This was great even for being your opinion. I am finding it hard to keep up with all these apps and be repetitive with them all… It’s easier to just post one thing on one app rather than posting them on different apps and not get any traction. I hate math and algorithms aren’t for me!
Like many others have mentioned, Social media has always been mediocre in ways (for me). Never built a substantial following so axing Twitter when the dude brought it was easy, barely posted there anyways. Stopped posting to FB in November, axed it in January. Axed IG/Threads in February. Thanks for sharing, interesting read.
How has distancing yourself from Instagram changed the process of you booking clients? Did you get a lot of work via that platform or was it more of a de facto profile but that you landed most of your work elsewhere?
I have a day job and don't have to rely on photography for my main income, so it's hard to quantify. Most of the paid photography gigs I would get are local and through word of mouth, so I don't foresee that changing. If the time comes to make another magazine, that would probably be the most telling. I don't know if marketing something like that would be more difficult with fewer people seeing it, but I'm feeling more confident on the spaces I have moved to like this one and Bluesky that it might be about the same (More eyes see would see it on Instagram, but it's also a more diluted space and each view has less of an impact among so much other stuff). I definitely have friends that do most of their business through Instagram though, and for them a switch just isn't possible at the moment!
I have been contemplating an exit strategy as well, as these apps seem to pull me deeper into inaction and outright depression. Thank you for this thoughtful reflection of this mindless giant.
Brilliantly written, Chris! I’m hanging on to platforms I more and more despise because of some specific reasons (work related with Insta, neighborhood security group on FB), but it’s weighing on me more and more to take any part in them. One day soon I think I’ll follow suit though. Enough’s enough.
Thank you Cato! I get for many, fully porting over their business and contacts isn’t possible right now (I have the luxury of a 9-5 that pays the bills, so I don’t have to depend on photography alone). My hope is that people at least start building ways out!
Yeah, making a living as a freelancer can make it more complicated for sure but, like you say, it starts with awareness and smaller steps. I’ve largely been able to deprioritize these apps and only check in for very specific reasons. It’s a start.
My son immediately told me to leave Substack after I made my first post last week (Not-zee problem). He's offering to help me self-host Ghost. Does Substack still meet your standard?
I'm on IG, mostly because distant friends can see my images there.
I honestly couldn’t tell if the Substack problem was fully resolved, but there doesn’t seem to be a blatant problem at the moment (unless someone can point it out.) I have considered a move to Beehiv at some point, but luckily that seems to be a pretty easy migration. I don’t think I’d miss the Notes feature
Thanks Janice, I'm glad it's helpful! Even with a month of planning my exit, it's still tough. I'm sure there are things I'll miss, but I'll keep rebuilding as many connections as I can from follow lists and message archives and such!
This was so interesting Chris - not to mention how cool are your photos???? - I have saved a couple of the links you suggest at the end. Wishing you all the best in your new journey sans IG! 👏🏻
Leaving the ‘meta finger treadmill’ is one of several great meta-phores in this article. Some great photos as well.. see you on Bluesky
This was great even for being your opinion. I am finding it hard to keep up with all these apps and be repetitive with them all… It’s easier to just post one thing on one app rather than posting them on different apps and not get any traction. I hate math and algorithms aren’t for me!
Thanks Pete! It truly is all too much to handle
Like many others have mentioned, Social media has always been mediocre in ways (for me). Never built a substantial following so axing Twitter when the dude brought it was easy, barely posted there anyways. Stopped posting to FB in November, axed it in January. Axed IG/Threads in February. Thanks for sharing, interesting read.
Cheers!
Thanks! Good to hear that other people are having this realization in the past few years.
How has distancing yourself from Instagram changed the process of you booking clients? Did you get a lot of work via that platform or was it more of a de facto profile but that you landed most of your work elsewhere?
I have a day job and don't have to rely on photography for my main income, so it's hard to quantify. Most of the paid photography gigs I would get are local and through word of mouth, so I don't foresee that changing. If the time comes to make another magazine, that would probably be the most telling. I don't know if marketing something like that would be more difficult with fewer people seeing it, but I'm feeling more confident on the spaces I have moved to like this one and Bluesky that it might be about the same (More eyes see would see it on Instagram, but it's also a more diluted space and each view has less of an impact among so much other stuff). I definitely have friends that do most of their business through Instagram though, and for them a switch just isn't possible at the moment!
I have been contemplating an exit strategy as well, as these apps seem to pull me deeper into inaction and outright depression. Thank you for this thoughtful reflection of this mindless giant.
Thanks Angel! It certainly is a behemoth of bad vibes lately
Great post, expresses my own thoughts, too. I am also on my way out the Instagram door. Have set up on the new Foto app & liking what I see so far.
Same here! It’s quite promising
Yep. Am extricating myself from Meta and looking for alternatives. Substack and Foto mainly. I enjoyed your writing very much.
Thanks Jon! Good luck making the switch!
Brilliantly written, Chris! I’m hanging on to platforms I more and more despise because of some specific reasons (work related with Insta, neighborhood security group on FB), but it’s weighing on me more and more to take any part in them. One day soon I think I’ll follow suit though. Enough’s enough.
Thank you Cato! I get for many, fully porting over their business and contacts isn’t possible right now (I have the luxury of a 9-5 that pays the bills, so I don’t have to depend on photography alone). My hope is that people at least start building ways out!
Yeah, making a living as a freelancer can make it more complicated for sure but, like you say, it starts with awareness and smaller steps. I’ve largely been able to deprioritize these apps and only check in for very specific reasons. It’s a start.
My son immediately told me to leave Substack after I made my first post last week (Not-zee problem). He's offering to help me self-host Ghost. Does Substack still meet your standard?
I'm on IG, mostly because distant friends can see my images there.
I honestly couldn’t tell if the Substack problem was fully resolved, but there doesn’t seem to be a blatant problem at the moment (unless someone can point it out.) I have considered a move to Beehiv at some point, but luckily that seems to be a pretty easy migration. I don’t think I’d miss the Notes feature
Thanks for sharing this, I'm still "on" instagram but aren't particularly active. mostly there for friends and family.
That list of things to do at the end is helpful
Thanks Janice, I'm glad it's helpful! Even with a month of planning my exit, it's still tough. I'm sure there are things I'll miss, but I'll keep rebuilding as many connections as I can from follow lists and message archives and such!
This was so interesting Chris - not to mention how cool are your photos???? - I have saved a couple of the links you suggest at the end. Wishing you all the best in your new journey sans IG! 👏🏻
Thank you Cynthia, you too!
…rock and roll…
terrific article and photos Chris. so well written.
Thank you Zoe!!
Here for all of this. Great, balanced perspective on this subject and including a track from the best Modest Mouse album as well? Perfect. Cheers.
Thank you! That album has been on heavy rotation this week :)