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The latest updates in the ever-changing landscape of social media include its biggest shift in years - follower count no longer matters. What matters now is the organic reach of your content.

Or more simply, did you make something engaging? Because now, if something catches the attention of just a few people, the apps will push it to more. It’s yet another shift that self-promoting creatives have to keep up with while still doing the actual work. But this one, I feel, is a change we’ve been waiting for.

If you spent the last decade building your following, though, it might feel like a real blow.

One of my own goals has been to lean into this new dynamic, especially through more regular streaming and engaging with video on TikTok. That effort kicks off again this weekend with a livestream at Devil’s Due Studios alongside Bela Comics.

Bela is a local Chicago comic book community curator who’s always looking for ways to connect creators and fans. He’s invited me to a few sessions on his WhatNot stream, as well as next month’s one-day mini-convention. If you’re able, definitely check them out! Or just swing by if you want to see me offering Mercy Sparx comics inside the confines of an actual CHURCH basement.

It’s a fascinating time to be part of the comic book industry’s evolution. Everything a DIY indie creator has ever wanted is here. Rejoice! But also…here’s hoping you like getting what you wished for.

Ironically, it all comes back to something surprisingly simple and genuine: Are you making cool shit? At least shit that SOMEONE thinks is cool? And are you keeping track of how to let your readers and collectors know when there’s more cool shit?

So with that, please check out my newest shit!

-Josh Blaylock

FINAL FIVE DAYS! MERCY SPARX: DADDY ISSUES #1 KICKSTARTER

In the Washington, DC Area? See me next weekend at Big Lick ComicCon: Nova!

Chicago peeps catch me June 7th … in Church (basement level)! At the Bela Con one-day show.

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