Thank you, Joanna. I have no idea on numbers; I think The Lost may be dwindling somewhat compared to five or six years ago, the chaotic mismanagement of the Covid pandemic definitely saw the scales fall from some eyes. But Nigel Farage and Donald Trump are still alarmingly popular, so the awakening is some way off yet.
At the tender age of 54, this is the only social media platform I’ve ever been on. I joined just as Notes became a thing and I thought it would just be full of people discussing writing, books, movies and music but, alas, it was rife with the Lost and their utter lunacy and bile. It nearly made me leave altogether but blocking has made it bearable. However, I still try to stay away from it as much as possible. My anger at their wilful ignorance is not worth it. Particularly as the rot has affected some of my friends in real life and that to me is far more concerning 🙄
The tricky thing is that The Lost - and that’s so much more polte than the expression I use - are everywhere, including all across the political spectrum. I sometimes wonder whether I need to reconsider my views when I see where they align.
I'm pretty much non-tribal (in a political sense) and know - and get on with quite a range of people. (Most of the people I get on with are irreverent; you'd probably get on with them.) I find it weird when somebody assumes that because I get on with a particular person, I share their views. Even stranger, expecting me to defend views I don’t have.
The difficulty seems to be that quite a few people have never been told that they're talking nonsense - and life's too short for me to get round them all.
A lot of the issues with "The Lost" and other such individuals is that they want to live in a world of clarity. One without nuance. I think that's where ideas like footballification come into it. In today's narrative there needs to be a winner and a loser (or a side which has been seen to lose). Everything (political opinions, manosphere, ideology, war, fucking celebrity break-ups) has someone who is perceived by their audience to be on top, and someone else who is perceived to be the loser.
In a world full of bullshit, people want clarity and assertive statements and answers, hence populism/conspiracy nuts.
Thank you Nick, glad you enjoyed it. And I agree completely: as the world gets increasingly more complex, people boil everything down to simple narratives to help them cope with it.
Aside from the politics, something that really bothered me about Kemi Badenoch was that she picked TWO songs from Hamilton in her Desert Island Discs. I haven't seen Hamilton and I'm sure it's very good etc., but surely, when you only have 8 songs , you can be more imaginative than that? C'mon, Kemi?
I recall reading something somewhere in the last few years which essentially stated that Neanderthals only really went extinct because of a failure to adapt. They could be the OG Lost, no?
Your words are dripping honey this morning, "my pedigree chum".
Well this is my favourite feedback in a long time, thank you!
A fine start to a Friday my friend! Some positivity in the world can do us all the power of good
Gracias amigo!
I’d advocate for twice weekly internet blackout!
I'm glad to know that I can rely on your vote.
Great to know there is a like minded Brentford big lad in this care home for the deeply disappointed wordsmiths
Being a retired Ledgehead of The North, Lewis, what you say is eloquently stated, entertaining and tremendously apposite
Cheers big feller!
Thank you so much for the constant support Hugh, makes it all worthwhile.
Great article. Curious to know what you think the numbers are - if the Lost v the Found ? And whether any are in between ?
Thank you, Joanna. I have no idea on numbers; I think The Lost may be dwindling somewhat compared to five or six years ago, the chaotic mismanagement of the Covid pandemic definitely saw the scales fall from some eyes. But Nigel Farage and Donald Trump are still alarmingly popular, so the awakening is some way off yet.
Perfectly made points, Lewis 👍🏼
At the tender age of 54, this is the only social media platform I’ve ever been on. I joined just as Notes became a thing and I thought it would just be full of people discussing writing, books, movies and music but, alas, it was rife with the Lost and their utter lunacy and bile. It nearly made me leave altogether but blocking has made it bearable. However, I still try to stay away from it as much as possible. My anger at their wilful ignorance is not worth it. Particularly as the rot has affected some of my friends in real life and that to me is far more concerning 🙄
Yeah, the bleed over into real life is heartbreaking.
Love this Lewis. I'm calling them The Lost forevermore... until they are found at least.
Thank you Margaret. Hopefully some of them can still be found.
Here’s hoping. 🤞
The tricky thing is that The Lost - and that’s so much more polte than the expression I use - are everywhere, including all across the political spectrum. I sometimes wonder whether I need to reconsider my views when I see where they align.
I'm pretty much non-tribal (in a political sense) and know - and get on with quite a range of people. (Most of the people I get on with are irreverent; you'd probably get on with them.) I find it weird when somebody assumes that because I get on with a particular person, I share their views. Even stranger, expecting me to defend views I don’t have.
The difficulty seems to be that quite a few people have never been told that they're talking nonsense - and life's too short for me to get round them all.
Yeah, the line "I'm entitled to my own opinion" really has done a number on humanity. Sure you are, but I'm entitled to call bullshit when I hear it.
A lot of the issues with "The Lost" and other such individuals is that they want to live in a world of clarity. One without nuance. I think that's where ideas like footballification come into it. In today's narrative there needs to be a winner and a loser (or a side which has been seen to lose). Everything (political opinions, manosphere, ideology, war, fucking celebrity break-ups) has someone who is perceived by their audience to be on top, and someone else who is perceived to be the loser.
In a world full of bullshit, people want clarity and assertive statements and answers, hence populism/conspiracy nuts.
Top bit of writing this matey, got me going!
Thank you Nick, glad you enjoyed it. And I agree completely: as the world gets increasingly more complex, people boil everything down to simple narratives to help them cope with it.
Excellent writing, man.
Aside from the politics, something that really bothered me about Kemi Badenoch was that she picked TWO songs from Hamilton in her Desert Island Discs. I haven't seen Hamilton and I'm sure it's very good etc., but surely, when you only have 8 songs , you can be more imaginative than that? C'mon, Kemi?
Yeah, it is just a pure lack of imagination. Like Michael Owen having only watched eight films in his entire life.
I recall reading something somewhere in the last few years which essentially stated that Neanderthals only really went extinct because of a failure to adapt. They could be the OG Lost, no?
Interesting. Just need evolution to pull off the same trick twice and we could be on a better planet in the near future.