🌸 thinking of you
You can also read this post on Substack.
Over the past few weeks, I’ve had a craving or calling back to what’s real, true, and human. My favourite thing is finding pockets of the internet thriving with human-led discovery. In other words, places where real people are sharing their ideas or recommendations.
Think about finding something that reminds you of a friend and sending it to them. Human-led discovery is just like that, but at a bigger scale. Tell anybody who would listen, ‘hey! I like this, you should check it out’.
The goal for me is to expand my discovery range. With social media algorithms, I was always getting similar content shown to me. While this is great for going down a rabbit hole, it became hard to get exposure to things that I wouldn’t usually see. I craved the feeling of serendipity.
So, here are some of the online spaces I’ve been enjoying:
rec league
The app that started it all for me. I downloaded it a while back but only got back into it recently. I love getting ideas for my niche requests like tunes for musical scribbles or some good escapist worldbuilding books.
butter
Butter is a social platform that helps you find people in your city who want to do the things that you want to do. You can post ideas, join events or start your own clubs.
I started Project 0 last month. A space to be more intentional about what you take in, and turn more of it into something new. I believe consuming and creating work best in a loop: the right input feeds the next thing you build, and building sharpens what you go looking for next.
Each month, I host 3 sessions around a theme. If you’re in Sydney, come check out one of our events!
hums
I actually found this app through a recommendation on Rec League. Set a daily tune and see what others are listening to around the world.
perfectly imperfect
perfectly imperfect feels like your own magazine. I usually stick to more minimalist apps so this is a little chaotic for me, but I really like the web version. They’ve got celebrity recommendations on here too. I’m planning to slowly add all my media lists here!
These platforms are much more fun when you’re not only consuming, but sharing/creating too. It feels more like having conversations than trying to perform and observe. You can ask for recommendations or help somebody else out. I think the best part is adding your reasoning and reflecting on your choice. Why did you recommend something? What resonated with you? It creates an opportunity for connection, inviting somebody into your thoughts, your mind, your world.
bonus
This may contain: someone is holding an open book with writing on it and the pages are lined up If you’re always saving things for later - reading lists, things to buy, places to visit etc., my recommendation for you is what I like to call my Steve Rogers notebook. A pocket notebook to help me keep track of my recommendations. I also like to note who recommended it to me so that I can go back and tell them my thoughts.
Please share your ideas and your favourite things, I’d love to see them.
Thinking of you,
Elicia