Substack will package the newsletters you write into cards for people to explore.
I’m trying to influence the colour of the base of the card… this seems to be decided by the algorithm… I’m attempting to manipulate the algorithm to make my card orange.
If I can do that, then I’m going to figure out how to make it any colour I want.
This is the silly kind of thing I think about.
Why? (I ask myself)
In this case, so that I can stand out? But also as a way to wrestle some autonomy back from the algorithm. If you’re here from such a card… Welcome.
That was a completely esoteric exploration, and the way I like to start my day, following my imagination down some random quest answering some random question.
Today’s question being… I wonder how the algorithm determines that colour?
What was the last random question you asked yourself?
Speaking random quests….
Kiki McFarlane wrote a brilliant newsletter about imagination, here’s a sample:
You can read the rest of it at
In the meantime I’m thinking of this boat idea… I’m letting my imagination be the captain…
Imagination: What is the relationship between the word Quest and Question?
Me: (after some thinking) A question is a quest of transforming uncertainty into knowledge.
This quest-like nature of questioning is most clearly seen in scientific and philosophical inquiry, where the search for knowledge can span years or even lifetimes.
Yet even in everyday questions – "Where did I put my keys?" or "What should I cook for dinner?" – we are still embarking on mini-quests, seeking to transform uncertainty into knowledge.
TEN MINUTE ARTIST PROMPT
Captain Imagination
Draw your imagination as a captain, or some sort of leader where you would willingly follow, Draw or write where it is taking you.
You can ask it with questions like:
When do I lose track of time?
What memories keep calling me back?
What makes me feel like a conspiracy theorist?
Oh Adam, I was wondering how I could change the color of the card just yesterday. I'm curious if you will figure out how to influence the algorithm!! For my last 2 substack posts the color was brown 😝.
Love this so much Adam!! Thanks for sharing my post and for the brilliant creative prompt