Home Truths: Social Media Isn't Working.

At least is isn't for me, not in the way I'd like it to, anyway. To be honest, it hasn't worked for me for quite some time. A large part of the blame for that rests squarely with me. Mea culpa, and all that. I've fallen victim to the gaping maw that is the hole belonging to a fuck off huge rabbit. I've allowed myself to be distracted, to be drawn into meaningless void-screaming dialogues about politics, religion, sexuality, all of those things that devolve so easily into rhetorical slanging matches, where no one will ever agree and everyone is just left shouting until the back of their throat runs itself hoarse and they gargle on their own blood. Or rather the pads of their typing fingers are worn down into bloodied, bone-protruding nubs as they punch out each and every anger-laced word.

Cards on the table here: I'm an independent author of dark fiction for Christ's sake. I'm interested in conversation, I'm as interested in small talk and interaction as the next person, but I also need to be able to promote myself. For a perpetual introvert like me, with fuck all savvy when it comes to whoring myself out, that ain't easy. That's where social media is supposed to help, right? Right???

Disclaimer: This isn't intended as some whiny-arsed pity post, honest. I'm just stating some facts here, make of it what you will.

It's time for a reset. 

To be fair, the idea of a social media hiatus isn't something new. Just at the start of the year I took an extended break from Facebook. I've documented my love/hate relationship with Zuck's behemoth before and I won't rehash it again. You get the idea. The wider problem stems from the fact that I've let myself be pulled away from my primary motivation behind using such platforms; to network with my people and, by doing so, to promote my writing to the best of my abilities. Instead, I've been guilty of letting myself get dragged into all manner of online spats, responding to - let's face it - trolls, who thrive on angry responses to their asinine, rage-baiting bollocks. It's far too easy a trap to fall into.

Not any more. I've taken steps, positive action, to clean up my algorithm. Action to sweep out all of the cobwebs, dust, and any manner of crusty old shit from the mess of my social media platforms. Well, most of it at least. Let's be fair, it needs to be dark and dingy, and a few cobwebs add to the ambience. Flippancy aside though, I've had a bit of a spring clean. Gone are the platforms that serve no purpose other than to make my blood pressure spike (that's a whole other story), likewise the temptation to launch into noble but ultimately fruitless tirades against keyboard warriors spewing their bile all over the adults' table. I'm redefining my focus. Moving forward, I can be found here or on my website (https://leeglenwright.weebly.com). Socially, I exist on BlueSky, Instagram, and Facebook, where I have a new and hopefully improved dedicated author page. Promo reels can be found on TikTok, blog posts can also be found on SubStack, along with other occasional meanderings, and that's it. No more clutter, no more noise, except for the whisperings in my own head.

I hope you'll join me. Dark places always feel safer with company. 

Until next time, love and hugs, 

- L