Simple Rules for this Blog
When I decided to write more and share my writing, a lot of questions started popping up. How should I write? Who is my audience? Do I want to monetize, and if so, how? Will I succeed? How long should each post be? And so on.
This train of thought is very common among perfectionists (of which I am proudly a member). What works for me in these situations is picking one goal to optimize. This definitely simplifies things, but sometimes it's not enough; there are still too many options. That's where 'simple rules' come in. Usually, 2-5 simple rules are enough. More than that, and things get complex again.
Let's quickly discuss the concept of simple rules. I plan to write a longer post about the idea of having a single goal and employing simple rules. The premise is that when faced with an unknown environment and the need for swift decisions (which is the case in 99% of situations), utilizing simple rules is the optimal approach. For instance, to maintain good financial health, one could follow these simple rules: always spend less than you earn, keep three months' salary in savings, and set a specific limit for unnecessary spending (say, 20% of income). These rules are straightforward and actionable.
So, what is my goal with this blog? My goal is to refine my thinking around the various problems I encounter, be they personal or professional. Refinement thrives on friction, which comes from sharing ideas with others, inviting challenges and disagreements.
Having established the goal, several considerations emerge. Should every fleeting thought be penned down and shared, or should there be a quality threshold? Is committing to a posting frequency crucial to keep the momentum going? And what about the length of each post; should there be a minimum or maximum?
Two primary considerations shape the 'simple rules' for this endeavor: Will people read what I write? And will I write in the first place? Here are three rules I believe address these questions:
Clear Definition: Each post should have a clear point of discussion. It's not about random ramblings but a dive into a specific issue, even if a solution isn't readily available.
Consistent Frequency: A bi-weekly post seems achievable and keeps the habit alive. It demands a level of commitment that's crucial for this journey.
Minimum Length: Each post should have a minimum length to ensure a level of depth and engagement with the topic at hand.