Try something new in 2022 (Again)

The many readers who have got in touch with me to tell me how my newsletter has made them feel less helpless, and inspired them to take action. Also the fact that I managed to get through a whole year writing a newsletter (almost!) every week. 

I actually am going to be trying something pretty exciting & different this year — if people want to find out what it is they should sign up to my newsletter ;)

Being entrusted with the Effin’ Birds brand. I’ve written a load of newsletters during my career, but this brand has such a distinctive voice and sensibility that it is an honor to write for it. That said, our ≈ 50% open rate is a close second (but also reflective of the amazingly engaged fanbase!).

I’ve been thinking a lot about ways to interact with the audience. In large part, that’s because Effin’ Birds readers are a really smart, fun group. However, increased interaction could offer ways to both deepen, and leverage, their fandom to help build awareness and subscribers.

My proudest moment was realising I had formed a deep connection with my readers. They are a global audience with strong opinions who show up every week to read my newsletter. So, every email, post share, Twitter DM and mention I receive validates the value Big Tech This Week provides. Their support makes me feel darn good. 

2022 is about experimentation. I’ll create content across different verticals — video, audio, etc. I’ll expand coverage into more African startup cities in countries like Egypt, Kenya, South Africa and Senegal. I’ll cover more Web 3 conversations, and explore brand and content partnerships. I’m experimenting.

My proudest moments happened off “The Timeline” — when my subscribers reached out to me to share they learned something new from the newsletter or opened up about experiences they’ve had as fellow digital creators. I love how easy it is to stay connected to them and build a community with Revue.

I’m looking forward to growing my newsletter, trying out new formats, creating exclusive content for my members and continuing to find ways to add value to my newsletter family’s inboxes. I’m just getting started!

Building and maintaining strong connections with people around the world during a period of immense uncertainty and tumult. It’s been a weird time for everyone, myself very much included, and being able to experience some of that weirdness together has been rewarding and helpful, and made facing such challenges a bit more tenable.

Reaching new people, trying new things, and continuing to launch niche and pop-up email-delivered projects for folks who’re keen to keep growing and learning, but who are also trying to avoid being overwhelmed by everything happening in the world right now, and the tangle of platforms and information sources that are vying for our attention. 

We launched our newsletter in September and honestly, I’m proudest of just doing the damn thing! That, and maintaining a 5am wake-up for over 3 months now. Love that for me!!

I’m looking to try and get Harry Styles to subscribe, and upon reading, fall in love with me. 

I launched an original series called “Demystifying Disasters” to answer common questions I’ve come across while reporting on this subject. It really goes back to basics — no acronym left un-explained, no assuming understanding of past events or jargon — to serve as an introduction to audiences trying to deepen their understanding of disasters.

This past summer, I hosted a small movie night for some subscribers (we watched Twister, always a classic). In 2022, I want to schedule more events that can help connect the growing My World’s on Fire community, such as live Q&As, webinars on topics my audience is most interested in, or a book club!