Time spent seeking permission from gatekeepers is better spent building your own audience. Think: Trying to get verified on Twitter vs. writing great tweets. Begging agents/publishers for a book deal vs. building an email list. The audience unlocks the gate.

Start by creating content. Your passions will emerge or narrow. You'll be able to grow an audience . . . then figure out REAL ways to make $

Building an audience on a proprietary network is building an elaborate castle on sand.