A Backstage Notes Essay Creators who operate like founders build systems that compound. You’re doing everything the experts tell you: posting consistently, finding your niche, trying the newest AI tools. So why are your numbers flattening? It’s the invisible wall every creator hits. The effort stays high, the ideas still feel inspired, but the growth stalls. The platforms feel less responsive. The usual advice starts losing its potency, and the frustration quietly creeps in.