Over the last few days, the idea of content creation versus content consumption has popped up all over my Facebook feed. From people wondering how to balance the two to people espousing the benefits of one over the other, it seems to be a popular topic of conversation for some reason. And as both of creator and consumer of content, I have thoughts.

Which I’m going to share with you.

You’re welcome.

First, let’s talk about the thought that creating content is better than consuming it. It’s more satisfying, more fulfilling…whatever word you want to use to imply that it’s better to make your own stuff than to purchase, watch, read, listen to someone else’s. And on some level, I agree. There is something extremely gratifying about writing a blog post or short story or song and pushing it out into the world. The whole “I did it!” element fills you with confidence and pride and amazement that something creative can come from your brain and hands. And if other people like it, that’s even better!

That’s where the problem comes in. What if other people don’t like it? What if no one reads or listens? What if it just falls into the void? And how much effort should you put in to making sure it gets to an audience? If no one consumes it, should you keep creating it just for personal satisfaction?

That’s a lot of stress, especially for something that you might just be doing for fun. And if you’re doing it for fun, then by all means, give zero fucks about what people think and keep on keepin’ on. But if you’re doing it for another purpose–to build a business or platform or get noticed or whatever–and no one cares about it or notices it, is the effort and time you’re spending truly worth it just for that fleeting moment of pride? And if it’s not, do you quit or keep doing it just for fun (I say keep doing it for fun but it’s definitely a debatable opinion)?

See? There’s lots of questions to consider that make the whole “it’s better to create than consume” mantra not so straightforward. 

And, underlying all of that is the assumption that consuming content is inherently bad. It’s not. Yes, if you start using social media as an actual barometer for your life or you spend all your time on Pinterest or Lifehacker, trying to replicate every single idea, recipe, or life hack you come across, it’s a problem but reading books or blogs? Watching movies or TV shows or documentaries? Listening to music? NONE OF THAT IS BAD. There’s a reason people are fighting to keep arts and music in school and that is because it makes our world beautiful. We need it in our lives–and not just what we produce, but what others produce because no matter what you can do, there’s someone who can do something different or better or groundbreaking and to shut yourself out from exposure to that can be damaging to you not only as a person but as a content creator. Haven’t you ever felt inspired by a painting or piece of music or photo or book to do something of your own? I have. So why refrain from consuming it?

Not only that, sometimes it’s just satisfying to sit back and watch what someone else has done and simply appreciate the talent and time and effort that went in to making it. For example, I know when I walked out of a Broadway showing of “American Idiot” a few years ago, I was in awe of the entire production, songs and sets and singing and orchestra and costumes and lighting…all of it. I felt satisfied as a consumer of that art.

I think it’s totally fine to consume content and be content with what you’ve seen (or read or listened to) without having to feel an obligation to create.

It’s about balance. 

Which leads to my next point.

How much should you be creating versus consuming? There’s no right answer to this, unfortunately. It’s about making time for all of it in your life if that’s what you want. I know plenty of people who are simply consumers. There’s nothing wrong with that, just like there’s nothing wrong with what you like to watch or listen to (despite all the people telling you that reality shows or awards show or talk shows are shit and trash and ruining your brain. While it might have some element of truth, if mindless nonsense is what you enjoy, DO NOT LET ANYONE MAKE YOU FEEL BAD ABOUT IT). Some people do not feel compelled to put their talents into the world. And we have no business telling them that they’re wrong for making that choice

But for those of us who do like to create as well as consume, the best suggestion I can give you is to simply figure out whatever kind of schedule you can. Pick and choose what you watch or use your DVR to catch up on the weekends and use weeknights after work to work on your project. Or work on them while you’re watching TV. That’s okay, too. If you don’t like to work at night, see what you can do on your lunch break or in the morning or while dinner is in the oven. Set aside a block of time on Saturday or Tuesday nights and put all your focus on your creation into those hours.

The same goes for what you’re creating. Maybe only work on one project at a time. Don’t overwhelm yourself with projects. If you have too many ideas, keep a list. Check them off one at a time. Find a collaborator to help if need be.

I could go on but for your sake I’ll stop with my summary point. Which is that it doesn’t have to be an all or nothing situation. You can create, you can consume. There’s time for it all, if you make the time, and both are equally, if differently, satisfying.

Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.

P.S. There are dozens of posts and articles debating this topic. One of the ones that resonated the most for me was this one from Medium, which explores how to mindfully consume content. It’s an important point.

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