When your words are no longer your own
“When you decide to put out content, you do become public property. You’re public property when you put yourself on the screen.”
– Rob, Episode 169 of Sports Card Therapist
April 29, 2023
In 1964, the Supreme Court of the United States ruled public officials—both elected and appointed—should be treated differently under the First Amendment. In order to encourage robust political discussion, SCOTUS made it much harder for public officials to prove defamation.
In 1967, SCOTUS—among other things—expanded that definition from public officials to public figures, people who actively sought to “thrust themselves into the limelight.” Several years later—1974—SCOTUS further clarified their views by invoking an idea they called “no false ideas.”
In other words, if someone published something verifiably false about me that damaged my reputation (“Dave embezzles from the bank he works at.”), I could sue. But if someone said something about me that cannot be proven one way or the other (“Dave is a terrible human being and is stupid and you shouldn’t listen to him.”), I can’t sue even if people are persuaded by the argument because there are “no false ideas.”
Rob’s point got me thinking. Whether it be culturally, as he noted in his podcast, legally, as courts have ruled, or in other ways, the rules for people who seek to become public figures in their communities differ from those who do not.
Before one actively becomes part of the public discourse, it’s crucial they know what’s waiting for them. They will be revered. Dissected. Cheered. Booed. Praised. Chastised. Emulated. Ridiculed. Unfairly elevated. Unfairly torn down.
Every month or so a new podcaster enters the sports-card space. They need a good mic, something interesting to talk about, and the ability to self-promote. They also need thick skin and a realistic perspective.
“You’re public property,” Rob said.
Yes.
Hobby podcasters typically put themselves out there for two reasons: our entertainment and an urge to engage their ecosystem in a new way. Consuming content is one thing. Producing it is something different altogether.
It’s not all roses, nor should it be. The ability to speak to the masses is a privilege, and with it comes responsibility. And, sometimes, consequences. And, sometimes, trolls. But also, fulfillment. Satisfaction.
Rob’s words should be required listening for anyone looking to make hobby content. Once you step out of the darkness and into the light, you’ll find it’s brighter than you expected.