Category : Blogs

Sub Category : Motivation

When I logged in the app yesterday with the intention of catching up on the writings in the library that I had missed, I came across Jared's post about the possibility of dissolving the app. My first reaction to it was utter shock. Then when I reread his post for the second and third time, I became angry. Not at Jared, but at the circumstances which had pushed him to consider pulling off the plug. 
He's pissed off and he's disappointed. I totally get it. I would be too if I were in his shoes. 
Jared had a vision when he created this app. He wanted to have an outlet for all creative people to jam, create and share creative juice. He created a platform that allows anyone and everyone who wants to showcase their talent and skills to come forward. In short, he wanted to create an outlet for people to express themselves creatively, freely and openly. 
When I first joined this app in December 2017, the app was already thriving with just very basic features available. All the fancy frills that you see on the app today, they were not there ten months ago. But yet, the quality of the writings back then was outstanding. The writers were supportive of each other and that was one of the reasons that made me decide to become a part of its community. 
But like all communities, there will always be some rotten apples lurking around waiting to pounce. The peaceful ambience in this app was disrupted by a few rotten apples. The harmony of the community was shaken by these rotten apples. Selfish people were using this app as their own little playground to cause havoc and distress. People were harassed and Jared became their main target of mockery and ridicule. Bad reviews were made out of spite which resulted in the good name of Writer's Outlet tarnished. 
Did Jared deserve that shit? No! But that shit did happen to him.
Despite the personal attack that was launched on him, he did not back down. He dealt with the perpetrators accordingly and in a very civilized and professional manner. Their attempt at sabotaging the app backfired when their identities were known and other members of the community alienated them. Instead of being disheartened by the unfortunate episode, Jared used that incident as a fuel to strengthen the app. He got his team together and they worked hard in making the app better. He even asked the community what sort of things they would like to see on the app and many came up with all sorts of suggestions. Jared took notes. Again, he worked with his team to make things happen for the Writer's Outlet community. Before long, update after update were made on the app and the result is what you see on the app today. Not only you can write to your heart's content, you can also upload photos, audio and video on the app; features which were not available when he first created the app or even ten months ago. He made all of this available for YOU. Yes, you, the one who's reading this right now. Why? Because he wants to give you an outlet for you to express yourself in whichever way you choose. He wants to encourage you to showcase your talent and skills. In short, he is invested in your passion and dreams. 
Did you know that Jared has been promoting your writings on other platforms like Twitter, Instagram and Facebook? Did you know that by doing that he has pulled people outside of the app to read your writings, making your name and your works known outside of the app? That is how invested he is in your success. Now ask yourself, how many app creators do you know who would be willing to go all out for you the way Jared has done? 
All he asks in return is for you; this community of writers to write regularly on the app and not jump ship. I have known writers from the app who wanted to see immediate results. They think that just because they have written a few pieces of writings on the app they should immediately be an overnight sensation. And when that didn't happen, they started making noise. They bitch and bicker and then they leave the app. Isn't that childish behaviour? 
With all the updates that has been made on the app, we now are able to share our own writing as well as other writers writing outside of the app. We have the power in our hands to help promote ourselves, to help promote others and to help promote the app to a bigger and wider audience out there. We are a community of writers, are we not? Let's help each other. Tell your friends, family, neighbours, etc. about Writer's Outlet and the works that you do on the app. At family gatherings or catch up with friends while you're busy taking selfies and group photos, why not open up the topic of conversation to Writer's Outlet. Open the app and show them your writings. I mean, that's one way of having some bragging rights, right? 
Earlier this evening when I was waiting for the bus at the bus stop with my mom, I was talking to her about my writings on the app. Without realizing it, a guy who was also waiting for the bus had overheard my conversation with mom. He said, "Excuse me, I overheard you talking about writing. Are you a writer?" I said yes. He told me that he's a writer too and he asked me if I'm a journalist or a blogger and wanted to know where I'm attached to. With a big smile on my face, I proudly told him that I'm a writer on a writing app called Writer's Outlet. He was intrigued. Before we could talk further, the bus came and the three of us got on board. He sat next to me. Why? Because he wanted to know more about the app. I took out my phone, opened the app and showed him my profile. By the time I reached my stop, he thanked me and said he is going to look up Writer's Outlet when he gets home. Just like that. See how easy that is? 
The app has grown so much since Jared launched it and he is determined to keep it growing BUT we need to do our part too. Once again, I plead to you, you, you and you.... let's help each other. Lets grow with the app. Let's help Jared achieve the vision that he had when he created this app. Let's be a real community. Let's unite.