The Algorithm Sabbath: The Counter Culture Holiday (Proposal)

The Online Revolution We Didn't Know We Needed

Dear Substackers,

Someone asked if this was a sanctuary for introvert writers, away from Instagram and the like….

And my curiosity led me to this proposition: Let’s create a new holiday!

Let me elaborate.

I propose a holiday that could turn into a sacred pause — a yearly reset. And, not to sound like an alarmist, but could potentially be a life-saving tradition we pass down— a quiet rebellion for our descendants.

But first off, to address the original question…

Is Substacks a safe haven for introverts?

Maybe that was the intent. But is anyone else getting the vibe that many Instagrammers (FB-ers, Tweeter-ers, etc.,) came rushing in — looking for a safe, friendly, embracing community — while subconsciously still craving and chasing the attention they weren’t popular enough to get on IG?

And after that quiet, unspoken yearning of belonging isn’t met, they (we) revert back….

The continuous and scheduled posting. The curated “heartfelt” captions. The perfect Canva image. The perfect tags.

And just like that, we slide into metrics like a bad habit we thought we quit, subsequently — and possibly unknowingly — slowly dismantling Substacks into the very thing we were running away from.

Dear Instagrammer, fulfillment comes through real connection, not “likes.” Although let’s be honest, that statement alone is getting harder and harder to untangle. Because, really — connection and likes — how does one exist without the other anymore?

So here’s my point. My offering, and my own rebellion disguised as a solution is:

A yearly holiday where we write, share, reflect, or simply exist without seeking validation. No “like” counters, no algorithm tweaks, no cross-posting strategies. Just expression, essence, and showing up as yourself without applause.

This may feel strange at first. It will probably be a real challenge for the “How-To” gurus and those who’ve cracked the algorithm code. And yes, you might be asking “What’s the point of posting if it’s not helping, changing someone or gaining traction?”

That’s exactly why we need this. To remember that expression isn’t always a transaction.

So…what’s the bigger picture?

What if, 30…50 years from now, this one algorithm-free week becomes a sacred window of humanity?

A week where the bots respect the humans. A week where our descendants won’t have to participate in the Hunger Games of digital survival.

Just picture it, the elders teaching the children during this one holy week that they can use their humanity without hiding it or polishing it, or monetizing it.

It’ll be fun like Mardi Gras, but sacred like Easter.

Humans will walk the streets without their score attached. Children will play freely, flipping off the bots without fear of repercussions!

Now tell me that’s not a holiday worth creating!

What would you call this holiday? I quite like Disconicca. Maybe Offlineia?

What would you do to mark it? Let’s name it, shape it, and protect it.