Welcome to the Shorty Awards

CREATOR NEWSLETTER


Hey everyone, Happy Thursday! Last night, I went to the Shorty Awards. In case you’re unfamiliar, the Shortys give out little whale statues to people and companies who make digital content.

I’m not quite sure what I was expecting, but based on some of the advertising on the website, you’d expect a few flashy creators onstage. Your MrBeasts, Pauls, or at least a Try Guy appearance. But for the most part, it was ad agencies and corporations patting each other on the back for clever copywriting… and who was able to most effectively use creators to sell Heinz ketchup or State Farm insurance.

There were a handful of exceptions though, with some impressive indie creators (credit to the Shortys for introducing me to the podcast “Gooned,” which I am already on the fifth episode of.) And, honorable causes — like bringing attention to the war in Palestine, the growing maternal mortality ratechild abuse in the entertainment industry, just to name a few.

But I will say, the whole evening felt a bit uncanny. For example, the U.S. Army won an award for a Nick Jonas propaganda augmented reality partnership. Which was a flavor of techno dystopia I was never planning on encountering.

Anyways, for a full read on my experience there, check out the Passionfruit Patreon page. It was nice, the people were nice, I got free food, thanks for the invite, cheers to the hosts, blah blah blah. Congrats to anyone in the audience who got celebrated for their work. You probably deserve it.


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