In which the Foster Collective issues its first writer grant and kicks off a web3 experiment to build a better internet

This week, the Foster Collective issued its first essay grant. After a unanimous snapshot vote from Foster Founding Members, we purchased the first of ten NFTs of the Ungated Manifesto by Rob Hardy.

From Rob’s essay:

“Be courageous enough to shout your authentic creative work into the void, knowing that it won't connect with many people, but it will connect, and it will matter, to the right people. If there's anything that breaks The Pattern, it's finding your true fans, and knowing that your work actually matters to someone. The more you feel just how nourishing that is, the harder it gets to return to a life of pumping generic content into the belly of the algorithmic beast in hopes of getting a few likes or shares. Once you've tasted the real thing, there is no going back.”

This piece exemplifies what we stand for at Foster. It incorporates feedback and suggestions from Foster’s community of contributors. It's also a personal story, told well, that articulates a few messy problems internet creatives face, and points towards a vision for the future of the internet that mirrors our own.

Like Rob, we believe the internet as it exists today doesn’t serve writers—or readers—well. And we believe a more beautiful, generative internet is possible:**
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• An internet where everyone feels empowered to share their perspective 
• An internet where underrepresented voices are championed and uplifted
• An internet with economic incentives that reward quality and insight over quantity and conformity
• An internet where writers are rewarded and celebrated for doing the work only they can do
• An internet that weaves together these diverse perspectives, and helps us make sense of a changing world**
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That's why Foster exists, and it's why we’ve invested in the Ungated Manifesto. The seeds of this new internet are already being planted around us—in web3 and other emerging digital subcultures. And, like Rob, we intend to play a vital role in nurturing this ecosystem, and help writers flourish. 

Today's purchase is the first of many such essay grants, and one of the first dominoes toppling towards the more beautiful internet our hearts know is possible. As a reminder, grants are currently available to Foster contributors only – if that’s you, keep your eyes on your email for more information on how you can apply. 

Love supporting writers and their stories? Apply to become a Foster contributor.