
The Minimalists 444 | The Algorithm
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May 27, 2024 The Minimalists podcast features Jack Conte, Founder of Patreon, discussing the death of the follower, earning a living from creative work, and balancing revenue demands with the joy of creating. They explore ethical promotion, dream careers, audience engagement, and the importance of authenticity in creative pursuits.
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For-You Feeds Replace Followers
- The Internet shifted from follower-driven feeds to algorithmic "for you" curation, ending the era where followers guaranteed distribution.
- Jack Conte argues this change prioritizes platform curation over creator-audience relationships and reshapes creative incentives.
Algorithms Rewire Creative Intent
- Algorithms reward tricks that increase engagement, steering creators to craft content for reach rather than truth or joy.
- Jack Conte warns this rewires creators' minds and fuels burnout by replacing authentic expression with algorithmic formulas.
Favor Direct Platforms For True Fans
- Use Patreon and newsletters to build direct relationships rather than relying on noisy social feeds for distribution.
- Jack Conte notes Patreon supports community and business, while social platforms drive reach but can erode creative joy.

