CJ Pukala

Today’s Song: C.R.E.A.M (Cash Rules Everything Around Me) by: The Wu-Tang Clan (1993)

This week, I revisited module three, specifically the essay Bill Gates wrote back in 1996. A quote from it really stood out because it was true.

“Content is where I expect much of the real money will be made on the Internet,” said Gates in his essay. 

Gates said that almost 30 years ago, and now, as we approach 2026, so much money is being made on the internet.

Tons of online creators have gained fame, especially over the last decade, and have made tons of money through this. Sponsorship and advertising deals also add to the pile, you know the deal. Online content creation has become a gateway to stardom for many, especially in specific, niche areas of the internet where people seek particular content. Cash is ruling the content creation sphere.

In the Gates essay, he predicts the internet will become a place where “deep and extremely up-to-date information that [readers] can explore at will”. This also turned out to be true, as the internet is constantly refreshed with new information every second. It rarely costs any money at all to post anything on the internet anyway, and the key is to post something that can distinguish you from the rest of the gigantic sea of content on the internet.

The personalities that you see the most in specific areas of the internet, like let’s say football content for example, you find some who seem to be “pioneers” in those specific areas. The Pat McAfee shows of the world for example have revolutionized the football side of the internet, and many flocked to his content because it was something new and refreshing.

As someone like me, this concept stood out because in the past, I have struggled to put out content I believed was meaningful. Whether it was something on Instagram or an article for a class, there have been many times when I went through the motions and didn’t produce meaningful content. Sometimes my content lacks personality, and I just play it safe.

There have been many times when I have produced meaningful content that I actually put time and effort into. I usually feel good about those projects, especially when I put my heart and energy into them. And I hope that consumers feel my heart and passion through whatever content I produce as well.

Who knows, at some point the Cash may be Ruling Everything Around Me regarding my online content. Fun to dream!