13 Comments

Wow. I really appreciate you spotlighting Smithson and his situation. Homelessness is a huge problem and we tend to sweep it under the rug. I've worked at shelters and soup kitchens and even then it can be challenging to have the kind of conversations you shared with Smithson: the honesty and the depth. Thank you for introducing him to us. xo

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Thanks Jan! You know, it really was a privilege to spend time with him. He is a tough cookie!

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Oh man, that was a tough one. I wish the best for Smithson and I certainly we hope we hear from him again. Wonderful post, as always.

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Thank you Emily! I hope I can update with some good news soon.

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I truly wish the best for him, and kinda want to say screw TikTok but I know it's a big deal for him. I can just imagine how unfair their vetting process is, and wish they could have given him this break.

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Yes, these platforms are such a double-edged sword. Creators can forge their own way and reach huge audiences, but they are also weirdly at the mercy of these black hole systems. Thanks for wishing him well!

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Thanks for the article, Anne. I think it’s great to have the unicorn, butterfly and rainbow articles and these ones. An article like this is real- he is an inspiration, working his butt off and trying to make this thing called life work.

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Thanks Kyle! Next week: Five Puppies Who Donated Their Kidneys to Kittens

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Those puppies are TRULY inspirational!!! And then the next article, to keep the alternating dark and light themes going, the kittens die because they can't handle Puppy kidneys.

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Oh man. Maybe the fellow at Humans of New York would be interested in his story, and some kind of fundraising could be started for him?

...honybrandon@gmail.com is his contact.

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This was an unexpected change of tone AND a great post. Great story of perseverance. Sometimes, at least for me, the "like" just doesn't feel right as it didn't fit my mood after reading. If there is such a thing as bad karma, I wish it on the thiefs who robbed him...

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Thanks Mark. I know what you mean about liking. Remember when it was the only option on Facebook, and then you'd have to "like" it when your friend posted about his mom dying?

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On all social media platforms I consider the like a nervous tic...your example perfect

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