The creator economy has a trust problem.
I sat down with to discuss.
Taylin is a former college teacher who built a ghostwriting agency to $500K/year and puts more thought into what it means to create online than just about anyone I've talked to. He was also the first person who gave me time and honest guidance when I started writing online.
In this conversation we discuss:
Taylin’s “value ladder” of content: from curating other people’s ideas at the bottom, to proprietary knowledge, identity change, and intellectual property at the top.
The ethics of selling in the creator economy: why Taylin turned down $5,700 from a father who was going into debt to work with him
Taylin’s experience with ketamine therapy: what it feels like when the narrative mind goes completely offline, and why I prefer "reorganization" to "regulation"
The "academic artisan" identity: reading widely, then stress-testing knowledge against reality
Why the body is the last unfakeable signal in a world flooded with AI content
Taylin is sharp and honest about his own process. He names the difficulties of building online without pretending to have all the answers. His newsletter, The Simmonds Signal, lives on Substack. His ghostwriting agency is Ghostlii. Find him on X and LinkedIn under @TaylinSimmonds.
Come June, we’re both speaking in Vancouver at The Future-Proof Creator Summit, June 5-7.
We’ll be sharing the stage with Dan Koe, Kieran Drew, Dan Goldfield, Jack Moses, and others. The whole premise of the summit: what does authentic creative work look like from here?
It’s an intimate event with facilitated networking. If you’re considering writing online or starting an online business, this is for you. Virtual tickets available if travel isn’t in the cards.
Use code Brian20 for 20% off any ticket tier at thelivinginternet.com
There’s a Telegram group for questions about travel, logistics, or the event itself.
The hotel room block closes tomorrow, May 5th. If you’re coming in person, book your room today. After that, the rate isn’t guaranteed.
Room links: Sheraton (June 5-6) | Marriott (June 4-7)
With deep respect,
Brian Maierhofer
P.S. If you’re attending, reply to this email. I want to make sure we meet.
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