The Return of Give and Take: Rebuilding Community Beyond Self-Promotion
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“What’s in it for me?” Sure, it'll get you so far. But eventually, people catch on. They realise you only care about one thing—and it’s not them. Running something like Creative Boom gives you a front-row seat to how people show up online. Some are generous, open, and collaborative. Others? Take, take, take. It’s disappointing, but I understand. They want promotion. They want progress. They’re chasing success.
But here’s the thing: people who only consider themselves eventually run out of luck. Because life—and especially creative life—is about give and take.
We’ve seen the erosion of that on social media. What started as a place to connect has become a relentless stream of “Look at me!” And honestly, most of us are tired of it.
That’s why launching The Studio in February felt like a breath of fresh air. Part of Creative Boom, I built it to feel like an actual community, not a stage. Sure, there’s space to promote your work. But that’s not its primary purpose. It’s about connection, conversation, and the long game.
When someone joins our community expecting just another platform to push their wares, I try to gently steer them toward a different approach: join the conversation. Offer support. Make friends. Give back. Because here’s the truth—people are far more likely to fight your corner if they like you, trust you, and feel you’ve done the same for them.
If an online community were a real-life room full of people, you wouldn’t walk in with a megaphone and start announcing what you’re selling. You’d offer someone a drink. Ask how they are. Make a connection.
Have we really forgotten the art of community?
It’s funny how some people join The Studio expecting it to function like social media. It doesn’t. It’s something entirely different—and thank god for that.
Interestingly, the people most focused on self-promotion tend to drift away. The Studio isn’t for everyone. And that’s OK. But here’s a question: Were Instagram or Twitter ever truly successful if you just shouted into the void? If you never acknowledged or supported others?
You get a reputation if you’re not careful.
And me? I’d much rather be known as someone who listens, cares, and gives back than as a walking billboard with a Wi-Fi connection.
I’m not perfect. There have been times when I’ve forgotten to give back. I made all the naive mistakes working at an agency—never fully understanding the value of teamwork or realising that every connection could potentially be meaningful later in life. I think I’m being a bit hard on myself, though. I’m still in touch with many people from my early career, though maybe not my radio days. I made a ton of mistakes then. I was in my early twenties and not the most tactful character!
When I started Creative Boom as a side project, it came from a genuine desire to help others without expecting anything in return. That generosity did lead to many opportunities, but that was never the goal. I was giving without wanting, yet doors opened anyway. I must admit, I’ve always felt a bit embarrassed when people say what I’ve done is great. I never saw it that way. I just enjoyed supporting others.
And maybe that’s the whole point.
We don’t need to shout the loudest or push the hardest. We just need to show up, offer help, and remember what community really means. Somewhere down the line, that generosity will pay off when you least expect it.
So, next time you’re tempted to post and promote, pause and ask: What could I give today instead?