So what's going on with the Instagram Reef Scene?

[CMO]

So I've got into Instagram a bit more with my reef photography but am very confused by the "scene" there if you will. It seems like everyone is trying to brand themselves and get likes for sponsorship - am I seeing that right?

It's actually kind of annoying once you start following a lot of these people because the majority of their posts seem to just turn into "like" propaganda. They will literally take pictures of other people liking their photos and then post photos of the likes thanking said people for the "support". And then there seems to be this whole sticker trading thing going on where people literally brand their personal tanks with logos. lol

Is this all in hopes of getting sponsorship (like when kids try to make skate videos for sponsorship)? It seems like everyone on Instagram is sponsored by eshopps...

It all kind of reminds me of that Black Mirror episode Nosedive...

 

[jRatanak]

Glad I'm not the only one noticing this haha super annoying and why I'm not hugely active with my reef insta account

 

[Xdub4314]

I definitely think that happening. I mean who doesn't want free stuff?! Im finding much more enjoyment with tanks from out of country, they are just posting to show progress and share inspiration.

 

[User1]

Well to be fair that is the Instagram platform. Social media in general. I've seen people on a couple forums get similar treatment if the build thread has high enough post counts or seem like people are really into them. Youtube with patron followers, bling to buy, selling stuff, etc. Anything to make a buck in the hobby be it talking, selling, or the so called side hustle that BRS talked about in a video. I see this also in the wood working area. Look, glad you are making a buck but I don't need to sit through 20 minutes while you prep a pen blank or set up a jig....just show me your technique or what you do differently if you want to be of any value to me...

It is starting to get a bit blurry but I hope in the end it will work out on its own. I've stopped reading a few threads lately and in the past once things like this started to happen.

 

[anonomous09]

It’s probably worse in the automotive world. I try to only follow pages where people post stuff we can actually learn from.

 

[thewackyreefer]

I actually got on Instagram about a week ago in order to start posting photos. I haven't spent much time on there yet but I have definitely noticed what you're talking about.

Gotta build that brand! (?)