Localism + NFTs for writers + 👶
Hello friends! You likely signed up for this after reading one of my essays on Medium, my personal website, or seeing something on Twitter. I send this thing every few months, mostly a wrap-up of stuff I’m working on and thinking about — all ending with a sweet flag. See past issues here. There are always typos. Now, to the newsletter…
Like much of the U.S., Philadelphia has had a snowy February.
📖 New essay: It’s time for localism in America.
Many aspects of American life and identity are unraveling. Only 20% of Americans trust the federal government. 73% believe the gap between rich and poor will grow. 25% of 18-to-24-year-olds have considered suicide since the start of COVID.
There's a lot of handwringing about what the next version of America looks like. This is my case that we must recommit to our communities and our countrymen based on proximity, not ideology and not technology.
Living your life locally isn't altruism — it's a value system to help you sort out what's important. I hope you like it.
(This is the "sequel" of sorts to Our remote work future is going to suck.)
📖 New essay: A half-baked idea: NFT for writers
You've likely seen the buzz of NFTs (aka non-fungible tokens) for selling and collecting digital art. As a media nerd, I couldn't help but see an opportunity for writers, journalists, and publishers. Though, some things have to change first.
If you're a writer into this whole NFT thing, respond to this email! I am putting together something fun.
✨ Personal announcement ✨
I'm a dad now! My wife and I are over-the-moon excited to welcome our daughter to the family. Send me all of your parenting wisdom <3
🙌 A note:
A new member of the family, new media models, a surge in vaccines (2.4 million a day!), the Sixers are in first place — I'm feeling more optimistic than I have in a year. I hope you feel the same!
🏳 Official newsletter flag (for now):
The nation's eyes seem to be on Florida. Especially as Miami increasingly becomes a destination for those moving from the coasts and as many parts of Florida take a laissez-faire approach to COVID.
The Florida state flag features St. Andrew's cross (the same one that graces the flag of Scotland). The one brandished by the sunshine state is the "Cross of Burgundy" — the symbol used by the Spanish in the "New World".
As we emerge from a brutal pandemic winter and the sun starts to shine a bit more, I hope you too, dear reader, leave your mark on this new world.
Thanks for making space in your inbox, - Sean