Most creative ideas need time to simmer, to marinate, to develop organically into what they’re meant to become ... even though it can feel challenging to let that happen
First off, Kathryn, this article is a breath of fresh air. Thank you for articulating (very eloquently) a lot of the feelings I had just prior to the launch of SmallStack. I'm going to restack this in just a moment so that others can feel what I have.
Second, I see the question you didn't ask, and I'm going to attempt to answer it in the vaguest way possible. Honestly? I don't know just yet how I will handle those stack who outgrow SmallStack. I'm punting around the notion of an honor-based form to fill in that will remove that stack from the list. Another community member suggested an alumni library, and that concept made my heart sing. Ultimately there may be a crowd-sourced solution that find its way to me, and I'm going to stay open to that happening.
Third, choosing a future that doesn't fit the capitalist paradigm is maybe the most powerful mini-activist act one can do. It sort of fits that age-old nugget, quality over quantity, and it's how I've approached my primary stack. I love the community that has slowly built up there, and the thought of having so many subscribers I don't know their names actually frightens me. I'm here to relate to humans. I'm not here to be famous.
Thank you for tagging me and SmallStack to help others find their way to a community experience they want to be part of. Your work here is awesome!
Thank you so much for your thoughtful engagement here and the work that you're doing with SmallStack. When something takes off like that all of a sudden, it can be a bit overwhelming as you indicated in your money post - you're taking on all of this new work and it's exciting but also just A LOT. And I think you're spot on with continuing to trust your gut and also crowd-source solutions. The help you'll need with it will come, I suspect.
I love the idea of an alumni library. I'm currently just slightly over 1000 so I didn't seek to be included in the library but I subscribed because I believe deeply in supporting those with fewer subscribers. But if I had started out in the library, I'd be happy to grow to a Medium Stack and join an alumni option. And likely if that happens, I'd follow that too. So that sounds like a good possibility and I think it's wise to take your time and let it all develop as it will. Whic is, of course, right in line with what got me started writing this post in the first place.
This is an important conversation and I appreciate the voices in it. <3
It is uncommon in this day and age to see anyone say that they will trust people they do not know. Yet here I am, watching this vibrant community grow and develop around that very concept. I think if I create an alum library it may take on a mentor-based life of its own, and THAT is the kind of legacy I’d be honored to stand in the shadow of.
Beautiful post! I love the whole idea of Craftivism. It puts me in mind of people who crochet sweater sleeves for tree trunks, which I’ve seen. (I think to show love and appreciation?) Thanks especially for questioning the growth imperative. I came here to find and connect with readers. My experience has been full of delight - connecting with great writers and sharing our journeys.
Yes, sometimes those are awraeness-raising projects for environmental issues but sometimes they're just meant to spread joy. I'm planning to do my next thesis on craftivism, and I thought that I would go a social justice route with it but I'm actually considering instead focusing on the small joys and kindnesses and "tiny change" that happens with projects such as those trees. We'll see. A few years ago a town north of me began a project called Knitting Us Together that collects contributions to cover the trees in their square for a few months and I have been contributing to that: https://www.createmefree.com/art/art-crochet/crochet-art-craftivism-collaborative-community-crochet-art-projects/
I believe in quality over quantity; putting enough efforts on my craft will help me amplify my voice more than just finishing or hurrying up. Enjoying the process is the surest way of growing without being needy.
I absolutely get that and it’s a terrific approach.
My approach is a little different. I have always been pretty prolific but that is because writing is the way I think through things. I tend to look at my work as a large body of work so while the quality of each individual piece does matter, it isn’t overly significant in comparison to the sum of the parts. That doesn’t mean I rush to put things out but that whether it’s slow or fast I engage deeply with the process.
Hey Kathryn, this was so interesting to read. I have no crafting ability, but the quiet and slow and small core just seems so valuable to think about, and hold onto.
So thrilling to see someone writing about Craftivism here! I consider myself a craftivist, and I love looking at and reading about craftivist projects and fo's.
First off, Kathryn, this article is a breath of fresh air. Thank you for articulating (very eloquently) a lot of the feelings I had just prior to the launch of SmallStack. I'm going to restack this in just a moment so that others can feel what I have.
Second, I see the question you didn't ask, and I'm going to attempt to answer it in the vaguest way possible. Honestly? I don't know just yet how I will handle those stack who outgrow SmallStack. I'm punting around the notion of an honor-based form to fill in that will remove that stack from the list. Another community member suggested an alumni library, and that concept made my heart sing. Ultimately there may be a crowd-sourced solution that find its way to me, and I'm going to stay open to that happening.
Third, choosing a future that doesn't fit the capitalist paradigm is maybe the most powerful mini-activist act one can do. It sort of fits that age-old nugget, quality over quantity, and it's how I've approached my primary stack. I love the community that has slowly built up there, and the thought of having so many subscribers I don't know their names actually frightens me. I'm here to relate to humans. I'm not here to be famous.
Thank you for tagging me and SmallStack to help others find their way to a community experience they want to be part of. Your work here is awesome!
Love the idea of an alumni newsletter! Maybe it could be called MediumStack 😉
I see a naming contest in my future!
Hey, I like Robin’s idea of an alumni newsletter, as much as I think SmallStack is a fascinating and supportive development here.
Thank you so much for your thoughtful engagement here and the work that you're doing with SmallStack. When something takes off like that all of a sudden, it can be a bit overwhelming as you indicated in your money post - you're taking on all of this new work and it's exciting but also just A LOT. And I think you're spot on with continuing to trust your gut and also crowd-source solutions. The help you'll need with it will come, I suspect.
I love the idea of an alumni library. I'm currently just slightly over 1000 so I didn't seek to be included in the library but I subscribed because I believe deeply in supporting those with fewer subscribers. But if I had started out in the library, I'd be happy to grow to a Medium Stack and join an alumni option. And likely if that happens, I'd follow that too. So that sounds like a good possibility and I think it's wise to take your time and let it all develop as it will. Whic is, of course, right in line with what got me started writing this post in the first place.
This is an important conversation and I appreciate the voices in it. <3
Thanks, Kathryn!
It is uncommon in this day and age to see anyone say that they will trust people they do not know. Yet here I am, watching this vibrant community grow and develop around that very concept. I think if I create an alum library it may take on a mentor-based life of its own, and THAT is the kind of legacy I’d be honored to stand in the shadow of.
That absolutely makes sense to me as a possible vision <3
Beautiful post! I love the whole idea of Craftivism. It puts me in mind of people who crochet sweater sleeves for tree trunks, which I’ve seen. (I think to show love and appreciation?) Thanks especially for questioning the growth imperative. I came here to find and connect with readers. My experience has been full of delight - connecting with great writers and sharing our journeys.
Yes, sometimes those are awraeness-raising projects for environmental issues but sometimes they're just meant to spread joy. I'm planning to do my next thesis on craftivism, and I thought that I would go a social justice route with it but I'm actually considering instead focusing on the small joys and kindnesses and "tiny change" that happens with projects such as those trees. We'll see. A few years ago a town north of me began a project called Knitting Us Together that collects contributions to cover the trees in their square for a few months and I have been contributing to that: https://www.createmefree.com/art/art-crochet/crochet-art-craftivism-collaborative-community-crochet-art-projects/
Thanks for connecting here. It means a lot.
I loved this, Kathryn. So much sense!
Thanks June. I always appreciate your voice here.
I believe in quality over quantity; putting enough efforts on my craft will help me amplify my voice more than just finishing or hurrying up. Enjoying the process is the surest way of growing without being needy.
I absolutely get that and it’s a terrific approach.
My approach is a little different. I have always been pretty prolific but that is because writing is the way I think through things. I tend to look at my work as a large body of work so while the quality of each individual piece does matter, it isn’t overly significant in comparison to the sum of the parts. That doesn’t mean I rush to put things out but that whether it’s slow or fast I engage deeply with the process.
Yes I understand you approach from a perspective and thats good to maintain your voice and stay grounded on your mission!
I think it’s good when we each learn what works for us. It’s unique to everyone!
Hey Kathryn, this was so interesting to read. I have no crafting ability, but the quiet and slow and small core just seems so valuable to think about, and hold onto.
What hands-on activities do you enjoy? I find that most of them translate ...
<3
Hey…I have been meaning to get back to you…but time travels fast.
I answer to your question, I am very into gardening and cooking, and I get how they would translate.
<3 <3 <3 My sister loves those two things as well.
So thrilling to see someone writing about Craftivism here! I consider myself a craftivist, and I love looking at and reading about craftivist projects and fo's.
I'd love to learn more about the projects you've enjoyed.