp, it’s clear most people simply don’t want to pay creatives. You don’t get mad at hammers because they can be used to harm others, right? Let’s put the responsibility where it belongs, on the human beings, none of whom are that interested in paying creatives for their work. That’s my take, anyway. 🫶 Stay unique, be you, make great stuff! 🥰

[@delydreamer]

It's the first time I've seen someone not just uploaded a recording of a speech, but also edit it so cool. This greatly strengthened his dramaturgy and direction of the speech.

[@Langfocus]

Yeah, it's actually pretty easy because you have the slides that appear in the presentation, so you can edit the original full-screen slides into the presentation footage. But most people don't bother.

[@pablo-zn1mg]

always gotta love the dramaturgy

[@frankybebop2913]

Watch time matters

[@ChristopherGronlund]

Thanks sooooooo much for the Free Membership tier. Most patrons on my Patreon are paid, but the free membership has put me in touch with more people -- and right now, that's what I care about most. I have a tiny following, but with that contact to more serious fans, I've seen my monthly listens to my fiction podcast reach what I used to see in a year. It feels a bit like the 90s, when I self-published comic books and chatted with people online. While the size of a following is relative, it's become bigger and...is even more fun. So -- again -- thanks! 😀

[@llittle_jasmine3674]

40:04 On the radio today, i was listening to an interview with a woman who wrote Prince’s memoir and they discussed how right before the end of his life, he wrote in his journal about his realization of his impact being woven into the identity of america. his art was very personal which others can deeply relate towards. youtube used to have that touch before it became algorithm focused. thank you for posting this ❤ it is reassuring to know there are people talking about it

[@apoch4092]

I am 52 years old and have been with the internet since the 80's and I miss those days of wonder when I was learning simple basic instead of being in the streets. You brought that up my friend. Plus your the first person in all this time to tell me passionately what exactly is Patreon, and I get it now thank you as I watch this at my desk!

[@Langfocus]

In case you read this, Jack, I appreciate Patreon for what it has allowed me to do, but I really think it's lacking a way to view all posted videos on one page, like a Facebook's page's video tab, or like a channel page on KZbin. If I post a bonus video, fans might sign up to see it, but then they have to scroll back through tons of posts to find it. If we could make pages of videos with their thumbnails, fans would easily be able to browse and find what they're looking for. As it stands, what they see is just a feed which isn't very browsable. That's just feedback. I've been on Patreon since 2016 and am very grateful.

[@kchannel9464]

Agreed

[@ubuynow]

Yea I can't stand the way patreon does videos. I stopped using it at the detriment of missing awesome content

[@SoopaCoopa]

This video should have millions of views.

[@dirkvaneck1188]

This resonates so deeply to my route(s) and my experience in life. This is an artist speaking, not just a CEO or business man. Thanks for this refreshing viewpoint. I hoped that with all the technical developments, twists and turns, decision making and things that are becoming artificial and more alike, a counter voice would stand up, an opposite sound, so to speak. This is not the shift of the internet, this is a shift of how things are in need to be put back to the core of what it means to be human beings making stuff for other human beings, to feel what it is, to not being "scammed or betrayed" in your trust or pushed in a corner without even knowing why you were ending there in the first place. There is a whole generation not knowing what it is to mess around with tape decks, repair and frustrating moments and hanging microphones with duct tapes and bedsheets and empty egg boxes on the wall. Or experiment with paints, surfaces, thinner and different brushes. The art of discovery. Reaching people was not even a goal back then. You were making the best you could and ... enough said I think. Early KZbin was the bomb! Quality is what sticks in this YT video. This is the sound I needed to hear. Thanks. It gives me hope. 😄

[@ultratone]

Jack has been one of my favorite people ever since I first saw that video for "Yeah Yeah Yeah" all those years ago, and I have listened to his music in all it's forms, from from Jack to Pomplamoose to Scary Pockets. I've watched many episodes of dead wax (professional musicians react). And always, ALWAYS... I get him. I'm that same kind of person who gets way too excited about that new amazing song I just heard, and wants to talk about the bass part, or that genius bridge, or those climactic harmonies. I'm the person in the crowd who bobs their head more than the other people and can't help but sing along at the top of my lungs. I get super emotional about my favorite songs, whether they're my own or from my countless favorite artists. But what I really like about Jack is that I want someone like me thinking about these kind of things... helping the future for artists. Thanks Jack. Keep creating and keep helping creators. I for one very much appreciate you.

[@sub-jec-tiv]

Patreon is so important! 🥰

[@MatthewEncina]

I truly enjoyed this talk. Thanks for taking us through the history of the internet and our place in it. You definitely touched on a lot of thought-worthy points. Thanks!

[@chasingwind114]

Your perspective and laying out the history like this explain everything. As I'm 'late to the party' as a creator and also with a small business, this gives me a new hope and direction for how to create and engage in meaningful ways with compounding not diminishing returns. Even more importantly, this is moving to a place of healthy engagement with technology, where I feel that my creativity is benefiting people not leeching from them. Thank you for sharing your journey and taking hold of the future for better!

[@dwbattag5847]

This is a great talk. It would be a very special message to especially music and art graduates. Very spontaneous on! This is a message coming from an 83 yo who has seen thousands of graduates walk across the stage so hopeful, but destined for the dust bin of history. I recently discovered your channels and seek out every creativity you and Natalie and newbies have created. Being a frustrated former pro musician that took another direction in life to make money , you have brought me back to music. For that I am eternally grateful! Thank you.!,,❤ ,

[@JoseARubio]

Absolutely stunning, I couldn’t feel more connected and identidad with your message

[@TristanSharman]

This was an incredible talk and the visuals and music put to it really pulled me in. Your wisdom on the web and how creatives can exist on it is incredible, thanks for sharing it and acting on it through all the things you do! Love from the UK!

[@fernansd]

Great talk! I've been thinking similar things for some time now. It's weird how much we use this platforms to communicate, yet most of this communication is within what creators think the algorithm allows. It makes the unique people that are so much fun to watch/read/etc..., harder to discover. Hope things change for the better. Love seeing someone spreading word and trying to fix it!

[@zacharyhooley]

THIS ☝🏼 would resonate with every creator to the core, if only the KZbin algorithm would rank it to get the views it deserves. Love your passion for human connection and community Jack! 🏆

[@kenneth1767]

It's working on it. Entering my feed is testimony to that.

[@jkdubb]

I need a Jack Conte alarm clock. What a shot of motivation. Thanks for understanding what’s important and remembering what community should be. Patreon is creating social capital and that is what we need right now. 😊

[@KansaiSprockets]

Outstanding talk. Thank you, Jack. It's become a borderline chore finding talented creators over the last 3 years. I've never felt more braindead viewing social media than I have during this time. A huge undertaking to turn this around, and I wish its immediate success!

[@Controllerhead]

I'm blown away, what an incredible life you've lived and what a wonderful company and service you provide to creative people. Thanks for sharing this!

[@megaomega46]

This made me cry at the end. Wow. Thank you for this,. It is so inspiring to hear this message at a time when things look so bleak for creators.

[@wendellkmusic]

Jack, thanks for this gift of context and helping frame the experience we're all having on this crazy internet journey. I'm a creator (even have a Patreon page), and I'm really grateful to feel less alone in the experience just from watching this video. Thank you for taking the time to say what you have to say and say it well.

[@MatthewTurney]

I am commenting to bump this in the algorithm. It is a one of the most inspiring pieces on the media landscape and evolution of the internet that I have ever scene. Thank you and keep the dream alive!

[@ChelseaMonetOfficial]

❤

[@kenttimothy]

Good talk Jack, appreciate the honesty and passion you put in to this talk, a lot of genuine points that came from your heart and also what made Patreon work in the first place. Hope to see you make what you love to make in years to come :)

[@flipvandevoort]

This is edited so incredibly well! The sound design... just wow! The most engaging video of a talk I've ever seen.

[@jwmedia1623]

I didnt actually think I would watch all of this. I scrolled through the comments and they convinced me and Im very glad I did. I'm just at the start (I have 0 followers on both my insta and tiktok, 0 posts as well so not surprising), I love doing the creative stuff. But I fully dislike having to use social media, especially with what its turned into more recently where all you do is having to chase the algorithm. However, I really like engaging with people and talking with people that you have a connection to, I use discord a lot. This video made me feel more optimistic about where things are heading, and I will utilize what you said, view the socials as a way to get exposure and then have the true, real fans on another platform where you can engage with them closer. I'm not really sure what I've even written here, but in short I just wanted to say THANK YOU for this talk.

[@christianwmeyer]

Thank you, Jack, incredible speech 🙏. It came in the right time and changed my way seeing the future of content creation.

[@geoGELLER]

jack, as a social-sculpture, dreamer, puzzler, inventor, documentary and Myth-U-Mentary filmmaker who suffers from curiosityitis and an early adopter of patreon, - in full disclosure i use to get excited watching you be excited and that's what originally caught my attention when i first stumbled Pomplamoose, back in the day and years before Patreon - i liked the music and your and Natalie relationship as a couple and your and her relationshiip to music and how you followed the sound when editing too, - but for me the adventure was watching you,, and your mind work like a little kid in a playground, as you're discovering the pieces of the puzzle - your SxSW talk about the future of the "web" it reminded me of my SxSW 2011 talk on the future of the web as a social -sculpture. but that's another story - i agree about being true to your dreams and do meaningful things - fyi, i make documentaries and Myth-U-Mentaries for people who aren't born yet, but that's another story - I loved when you said, back in the day, about starting Patreon because you needed it and wanted to see it for yourself and musicians and beyond - your SxSw talk was right on about many things but especially, the true fans and building community too, and it tickled my imagination as you have done over the years - thank you - the art of living is making your life an art

[@its.justhenry]

Thank you so much for this Jack. I am beyond inspired by your message and genuine passion in helping creators like myself continue to grow in this ever evolving industry. God bless you!

[@PatrickHoodDaniel]

This is one of the most inspiring videos I have see in a very long time. I remember the times my videos had reach and massing consuming back around 2010. I know my content is desirable by a certain segment because I receive praise, but new video just don't get the attention, maybe because most of my subscribers have forgotten about me, or KZbin is not serving my videos to my subscribers well enough. I have been trying to determine a better way and I think Patreon may be that platform. I will be focusing more on Patreon from now on, so my time can be better utilized for the fans that really care.

[@SLURMSone]

This is incredibly powerful. Congratulations man, thanks for the inspiration.

[@mubikishore]

I’m watching this video again for the additional animations and editing! Beautiful :)

[@jayzefilms]

Jack, you have no idea what you did here. This planted a seed in most creators that are in search for purpose and meaning, and one day you'll see the whole forest you've created. Thank you.

[@Ashwanithapa]

true

[@dustinbonivert]

Of course he knows, you have no idea

[@meowJACK]

​@@dustinbonivertof course he knows. You have no idea.

[@antizh]

@@meowJACK of course he knows. You have no idea.

[@ckjaytheactual]

Ngl, the editing on this video is so fye 🔥. Didn't think I'd watch til the end but here we are 😂

[@AL_iVe_now]

👍Absolutely brilliant, Jack! I was applauding you for half a minute in my room at home. You put into these super dense 42 minutes what I feel building up inside since months. Thank you!

[@OfLoveInRomance]

I appreciate your passion. To be completely real as purist type of artist at my core it has been hard to navigate in this algorithmic based world. Thanks for fighting for the true artists. Truly appreciate it.

[@lisavigour]

I wish I could have started my video journey a lot earlier than where I'm at now. Like most creators I never really knew what I wanted to do until a year ago. However, I'm so glad to have come across this as it's given me a new found hope. It's never too late. Thank you so much. I love the passion and drive in this presentation and will definitely be checking patreon out.

[@deadmessengers]

I appreciate this. I can assure you that you have achieved your stated goal as an artist with this video. I needed to hear this while I'm deeply mired in my creative process trying to make something I'm proud of finally.

[@Enn-]

Thank you Jack. May your goals and dreams echo into the future, changing lives for the better.

[@noodlecatstudio7365]

I'm one of your superfans, have been since the start of Pomplamoose. This is an amazing video and analysis. Felt like I was watching something historical.

[@tedsmith_photography]

Well that's the most inspiring and uplifting thing I've seen in a long time. What a guy. What an inspirational leader. Spoken from the heart, with amazing back stories that many of us can relate to. For the longest time I keep saying "I don't care about XYZ - I just want to do what I do, but I need people to see it". Salute that man.

[@TylerSchnabelOnline]

Jack - I’ve been following you since the dawn of KZbin and am always so impressed at how you keep reinventing yourself as an artist to keep up with all the changing technology. This presentation was so well put together and was exactly what I needed to hear at this phase in my career as an artist, so thank you for putting in the time and work and sharing this message with us all. Always a ‘true fan!’ Cheers mate.

[@julian.kollataj]

I truly enjoyed listening to you, Jack (actually my dad’s name was Jack (well, Jacek, in Polish)! 🙂), bringing attention to history of the Internet’s, its developments, the present state, reminder of what’s worth truly valuing, intentions, hopefulness, and a future to look forward to that’s inspirational, meaningful, and rewarding! 🥳🙏🏻 I just signed up to Patreon to get a feel for it, so let’s see where it leads to, so thank you for sharing this!

[@TyrasPiano]

Why am I tearing up at 34:51? I didn't think this would be an inspiration video. Thank you for hearing the people and rooting for us. You've given me more hope in the crushing reality of trying to make a living as a creator 😌

[@Barsprojects]

Thank you, Jack. I realised how crazy it is that no one is telling us how this internet thing works, most of us are mindlessly following the big tech but don't feel we have much of a saying in what we get, I think what you are talking about it is giving our attention and resources towards those creators and companies that actually want us to engage, that sounds super awesome and also kind of logical?

[@Ashwanithapa]

IT IS GOING TO TAKE SOME TIME TO GET MY ANSWER BUT I WILL NEVER STOP ASKING, "WHAT DO I WANT"! ❣thank you for this.

[@GlenWMusic]

I've watched this video several times now. Didn't know I needed it. It's also perfect timing because I found it while writing my latest post for the Creative Writing Wizard, and this vibe is harmonious to what I've written.

[@Divineandfine]

Subscribed to your blog! Love it

[@hoppenbrauer17]

This is an AMAZING talk! I love the energy and passion that come out of it. Speaking about your experiences speaks louder than any communication theories. So inspiring!

[@LensOfRose]

I am thankful for the algorithm for introducing me to this video, which left me thinking "YES. THIS IS TRUE." Now I am starting the journey to become a true Jack fan. :) Thank you for this video. Thank you for doing what you are doing for creatives.

[@rebekasalgo-nemes8286]

I almost lost all hope. Now you gave it back. Thank you!

[@An-Elderly-Dude]

Been a fan of Jack's for 16 years now. He's done so well!

[@artofembodied]

INNNNCREDIBLE! Thank you! I didn’t know how much I needed to receive this whole story!

[@zanjmukenya]

Thank You so much for this. My journey on the internet has gone from being true to what I wanted, to almost completely loosing myself as a Creative and as a person because of how quick the internet changed over the past 5 years that made me many times change my style...this talk helps put my adhd mind to calm and have hope. Thank You ,this a more fulfilling future.

[@stillavenue]

Love you and Natalie Jack. Thank you for everything you've done for artists and fans! Cheers!

[@collective_shifts]

Such an amazing presentation and energy. This inspired so much hope in me. Let your words come true

[@Trillian4T2]

Whew! This was a whiplash of twists and turns-despairing, nostalgic, hopeful. Patreon is in excellent hands. I've never felt more like I wanted to be a part of it.

[@rmt3589]

That is very inspiring. Think I'm gonna work on the final script to wrap up the series that I was doing in 2021 today. Thank you.

[@vorwear]

As a little voice from Bangkok Thailand, I totally appreciated the onstage messages you shared and the awesome speech you delivered. I can resonate to that through 42 minutes of watching on KZbin. Also kudos to all musicians and crews of Pomplamoose and Scary Pockets for masterpieces posted on KZbin channel.🙏🏼

[@growwhereyouarefarm]

Great video. We have been a creator on Patreon for almost 10years. We are non land owning urban farmers. The financial support we have received over these years through Patreon has helped us pay our expenses, buy a new truck and continue to farm and train people. Thank you! We are truly grateful 💯

[@TrapPhoneLoveMelodiesss]

This is an absolutely beautiful talk my friend. Your passion and energy is infectious…

[@michaeljuliano8839]

I really, really like this. It imparts a surprising amount of hope in the face of a world growing steadily bleaker in the face of platforms exerting creative control just like TV networks, Hollywood, and record labels before them.

[@Asspirin101]

I remember stumbling on those music videos of yours on youtube when I was a teenager and I can't even remotely decribe how much they inspired me to not only continue playing and learning music but to also experiment, record and perform on my own back in the day. Almost went full music career path but ultimately decided that I want it to be a hobby but still made some living with it in my 20s. I was kinda sad when you stopped uploading but hey, it's been a good ride. And look where you at right now. Couldn't be more happy for you man, you are an awesome being full of creativity. Never stop.

[@jpipes]

What an AMAZING talk Jack!!! Bravo!!! 👏👏👏 These problems totally exist with modern content creation, and your talk just got me Jazzed up to make more content and shift with the times. I'm looking forward to the Updates to Patreon! 🎉🤩

[@sonderingemily]

What a fantastic video. I've been following Pomplamoose for years and now that I'm a creator, I love the work you do with Patreon!

[@TheGombo]

Thankyou. I’m touched by your emotion and passion. Authentic human connection! That’s why we keep doing what we do. Beautiful

[@EtcEtcEtcPodcast]

I truly appreciate this! I needed to hear it.

[@deanpowerart]

An outstanding insight, so much respect for the millions of creative risks and iterations that have brought you to this level of understanding and action to remedy this trend for the betterment of the creative community. ❤

[@ElPalomo]

Wow this talk was amazing! I shared this video with all my friends. A must watch for every creative entrepreneur

[@LaneCarter]

Once again, Jack has made another inspiring and beautiful presentation on creativity in the current age. Thank you.

[@ikreate4u]

I needed this talk. I have 2 Patreon channels for several years for different type of work that I have never figured out how to drive traffic to them. It was the equivalent of his performing in empty bars. The time and dedication to build those algorithmic channels made me feel irrelevant. I got lost in the platform soup and lost the drive and confidence to create for people. Things have now changed and I want to put my work in this world to be seen. His speech ending is my motivation. Round two, no three (or is it four?) begins now! Lol

[@bcceo6913]

What's your channels?

[@schlagzeugvideocoach]

Absolutely amazing video! Great job Jack, thanks for your insights and ideas. For me at the most right moment at my journey online that it could possibly be. And since I'm German I hope that sentence somehow made any sense! 😉 All the best for you and every single creator that stays true! Jochen

[@milikoshki]

This is so cool! I've often wanted to support creators and then found myself hesitating on their patreon page, mainly when I can't send a lump payment for one year- I avoid monthly subscriptions in general because it's very easy to lose track of how much you've signed up to pay per month, and unfortunately, I'm not at the point where I can subscribe to all my favorite creators with abandon. I end up picking and choosing based on who's "mission" I support the most/who has the fewest subs and patrons, where my impact as one subscriber is a lot bigger.

[@buityril5647]

Many thanks for sharing your brilliant ideas! Highly appreciated ❤

[@slscheiber]

First into to you and this was an amazing video. I don’t typically comment but felt so inspired and really feel this. I built my service business with inperson contact over the last 15 yrs and keep being told I need to be on social medial to have bigger reach. Connect with ppl Where they are looking…

[@JusticeConstantine]

Thank you Jack for this pep talk.

[@christophmagnussen]

I watched your talk when it came out during the SXSW conference @Jack and now again here 🙏 and what made me think was the reminder you came up about regarding superfans. I was thinking how this will transform in the future with niche content that will be partly generated by AI as a creator myself. I also love to watch your digital spaghetti channel and feel the pressure sometimes of doing it for all the other channels out there instead of going back to the core of what was important for me when I come up with an idea. So since the launch of KZbin and the journey you shared here, there is something coming up in the near future that will hold some challenges for us but I still think that the creator economy is at the very beginning and I hope that the new tools will help us to get more time back in creating.

[@punchpineapple]

It feels like not that long ago that I found Pomplamoose via My Terrible Friend. They'd done a cover of Kings of Leon's Holy Roller Novocaine and pretty soon I was watching all their videos. And then they were on a road trip to your place... and I've been listening to you ever since. When you're thinking about your following (and this looks different from one creator to another) it makes it easier to follow. Glad to keep following you.

[@rufinoacosta9289]

This is the video that i was waiting for ...i think art is part of us as humans and we cannot loose the North...thanks Jack for this inspirational video...see you on Patreon!

[@InfoprosNetwork]

I never heard of you before this video. Patreon, sure, but not you. I just want to say that you sir, get it. I'm moved by how well you get it and explain it to others hoping they'll get it, too. This December it will be 25 years since I first went online. What you have described here is important to share and I'm glad you have. Well done. I wish you all the best!

[@wendellkimbrough3947]

I love this so much, I would share it on social media but none of my followers will see it.

[@octasounds]

Super awesome talk. I'm in tears. Let's keep creating beautiful things, creative people!!!

[@MasonGodwin1]

I love how Jack always shouts out the "New Wave KZbinrs" like Natalie. Also, your closing message was perfect and just what I needed to hear, thank you!

[@reltcstone2]

This was a wonderful talk with a great thesis that i support. I'm glad he is in a position of power to help influence the internet.

[@madhvishukla4332]

Thank you sir, much needed video for all the creative people, very helpful and inspiring ❤🙏

[@SheilaMarrow]

MAN!!! This is an awesome, inspiring and motivational session! Thank you! 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@ExercisingIngenuity]

An amazing summary and inspiring talk! Thanks Jack!

[@RNeutro]

What an amazing speech!

[@bryananglin7158]

Why did this video bring me to tears?😢

[@callanrose]

thanks for always speaking up for creatives jack. means the world.

[@GuyFromGeorgia]

Great, creatively put together presentation, Jack. Boomer, here. I was definitely there experiencing your timeline. Thanks!

[@Granlabor]

Jack, thank you for making the shift so clear. I also experienced the 2010 disruption and it killed my creativity because I could not understand the algorithm (and its metamorphosis). At this moment I'm starting a new life project shifting from tech to spirituality and your talk helped me understand the current game. Thank you.