What Happened to The Passion of Content Creation?

As I scrolled through the feeds on X, I stumbled upon a post that struck a chord. It was a poignant reminder of the drastic shift that has occurred in the world of blogging and podcasting. The realization hit me like a ton of bricks: we’ve lost the soul and passion that once drove creators to produce content that was genuine, engaging, and meaningful.

The post that set off my response.

In the early days of podcasting and blogging, the medium was a haven for individuals who were passionate about their subjects. Each post, episode, or video was a labor of love, infused with energy, excitement, and a deep understanding of the topic. The content was a reflection of the creator’s personality, values, and expertise.

Then, the “professionals” arrived, and the industry began to transform. The pursuit of profit and the allure of big money led to the industrialization of content creation. Suddenly, every article, podcast episode, and social media post had to be optimized for clicks, shares, and, of course, sponsorships. The once-quaint notion of creating content for the sake of passion and knowledge gave way to the harsh reality of monetization.

The introduction of AI has only exacerbated this trend. While I’m proud to admit that I use AI as a tool to assist me, it’s disheartening to see reputable media outlets treating it as a content mill, churning out formulaic, lifeless content with all the soul and passion of a robot. The results are predictable: a sea of bland, unoriginal content that fails to resonate with audiences.

I remember a time when I was a devoted podcast listener. I subscribed to over 130 shows, and my phone was my radio on long drives. I didn’t need a broadcast station; I had a personal connection to each creator, built on trust and shared values. I valued their opinions as if they were family. Now, every podcast starts with a forced advertisement, every blog post is cluttered with affiliate links, and halfway through a 30-minute show, creators beg for donations to keep the content machine rolling.

It’s painfully obvious that many have lost sight of their passion for the subject matter. Instead, they’re driven by the promise of a paycheck, often without even creating content that comes from a genuine place. The result is a world filled with beggars, where content is seen as a means to an end, rather than an end in itself.

The Alternative

So, what’s the solution? It’s simple: if you have a passion for something, create content for the sake of creating. Don’t compromise your values or your vision to chase a paycheck. The reward will come eventually, but only if you’re true to yourself and your art. As the old adage goes, “if you don’t stand for something, you’ll fall for anything.”

In a world where content is increasingly seen as a commodity, it’s more important than ever to hold on to the soul of blogging and podcasting. Let’s reclaim our passion, our creativity, and our values. Let’s create content that inspires, educates, and entertains, without sacrificing our integrity for the sake of profit. The alternative is a lifeless, formulaic world of content that’s more concerned with clicks and dollars than with the human experience.

What’s your take? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and let’s keep the conversation going!

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