Seeking Long-Form Connection
Alternatives are out there
Happy March!
My college friend group recently decided to try Letterloop, a private group newsletter app. Every month, we share updates, photos, music, and answers to submitted questions, which the app compiles into an email newsletter.
We were seeking a way to connect without mainstream social platforms that felt more meaningful than a group chat—and we found it.
Right now, I think many people are finding solace in long-form content. Viewers and creators are flocking to newsletter platforms to connect with their communities and avoid the algorithms.
For creators, these platforms provide versatility, control over monetization, and the assurance that their content goes directly to their audience. For viewers, newsletters can offer a more personal, fulfilling experience than a bunch of short videos and updates.
Whether it’s for connection, education, or just escapism, we’re looking for alternatives and we’re finding them.
Take care,
Brelynn
🎵March Playlist
📚Media Reads
Social media in 2025: why creatives are ditching 'rented' spaces for owned platforms
Tom May (@maytom) discusses the return to owned media and the renaissance of blogs and newsletters. He explains, “As the appeal of social media continues to deteriorate for creatives, those who invest in owned platforms today are positioning themselves for a more sustainable and independent tomorrow.”
David Farrier (@david-farrier) explores the impact of climate change on ecological relationships. His exploration takes him to Oslo to learn more about the Future Library and the artwork, Pile o’Sápmi.
In a world on fire, caring for each other is the best resistance
In this essay, Jude Ellison S. Doyle (@judedoyle) discusses being trans in this dire time and the importance of community. He states: “The most basic form of activism we can do right now, and possibly the most helpful, is community-building and showing up for other trans people.”
Illustrator Poan Pan on embracing change, community, and the unexpected
Abbey Bamford (@abbey_bamford_) speaks with Taiwanese illustrator Poan Pan (@poan.pan) about the evolution of his creative practice and why having an artist community is essential.
❤️Like + Share
ASAP
Common Room PH shared this illustration and reinterpretation.
Supporting Artists
When artist Danielle Coke Balfour decided to pull her products from Target following the rollback of DEI initiatives, her community showed up to support her art directly.
Positive Cycle
This artwork by Olivia Herrick Design is a much-needed reminder.
🖌️Creators to Follow
Sandy (@sandyernestallen) is a trans author and journalist who writes about mental health and gender. His newsletter, What’s Helping Today, discusses “the everyday work of staying alive on earth.”
Dana (@danaalsamsam) is a poet, dancer, book editor, and arts fundraiser. She recently started a new series in her newsletter called the Multipassionate Diaries to share how she lives fully across her creative endeavors.
Xanthe (@xanthe.appleyard) is a creative strategist. In her newsletter, Party Friend, she explores how creators can foster more honest relationships with their communities and develop a social media strategy that lets them be their full selves online.
Thank you Brelynn!!
This is a wonderful post.