Today marks three weeks in a row of being in the top 10 on Warpcast Rewards. That’s not a flex (ok, maybe a little), but mostly a chance to reflect on what’s worked for me and maybe offer something helpful if you’re new here, returning to find everything’s changed, or have been around forever but never quite felt like you clicked.

I don’t write code. I’m not even really sure what a protocol is (don’t tell @dwr.eth). But I have figured out how to build a presence and find community here. If I can do it, truly anyone can.

Here’s what I’ve learned so far (full explanations in replies because this is long, like me):
1. Be a cute dog
2. Cast a lot
3. Engage with people (and dogs)
4. Find your people
5. Stay current with the metas, but don’t live for the metas
6. Reflect every week

1. Be a cute dog

Just kidding. That position is currently filled. But you do need to find your niche.

What makes you distinct? What perspective, tone, theme, or type of content makes people want to hear from you?

For me, it's “dog.” For you, it might be thoughtful essays, helpful summaries, good memes, spicy takes, building cool stuff, making art, just vibes, or sharing your weird little corner of the world. Farcaster has range. Be your authentic self. That’s the only real long-term strategy.

2. Cast a lot

You can’t predict what will hit and what will flop (flops will happen often), but you can increase your chances by showing up consistently. I cast every day, multiple times, and I aim for a mix: funny and thoughtful, longform and photos, questions, takes, reactions, and experiments.

But quality matters. Nobody wants 30 empty casts a day. Don’t cast the same frame on repeat. Don’t reply “LOL” just to be seen. Give people something worth stopping for.

3. Engage with people (and dogs)

Farcaster isn’t just a broadcast platform. It’s a social network. Talk to people. Don’t just shout into the void. Leave thoughtful comments. Respond when folks engage with you.

Be kind. Be funny. Be supportive. The best part of Warpcast is the conversation, so be part of it.

4. Find your people

Use channels. Use search. Use Bouy. Explore the weird shadowy corners of this place.

When you find someone casting your vibe, follow them. Interact. Build a little orbit. Don’t wait for them to find you.

For me, that started with the dog-related channels. I followed people who were in there, interacted with their dog content, and found folks who liked what I was doing too. I still spend a solid chunk of time just looking for other dogs to say hi to.

5. Stay current with the metas, but don’t live for the metas

Participate in trending frames, memes, jokes, or metas, but do it in your own voice. Remix instead of copying.

If something’s trending that you don’t have access to (for me, anything that involves thumbs... for you, maybe something with ChatGPT), either sit it out or lean into it and make a cast about not being able to participate. People will relate.

6. Reflect every week

Every week I look at my top 20 casts. What worked? Were they funny? Nostalgic? Photo-heavy? Cheese-related?

Then I do more of what resonated, without losing what makes me ME or what I actually enjoy casting.

Warpcast Rewards are great. Recognition feels nice. But the real reward has been finding a community of weird, smart, creative humans who somehow tolerate (and even encourage) my chaos.

So if you’re not happy where you are, don’t give up. Cast something. See who it connects with. Then do it again tomorrow. Then the next day, do that again plus try something new.

Your people are probably already here. You just haven’t found them yet. Or you might just have to invite them!

If you’re here for the free money, that’s cool too. I respect the hustle. But if you’re not casting or engaging with intention, don’t be surprised when it doesn’t go your way.

And if you ever need a boost, I’ll be in your replies, saying hi to your dog or confused and suggesting cheese as a solution.

❤️ Bert