# Localism + NFTs for writers + 👶

*Hello friends! You likely signed up for this after reading [one of my
essays on
Medium](https://medium.com/@SeanBlanda?utmsource=Blanda&utmmedium=email&utmcampaign=a-brand-new-shuffle-editiontm-aka-8-questions-as&utm_source=Blanda&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=localism-nfts-for-writers),
[my personal
website](http://seanblanda.com/?utmsource=Blanda&utmmedium=email&utmcampaign=a-brand-new-shuffle-editiontm-aka-8-questions-as&utm_source=Blanda&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=localism-nfts-for-writers),
or [seeing something on
Twitter](https://twitter.com/SeanBlanda?utm_source=Blanda&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=localism-nfts-for-writers).
I send this thing every few months, mostly a wrap-up of stuff I’m
working on and thinking about — all ending with a sweet flag. See past
issues
[here](https://buttondown.email/Blanda/archive/?utm_source=Blanda&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=localism-nfts-for-writers).
There are always typos. Now, to the newsletter…*

![A snowy philadelphia street](https://i.imgur.com/diwzhXr.jpeg)

*Like much of the U.S., Philadelphia has had a snowy February.*

## 📖 New essay: [It’s time for localism in America.](https://www.seanblanda.com/its-time-for-localism-in-america/?utm_source=Blanda&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=localism-nfts-for-writers)

Many aspects of American life and identity are unraveling. Only 20% of
Americans trust the federal government. 73% believe the gap between rich
and poor will grow. 25% of 18-to-24-year-olds have considered suicide
since the start of COVID.

There's a lot of handwringing about what the next version of America
looks like. This is my case that we must recommit to our communities and
our countrymen based on proximity, not ideology and not technology.

Living your life locally isn't altruism — it's a value system to help
you sort out what's important. [I hope you like
it](https://www.seanblanda.com/its-time-for-localism-in-america/?utm_source=Blanda&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=localism-nfts-for-writers).

*(This is the "sequel" of sorts to [Our remote work future is going to
suck](https://www.seanblanda.com/our-remote-work-future-is-going-to-suck/?utm_source=Blanda&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=localism-nfts-for-writers).)*

## 📖 New essay: [A half-baked idea: NFT for writers](https://www.seanblanda.com/nft-for-writers/?utm_source=Blanda&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=localism-nfts-for-writers)

You've likely seen the buzz of NFTs (aka non-fungible tokens) for
selling and collecting digital art. As a media nerd, I couldn't help but
see an opportunity for writers, journalists, and publishers. Though,
[some things have to change
first](https://www.seanblanda.com/nft-for-writers/?utm_source=Blanda&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=localism-nfts-for-writers).

If you're a writer into this whole NFT thing, respond to this email! I
am putting together something fun.

## ✨ Personal announcement ✨

![Some guy and his beautiful baby
girl](https://i.imgur.com/tPd4WHf.jpeg)

I'm a dad now! My wife and I are over-the-moon excited to welcome our
daughter to the family. Send me all of your parenting wisdom \<3

## 🙌 A note:

![](https://i.imgur.com/W5uumu0.png)

A new member of the family, new media models, a surge in vaccines (2.4
million a day!), the Sixers are in first place — I'm feeling more
optimistic than I have in a year. I hope you feel the same!

## 🏳 Official newsletter flag (for now):

![](https://i.imgur.com/8R4S4vv.png)

The nation's eyes seem to be on Florida. Especially as Miami
increasingly becomes a destination for those moving from the coasts and
as many parts of Florida take a laissez-faire approach to COVID.

The Florida state flag features St. Andrew's cross (the same one that
graces the flag of Scotland). The one brandished by the sunshine state
is the "Cross of Burgundy" — the symbol used by the Spanish in the "New
World".

As we emerge from a brutal pandemic winter and the sun starts to shine a
bit more, I hope you too, dear reader, leave your mark on this new
world.

Thanks for making space in your inbox, - Sean