HUMOR
Curing Curation Fixation
It’s as easy as one, two, three
Writers publishing on MuddyUm are in danger of becoming fixated on getting curated. Being a mental health issue, the condition Curation Fixation is frequently overlooked. Let me assure you, this is a real and debilitating challenge. If you or someone you know is suffering, please read on. Luckily, I’m fully qualified to lead you through recovery in just three simple steps!
Recognizing the Signs of Curation Fixation
Before beginning recovery, it is important to ensure that you or your friend have accurately identified the condition. Curation Fixation is closely related to depression induced by obsession with MuddyUm stats. For more on that condition, reference When Stats Obsession Leads to Depression.
If two or more of the following are true, proceed to the three step recovery:
- Once you’ve self published or your work has been added to a publication, you become fixated on whether or not the curators have read it.
- Upon receiving the message that curators have not read your story “due to high volume” you reread your story and ask, “Why?!?!”
- After rereading, you become obsessed with making the piece curatable. Instead of writing something new, you spend three sleepless days and nights editing.
- Finally satisfied with your ‘new and improved’ draft, you delete the previous version and publish the latest version. Fixation on its curation begins immediately.
- You become trapped in this endless cycle, unable to begin any new work until curation is achieved. Alternatively, you give up publishing on MuddyUm because if you can’t get the curators’ approval you must be a terrible writer.
Three Steps to Recovery
- Diagnose Curation Fixation.
If you’re still reading, you or your friend have acknowledged several of the above statements apply to you. Congratulations on self-diagnosing this incredibly crippling condition. Admitting there is a problem is the first step!
2. Write an article about your experience with curation on MuddyUm.
Writing about and sharing your experiences with other MuddyUm authors who are struggling with the condition will lead to healing and spread awareness. Remember, mental health issues are often invisible and it is important not to suffer in silence.
Speak your truth, be vulnerable, and inspire others to do the same. You’ll likely receive supportive comments and lots of claps that will help you feel your writing is worthwhile. Despite being uncuratable, you are not incurable.
3. Repeat steps one and two until your stories about Curation Fixation are curated.
Once you have achieved step three, you will finally break the cycle and be free! To prevent a relapse, stop whining and start writing.
Disclaimer: The author recognizes mental health issues are no laughing matter. In fact, she also writes serious articles on the topic. This story is intended as a humorous and satirical look at the way MuddyUm can rob writers of the joy of writing. Don’t let it be you!
Rachael Ann Sand writes about life’s lessons and experiences including educational, humorous, and personal pieces. Thought provoking, informative, and often entertaining, her writing style is infused with personality. Rachael earned a B.S. in Elementary Education, MN Teaching Licensure, and Parenting Coach Certification. Her passion for the next generation extends to all living things.
