I'm not done reading yet, but this line in particular really resonated. "Do I pursue a less conventional, slower, but more fulfilling writing approach in the name of being in alignment with my true talent, or do I put out something digestible every week and win myself a larger chunk of clicks?"
I have essentially zero readers here on substack, and I know that at least in part it's because I write longform, unsexy essays (but on topics, like immigration policy, that I truly believe in). Lately, I've been weighing whether I should play into the algorithm even a little bit more to gain readership, & your piece really affirmed my decision not to. Integrity to me is writing well-researched, longform essays to an audience of 0, because that is what aligns with my style as a writer & thinker. Thank you so much for validating that decision. I know it's just one line, but it meant a lot to me.
I love listening to your essays on my drive home - may I please request that you give us other voice options? I assume you haven’t considered it because it’s on the default voice (Oliver) and gurl I don’t wanna listen to a man read your words to me🫣 (IF THIS IS INTENTIONAL PLS IGNORE ME I THOUGHT I WOULD JUST TRY MY LUCK)
I've studied in an all-girl class in high school and I get it. I know what you mean and how hard it can be navigating a female work environment when sisterhood means nothing.
Have you listened to the song "everything to everyone" by everclear? This reminded me of that! I couldn't agree with you more Valerie. It's impossible to be everything to everyone, and if you're trying to do (rather than just being authentically the things you actually care about) then you're going to have to cut corners--and that's how you end up plagiarizing an entire essay. I wish people could just stick to the things they genuinely love, and do them deeply and sincerely. Thank you for writing this!
I always wondered how those who steal creative work feel good about themselves, knowing the source of what they're claiming is not legitimate. What is the thought process, or better yet, the self-comfort process of those set out to "trek" to the Mountain Everest Base Camp in a helicopter? They have the view, the gear and the bragging rights, but in their strive to reach the top as fast as possible, they've completely missed the mountain. And deep down, they know it.
Absolutely love your take on integrity, personal achievement and the need for validation. Fame, likes, followers, money, earned by sacrificing your values, self respect and dignity may still fulfill your material self but will leave your soul barren and hollow. One of my favorite reads for today, thanks for writing!! 🤍
“knowing you’re embodying your truth in ways that aren’t always brilliantly curated but are always in line with what you believe in” - my fav line from this stunning piece. i want to have integrity but sometimes fall short of that standard. this inspires me to do better, be more whole and true ❤️
Thank you for this!
I'm not done reading yet, but this line in particular really resonated. "Do I pursue a less conventional, slower, but more fulfilling writing approach in the name of being in alignment with my true talent, or do I put out something digestible every week and win myself a larger chunk of clicks?"
I have essentially zero readers here on substack, and I know that at least in part it's because I write longform, unsexy essays (but on topics, like immigration policy, that I truly believe in). Lately, I've been weighing whether I should play into the algorithm even a little bit more to gain readership, & your piece really affirmed my decision not to. Integrity to me is writing well-researched, longform essays to an audience of 0, because that is what aligns with my style as a writer & thinker. Thank you so much for validating that decision. I know it's just one line, but it meant a lot to me.
that’s exactly how i started hannah - i see a lot of myself in your dilemma <3 integrity over success, always!
integrity is the theme of my year!!! i truly think it sits at the core of happiness….beautiful words as always 🖤
beautiful word and so layered... i'm fascinated by it really. merci maja <3
Listen the piece is incredible as always but I do wanna double click on “head over heels” … 😇😘
anti intellectualism on the rise.. nobody cares about cultural commentary anymore… 🙄🙄
A must read.
thank you amal! 🩷
I love listening to your essays on my drive home - may I please request that you give us other voice options? I assume you haven’t considered it because it’s on the default voice (Oliver) and gurl I don’t wanna listen to a man read your words to me🫣 (IF THIS IS INTENTIONAL PLS IGNORE ME I THOUGHT I WOULD JUST TRY MY LUCK)
oh my, i have never considered this - will do! thank you so much for letting me know ❤️ i also don’t want a man reading my essays haha
Thank you!🤩
Obsessed with the sign off hahaha - such a brilliant piece!
nothing to say in my defense 😭 thank youuuu love
Instant subscribe from this article, it’s so well thought out.
Your sentiments are devastatingly hopeful, and I can completely agree that unfortunately it seems that integrity is going out of fashion.
thank you so much, Aleesha - made my morning ❣️
Thanks for making me feel sane.
🥹❤️
I love this
thank you! <3 <3
I loved this article. It made me think and reflect about myself and who I want to be as a woman. Thank you :))
thank you for reading!
I've studied in an all-girl class in high school and I get it. I know what you mean and how hard it can be navigating a female work environment when sisterhood means nothing.
genius girl thank you for this + please know I had a dream that you moved to London and we got coffee
love you i’m coming soon!!!
Have you listened to the song "everything to everyone" by everclear? This reminded me of that! I couldn't agree with you more Valerie. It's impossible to be everything to everyone, and if you're trying to do (rather than just being authentically the things you actually care about) then you're going to have to cut corners--and that's how you end up plagiarizing an entire essay. I wish people could just stick to the things they genuinely love, and do them deeply and sincerely. Thank you for writing this!
I always wondered how those who steal creative work feel good about themselves, knowing the source of what they're claiming is not legitimate. What is the thought process, or better yet, the self-comfort process of those set out to "trek" to the Mountain Everest Base Camp in a helicopter? They have the view, the gear and the bragging rights, but in their strive to reach the top as fast as possible, they've completely missed the mountain. And deep down, they know it.
Absolutely love your take on integrity, personal achievement and the need for validation. Fame, likes, followers, money, earned by sacrificing your values, self respect and dignity may still fulfill your material self but will leave your soul barren and hollow. One of my favorite reads for today, thanks for writing!! 🤍
“knowing you’re embodying your truth in ways that aren’t always brilliantly curated but are always in line with what you believe in” - my fav line from this stunning piece. i want to have integrity but sometimes fall short of that standard. this inspires me to do better, be more whole and true ❤️