[Phase 10] The Second Year of Decisive Action: Breaking the Cage of Happy 'Likes'

Yesterday, I celebrated my one-year anniversary on note. Every day, my smartphone would ring incessantly with notifications of 'likes,' and when I opened my laptop, I was greeted by an overflowing sea of red marks. Receiving an average of 81 likes a day, I was in a very 'happy' place as a resident of note.

When I first started, I was truly happy about it. My writing was reaching someone, and I was getting a response. There was a joy in that, as if my self-esteem was rising with every single one.

But, I wonder when it started. When did that sound turn into 'emptiness'?

My heart is being worn down by 'lies' in the name of courtesy.

I have been returning every single like I received. I thought it was the polite thing to do for those who followed me, so I kept pressing the button desperately.

But what is the reality? It is impossible to carefully read dozens or hundreds of articles every single day, word for word. In the end, I just 'pretend to read' and press the button. I was piling up 'lies' wrapped in the word courtesy, day after day.

Pressing like to get a like, earning numbers to indulge in self-satisfaction. A sense of unbearable disgust and emptiness grew within me as I found myself in that loop.

I am throwing away all of this happy scenery.

I suspect there are many people right now who are being chased by the number of 'likes' and feeling that same emptiness. As of today, I am breaking that 'happy cage'.

An average of 81 likes, nearly 700 followers, and the relationships I've built through 'returning likes.' I am throwing all of that away and standing in the wilderness.

What I am desperately craving right now is not 'likes' as a symbol. 'likes' not at all.

Challenging public submissions, and the reason I want to 'polish each other' with you all.

This year, I am staking everything on challenging public literary submissions. Why choose such a difficult path? It is because I want to push my writing ability to the absolute limit.

To do that, I need your harsh but welcome 'book reviews.' Not the 'likes' of mutual back-scratching, but heartfelt words—sometimes even painful criticism—thrown at what I have written. That is what will become the greatest energy and learning for me as I continue to write novels.

If those who comment on my work wish, just as I do, to 'improve their own work and receive honest words,' then I will engage with your work and return words with that exact same intensity.

To new 'comrades' aiming for the heights together.

If you cannot leave a comment agreeing with my way of thinking on this article, I will be unfollowing everyone today. Even if the 23 people remaining now drop to zero, I do not mind.

However, in exchange, I am looking for 'genuine connections'.

Even if you are not currently following me, if you agree with this determination and would like to polish our words together, please leave a comment. I will read your work and follow you as well.

I don't have a single second left to spend exchanging fake likes. I want to dedicate the time of my life only to reading seriously and writing seriously.

Even if I am pointed at and called 'arrogant,' I choose the path of not lying to myself. I am looking for someone who aims for the heights with me and is willing to engage in gritty, honest conversation. I sincerely hope to meet a 'genuine' person like you.

I look forward to your sincere comments.

#note1stAnniversary #BookReview #ShosetsukaNiNaro #DailyNoteUpdates #DeterminationForYearTwo