July’s theme was a focus on common connections between generations. The main focus was X to Z, but the Silent Generation, Boomers, and Millennials were all touched on. This month was also the month that we reduced our volume of content so the Editor in Chief could focus on the YA novels based on some of the stories told here. So what does this mean for next month?
Even with the reduction in content, Gen X Watch readership continued to grow. We saw a 3% increase in articles read and a 9% increase in readership compared to June’s record breaking month. Less content and continued growth was not what the team expected. We have yet again underestimated the readers who continue to desire content and share. More than anything we do on this end to market the site, it is the readers who are the biggest different in our ability to gain readers.
In this month the readers made it clear that there were two things you wanted more than anything else. Jeremy Ritch’s investigative op/eds into social events in the 80s that led to today’s political landscape and Fem Fridays.
The most popular two issues was how manipulation of Gen X teens led to Christian Nationalism and the trauma rooted in nostalgia. The fourth most popular article, also by Jeremy Ritch, was the social issue of toxic Alpha male culture and the myths that came from it.
As far as Fem Fridays? The original Batgirl. Yvonne Craig’s life seeped in independence and inspiration to women of younger generations was a strong piece in the top three this month. And in 5th was reader favorite Fem Friday Heather appearing to tell her heart to the readers about the loss of her dad and her thoughts on best directions for the future of the editor in chief, Pat Green, and Gen X Watch.
There was also a never before seen three way tie for that fifth place. You loved Heather, but you equally were drawn to Cyndi Lauper and Bea Arthur not only changing things for women and queer people, but passing torches to future generations to continue the work.
How Reader Response Shapes August
August’s themes will be how to make a difference. In a discussion with my advisory team there is a strong interest in how things got to be where they are today, especially in this election year where everything feels like it is on the line. But there is also a connection with the idea of women as advocates for younger women and their queer friends. Almost 70% of our readership are women who are Millennials, Gen X, and Baby Boomers. To know that these women are drawn to stories where women inspire women of future generations and are queer allies? That is an amazing audience to have.
So in August, get ready to hear more stories about Fem Friday heroes who change things and how they did it so that we can do it too. We will also have articles from the past to today that shows how we can build a solid and better future together.
In desperate times like these everything can feel hopeless and too big to fix. One of the things that makes Project 2025 so terrifying is how achievable the goals are. But there is good news. A world with equality for women, queer people, and people of color is achievable too. And we’ll talk about that. We have to talk about it.
We Need Hero Readers to Keep This Going
At Gen X Watch we rely on our Patreons to continue to do this work. As we grow, so do expenses and needs. We have not had new Patreons in two months but have experienced growth. If 5% of our readers were Patreons we would never have to worry about keeping the lights on. If we had 10% of our readers as Patreons, we could not only generate income for Jeremy Ritch and Pat Green, but we could pay guest writers union scale and invite new voices into Gen X Watch which could build real CV’s for aspiring and seasoned writers with something important to say.
To be honest, the Patreons have not received the attention they deserve. Starting in August Patreons will get a monthly Patreon only discussion between Heather and Pat, a members only video/podcast episode called “The Cutting Room Floor,” and an updates on the YA book series based on Gen X Watch.
To become a Patreon and help us secure the future of Gen X Watch, please join by clicking here. It is that easy to make a big difference.
Now, without further ado, here is your top 5 (7 due to the tie this month).
Top Five Articles!
Number Five in Three Parts!
Number 4
Number 3
Number 2
Number 1
We Need You!
We rely on readers like you to continue our work. A few moments and you can make a difference:
1. Share this story with a friend and leave a comment.
2. Tip me! I need your support!
3. Become a Members Only Patreon! In the Patreon I will have unfiltered rants, exclusive content, free PDF copies of the upcoming quarterly magazine, and more.
4. Go to our store and buy the print magazine! It is art, news, and nostalgia that matters!
Thank you for your support and taking the time to read this.
Stay Totally Awesome! Stay true to you!
Leave a Reply