This is exactly why the constant screaming of “grifter” in this topic has become exhausting.
Recently, I was called a “grifter” by an awful man in front of a number of very well-known people in this space in a closed chat group - it really hurt. In case your reading I’ve the screenshots too 💅🏽
Despite the fact I’ve personally funded projects, invested in platforms, supported events and backed people in this topic with literally zero financial return. I’ve lost money and I don’t care.
Ironically, this is someone who publicly talks about pissing in bottles and who I know for a fact sends inappropriate messages to women within the community, yet somehow feels comfortable positioning himself as a moral authority on who is and isn’t legitimate yet offers nothing bar strange behaviours.
People want researchers, experiencers, academics, app developers, investigators, conference organisers, podcasters, writers and community leaders to dedicate thousands of hours to this subject… but the second someone monetises even a fraction of that effort, the pitchforks come out.
Meanwhile most people doing genuine work here are not getting rich. Many are actively losing money because they believe the topic matters.
And yes, there are real grifters in every field. Of course there are. But the word has now become a lazy weapon thrown at almost anyone trying to build something sustainable around the most important conversation humanity may ever have.
This piece from
@NicoleVanDenEng articulates that reality incredibly well.
Worth the read.