#WritersCoffeeClub 1: What can we do to support and protect other writers, not only now, but in the future as well?

[vicorva@mastodon.art]

#WritersCoffeeClub 1: What can we do to support and protect other writers, not only now, but in the future as well?

We need to close ranks against exploiters. No AI, no predatory services or gatekeepers. No stepping on others to reach for success.

We need to recommend the works we enjoy, especially from indie, new, or little-known authors (eg, the people who actually need the support!)

We need author-owned means of marketing and distribution.

[vicorva@mastodon.art]

Divesting en-masse from billionnaire-owned platforms would help us all *a lot*, but there's no easy answers for that right now when so many rely on one or all of them to survive.

I'd also like to see better options for unionisation. What exists often only exists for those earning at a certain threshhold or having attained a certain level of mainstream prestige, but early-career and smaller authors still matter.
Not to mention the bias and bad faith politics within many such organisations.