"The Right Thing 101: Valuing, Appreciating, and Trusting Others in the Digital Age"

"The Right Thing 101: Valuing, Appreciating, and Trusting Others in the Digital Age"

In today's fast-paced and digital world, where attention is the currency and engagement is the holy metric, it's easy to lose sight of what truly matters: valuing, appreciating, and trusting others. John Maxwell's six principles - being valued, appreciated, trusted, respected, understood, and not taken advantage of - provide a solid foundation for ethical behavior. These principles are not just relevant in our personal lives but also in the digital realm.

In the realm of content moderation, platforms like Substack have taken a unique approach. While engagement is often prioritized by other platforms, Substack's key metric is writer revenue. They believe that when writers succeed, they succeed. By taking a 10% cut of the revenue generated from subscriptions, Substack aligns its goals with those of its writers. This approach puts trustworthiness at the forefront, recognizing that trust is essential for a thriving community.

Substack's belief in letting people choose who to trust is a refreshing departure from the algorithm-driven, click-maximizing platforms that dominate the digital landscape. Readers have the power to curate their own experience by consciously selecting the writers they invite into their inboxes and supporting them financially. This not only empowers readers but also emphasizes the importance of trust in the relationship between writers and their audience.

In a world where the prevailing media ecosystem is in disrepair and echo chambers prevail, Substack's commitment to hosting a broad range of views is commendable. They believe that this diversity of perspectives is vital for a healthy democracy and a vibrant cultural discourse. By allowing writers to express their opinions freely and without interference from algorithms, Substack fosters an environment that encourages open dialogue and critical thinking.

So, how can we apply these principles and insights to our own lives, both online and offline? Here are three actionable pieces of advice:

1. Value and appreciate others: Recognize the inherent worth of every individual, regardless of what they can do for you. Take the time to thank people and give credit where it's due. By valuing and appreciating others, we build strong and meaningful connections.

2. Trust others: Trust is a two-way street. Henry L. Stinson once said, "The only way you can make a man trustworthy is by trusting him." Show your trust in others, and they will be more likely to live up to that trust. Trust is the foundation of healthy relationships and communities.

3. Foster a diverse and inclusive environment: Whether you're a content creator or simply an engaged participant in online communities, strive to promote diversity and inclusivity. Seek out different perspectives, challenge your own beliefs, and support platforms that prioritize a broad range of views. This not only enriches the discourse but also strengthens our democracy.

In conclusion, valuing, appreciating, and trusting others are timeless principles that hold true in both the physical and digital realms. Substack's approach to content moderation provides valuable insights into how trustworthiness and reader empowerment can be prioritized over mere engagement. By incorporating these principles into our own lives and interactions, we can contribute to a more ethical and inclusive digital landscape. Remember, it's not just about what we do but how we do it that truly matters.