Hey creators, the algorithm is gaslighting you

Let me paint a familiar picture.

You pour your heart into creating something meaningful. You write, illustrate, design, or compose something people care about — something that improves their lives. You’ve built up an audience over the years — perhaps tens of thousands of people who have chosen to follow you.

And then you share your work — a new book, a new project, or some insightful thoughts — with them, only to be greeted with crickets.

It doesn’t make sense. These people asked to see your updates and were excited enough about your work to click “follow.” And yet, your post gets buried. The algorithm steps in and whispers: That’s not good enough. It decides what people want, leaving your carefully crafted work unseen.

This has happened to me more times than I’m embarrassed to say.

I’ve written over 60 science books for kids, including Quantum Physics for Babies, which has sold over a million copies worldwide. I know my audience exists. I see their excitement in person, in reviews, and even in social media comments. But when I post about my latest book or event?

Not only does the algorithm fail to show it to anyone, it flaunts this fact in my face with post analytics. Try again next time!