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The thing that I would like to add this week's important Audio Drama $$ discourse is
It's not just that indie creators don't usually make enough to pay ourselves (or pay our casts & crews what they deserve).
It's that we "eat the cost."
Let me explain what I mean...
It's not just that indie creators don't usually make enough to pay ourselves (or pay our casts & crews what they deserve).
It's that we "eat the cost."
Let me explain what I mean...
But first, if you haven't been following this convo, let me recommend this excellent thread by @starplanes https://twitter.com/starplanes/status/1334238492335906816?s=20
Anyway, we indie creators "eat the cost."
That doesn't just mean we don't pay ourselves or take on way more of the work than we would if we had a budget or even that we create in a vicious cycle of both of the above bc some view "made on a budget" as "worth less $$"
That doesn't just mean we don't pay ourselves or take on way more of the work than we would if we had a budget or even that we create in a vicious cycle of both of the above bc some view "made on a budget" as "worth less $$"
It means all of those things.
But it also, very literally, means that OUR BODIES absorb the cost of trying to do too much with too little over and over again, because by gawd we love creating & we won't let a little thing like CHRONIC BURNOUT keep us down
But it also, very literally, means that OUR BODIES absorb the cost of trying to do too much with too little over and over again, because by gawd we love creating & we won't let a little thing like CHRONIC BURNOUT keep us down
And I know that might come off as whiney or entitled or Classic Millenial
because it's art, right? And isn't making art optional?
But assuming that is falling victim to "one of the classic blunders," to quote a favorite movie of mine...
because it's art, right? And isn't making art optional?But assuming that is falling victim to "one of the classic blunders," to quote a favorite movie of mine...
LOOK. I am very tired. If I knew what was good for me, I would stop doing this and actually accrue some free time in which to nap.
Except the last time I stopped writing I got so depressed that I actually saw past my high-functioning smoke screen and realized I *was* depressed
Except the last time I stopped writing I got so depressed that I actually saw past my high-functioning smoke screen and realized I *was* depressed
I need to write things & make things & put them out in the world because it's my way of connecting, of reaching out, of building community. It's also my way of processing things, & finding my way through trauma & anxiety to something resembling peace.
I am here, doing the thing, because I NEED to be. It's a refuge for me, and I hope for the people my stories reach.
But, at some point I will have to either (a) get really good at finding funding, or (b) take a serious look at whether this is sustainable
But, at some point I will have to either (a) get really good at finding funding, or (b) take a serious look at whether this is sustainable
I've been working through burnout for over a year (after barely recovering from it a few years ago) because I *had* to work through the burnout.
But I can't keep it up. I can't keep wearing all of the hats.
But I can't keep it up. I can't keep wearing all of the hats.
So as to not end on a real sad / exhausting note: I've made some connections! Which means collaborating is a thing I can do! I don't always have to wear all the hats!
But as someone who's been on the wrong side of burnout, I look at the AD community (& me) & weep, y'all.
But as someone who's been on the wrong side of burnout, I look at the AD community (& me) & weep, y'all.
So, if you can, TOSS SOME COINS TO YOUR FAVE AUDIO DRAMA
If you can, TOSS A LOT OF COINS
If you can, TOSS A LOT OF COINS
