As the rise of podcasting and online video journalism has indicated, there is a growing trend of utilizing diverse communication methods to share ideas and connect with audiences. Throughout history, political cartoons, radio broadcasts, and television segments have complemented written words, offering unique ways to shape perception and convey nuance. The medium through which information is shared wields significant influence over its reach and impact.
Today, written language remains one of the most cost-effective and approachable methods for one-to-many communication online. However, individuals consume content across various formats, and as technology continues to lower barriers to audio and visual production, creators are increasingly integrating these elements into their work.
Fortunately, decentralized networks are well-positioned to support this evolution. Advances in coordination protocols and raw computing power will enable us to expand Aemula's platform to support a wider range of media. These developments will continue to reduce the dependence on corporate networks and legacy data infrastructure, opening new opportunities for creators to innovate freely.
This week, we are spotlighting Substack creators who operate outside of the lines by incorporating visual design and audio content into their narratives. Their work showcases how diverse media formats can transform storytelling into a compelling and immersive experience.
Am I Doing This Right?
By Lian Cho, an award winning author and illustrator out of Brooklyn with work published by HarperCollins, Penguin Random House, Abrams Books, and Chronicle Books.
“My debut author/illustrator book released in 2023 and I’m here to admit that I still have no idea what I’m doing! I don’t think I’m terribly successful per se but I genuinely thought I’d have a better grasp of myself and my life by now.
Either ways, I decided to start this blog/newsletter Am I Doing This Right? as a way for me to process my thoughts and feelings publicly, just how our internet gods intended.”
TheBrianLennonShow
By Brian Lennon, a writer, podcaster, and former journalists and sports editor with work in The Weekender and Times Leader.
“Born while working at the catering desk of my former employer, the newsletter and podcast are the landing spot for my inner-creative. I write and discuss a number of topics that pique my interest and intellectual curiosities, from the travails of marriage and fatherhood, to the present culture wars, sports and other pastimes, including politics and religion with dashes of pro wrestling, music and poetry sprinkled in.”
Visual Growth
By Ash Lamb, maker of things on the internet and visual creative with work shared by the likes of Will Smith, Codie Sanchez, and Steven Bartlett.
“Writing for someone else pushes you to sit down and get it done, knowing someone is waiting for your response and could benefit from your words.
And that's what excites me the most about life—the ability to make things, put them out there, and see them make an impact, no matter how tiny.”
We are continuing to expand the number of users on the alpha test of the Aemula platform! If you are interested in joining the waitlist for free trial access to the platform, please email community@aemula.com.
If you want to support any of the writers we spotlight, we highly encourage you to subscribe to their individual publications. If you want to support independent journalism more broadly, we offer both paid and free subscriptions for you to stay informed!
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