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.


NOTED BY LON HARRIS

Can Creators Survive Without Google Traffic?

Hand holding phone with google ai app. Creators standing near phone illustration

Overwhelmed by questions from your audience? You’re not alone.

Most creators can’t keep up. And yet every unanswered question is a missed opportunity to engage, build loyalty and generate revenue.

With AsqMe, you can answer those questions fast while monetizing your expertise. Get started today for FREE!


IN THE BIZ


LABOR

IGN Acquisition Shows We Need a Strong Gaming Press, Now More than Ever

Even YouTubers need gaming journalists.

By Steven Asarch, Passionfruit Contributor

Gamer raising hands in front of ign logo

TIPS & TRICKS

memorial day deals - featured image, a creator in front of a flag and dollar signs

The Best Memorial Day Deals for Creators This Weekend

Before you hit the BBQ, check out these deals.

By John-Michael Bond, Passionfruit Contributor


YOUTUBE MADE ME DO IT

Content for Creators.

News, tips, and tricks delivered to your inbox twice a week.

Newsletter Signup

Latest Newsletters

  • A Deal You Can’t Refuse, But Should

    A Deal You Can’t Refuse, But Should

    CREATOR NEWSLETTER Issue #196 | December 21, 2023 It’s the longest night of the year here in the northern hemisphere. Happy solstice to all of y’all who, like me, experience seasonal affective disorder and know the exact moment (10:27pm EST on Dec. 21, 2023) when our half of the earth starts tilting back towards the…

  • Kill the Hustle-Bro in Your Head

    Kill the Hustle-Bro in Your Head

    CREATOR NEWSLETTER Issue #195 | December 19, 2023 Yesterday, I was scrolling Threads (yes, it’s still around), and I found this quote that I think captures everything wrong with our work culture in the U.S. (shared by journalist Taylor Lorenz). Your classic creator-economy-hustle-culture-bro type writes it: “I’m sure this will piss off certain people, but:…

  • Cornell’s Crash Course for Creators

    Cornell’s Crash Course for Creators

    CREATOR NEWSLETTER Issue #194 | December 14, 2023 There’s this perfect line from Yorgos Lanthimos’ “Poor Things” that I’d love to turn into Passionfruit’s tagline if we can afford the copyrights to the quote. The movie stars Emma Stone as a female Frankenstein named Bella Baxter, whose rapidly evolving intellect has her rejecting her “bride…