A few weeks ago, the YouTube algorithm blessed me with a video everyone in the creative, marketing, and social media space should watch. It’s called “YouTube Has a Pyramid Scheme Problem,” and I’ll embed it below (at the bottom of this post) so you can give it a watch.
This video has me rethinking my entire approach to being a creative human on the internet and reexamining how I consume content. So, let’s break it down, piece by piece because this is where things get messy—but in a good way.
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But let’s be real: it’s not just social media. It feels like the entire internet has fallen into this funnel. Everywhere you go, it’s “buy my course, click my affiliate link, trust this (paid-for) review.” Everything has turned into a sales pitch. And I long for the days when the internet wasn’t like this—at least, not on the scale it has become.
I feel for Gen-Z because they’ve never known the internet as a place where people pursue their hobbies and passions without trying to turn everything into a business. I miss the days when you could stumble! across a wildly creative website that felt like peeking into someone’s soul, not scrolling through an endless string of Google Ads.
The beauty of it, though? Gen-Z is starting to reclaim it. They’re canceling influencers, calling out bullshit, and reclaiming corners of the internet for genuine expression. As a Gen-Xer, it’s inspiring to witness this in IRL time.
*Sigh* These were The Days… 😭
Artist vs. Salesperson: The Eternal Struggle
As artists, we’re vulnerable. We want to make a living from our passion and be valued for our art, just as astronauts are for space travel. The internet has the power to do that! So many artists have turned their creativity into thriving communities and businesses, and I want that, too.
But here’s the kicker: the ones profiting off this “autonomy” we crave are selling the concept. Content Creation Gurus are the modern-day snake oil salespeople, peddling courses, mentorships, and channel memberships that claim to teach you how to make money as a creator. Spoiler: they’re selling the dream, not the reality.
WE know what’s behind that curtain…
Beware of Content Creation Gurus
And I’m here to tell you, after years of watching these gurus, taking notes, trying the methods, the madness, the apps, and thank goodness not spending thousands like some do… they don’t know crap. Their content will mess up your algorithms, scramble your brain, and confuse you more than when you started. Trust me, I’ve been there.
It’s time to stop chasing the “magic formula” for success these so-called gurus are selling and get back to the heart of what matters: creating and creating art that’s authentic, joyful, and meaningful to you.
Be the creativity you want to see in the world… | Imagined by Jaye in Midjourney
Reclaiming Creativity and Autonomy
So, I’ve shut down all five of my niche-driven platforms in pursuit of one goal: to express myself. I’ve started a new channel called 50 Shades of Jaye to reclaim my creativity and trust myself again. It’s about storytelling, artistry, silliness, and even real-life magic. But most importantly, it’s about building something genuine—free from the influencer trap. And I’ll share my journey with you in real time, from my mistakes to the lessons I’m learning. Full disclosure: I want to earn a living from this new project. But I’m determined to prove it can be done without succumbing to The Pyramid Scheme the internet has become.
How Do You Reclaim Your Internet?
But first, watch the video below by the brilliant Morgue Design. It might just be the tectonic shift your creative soul has been waiting for. And if you do watch it, please let me know what you think!
With love, art, and magic,
~Jaye. 🖤✨🦄
Watch the Video:
This article was first published on my Substack.
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