A jack-of-all-trades is a master of none, but oftentimes better than a master of one.
What is Wide Net?
For the past few years, I felt compelled to keep lists of the things I liked throughout the year. I thought by having these lists it would be easier to join the ranks of writers, critics, and content consumers who shared the “Best of…” lists every year. But as I write this section at the end of another year, zero lists made, and a fading memory of what culture impacted me, I couldn’t help but think the year-end list had some major weaknesses.
The “Best of…” list is probably an unfortunate by-product of a “time = money” culture; an even more unfortunate by-product of a consumeristic capitalist society…but I’ll save that for another post. In this context, we’re taught that only the best of the best will do. You couldn’t pay me to read/watch/listen to/experience something that’s not the ___________ par excellence.
If you’ve ever forced invited someone to watch a movie you asserted was culturally significant and they resented you for the choice well before the credits rolled, there’s a real sense of guilt that comes with having “wasted someone’s time.“
Don’t get me wrong though. I understand wanting to get your money’s worth, especially when time, that ever-dwindling resource whose actual amount remains unknown until your check has been cashed, seems limited.
But what are we giving up by being beholden to the List(s)? What are we missing out on if we only allow the algorithms or feeds to dictate our diet? I believe it’s more than an underrated EP.
One of my goals in writing Wide Net is to think about how the culture and entertainment I enjoy creates connections, adds context, and informs how I think and live. You are what you eat.
Wide Net is my attempt to stand between the paradox of choice and the “Best of…” list. On a weekly basis, I’ll offer up a diverse catch of books, music, podcasts, movies, experiences, and whatever else I’m enjoying in my free time for your consideration.
If you choose to subscribe, you can think of me as one of your trusted guides on the open waters of the internet, the library shelves, and wherever else you may look for your cultural intake. We’ll find something out there for you if you’re willing to come aboard.
About Your Guide
I consider myself an aspiring generalist. In other words, I read, listen to, watch, and am interested in a lot of different kinds of things. Sometimes this means doing an hours-long deep dive on how to care for bonsai trees. Or watching someone restore a vintage motorcycle, headlight-to-tailpipe. Or listening to the entire back catalog of a rapper because I liked a feature they did on a song.
Perhaps this is evidence of some undiagnosed ADHD, but what do I look like, a doctor?
Being a generalist may seem like a liability with how much stuff there is vying for our attention, not to mention the increased value placed on specialization, but I look at the glass half full.
There will always be something new to enjoy, if only you’re able to find it and willing to try it.
Why Subscribe?
Maybe you’re like me and you’re cursed with a passion for hobby-swapping or genre-jumping. Maybe you just want to find something to read, listen to, or watch that you would otherwise never pick. If you’re there or somewhere in between, Wide Net is for you.
When you subscribe to Wide Net, you’ll receive a weekly newsletter filled with an assortment of recommendations. Each newsletter will have convenient links, playlists, and embedded content for click-and-play accessibility.
Can I Pay You for this Invaluable Service and Insight?
Maybe someday…Let’s give it a few months of consistency (on my end) and proven value (on your end) before we build the paywall. If I recommend something you like, pass it (and this newsletter) along to someone else who might enjoy it.
[In the future, I’d like to host book clubs, watch parties, and discussion groups on the things other people enjoy. Stay up-to-date by subscribing.]
All aboard.
