The Case for Writing Less
As a blogger, it is tempting to try to write as much as possible. Blogger stories are replete with stories of people going from 0 to 1 000 blogs (or whatever the number may be) and encouraging others to do the same. In our 21st century hustle culture, where 'the grind' is idolised, perhaps we see no other choice but to blog as frequently as possible. After all, if we won't do it, someone else will outcompete us for a larger audience... allegedly.
After much reflection, several realisations and almost a month away from the keyboard, I must say I entirely disagree with this view. Here's why.
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Realisation #1: People are already overloaded with content
Publishing content has never been easier. While this has been great to some extent in democratising the world of content creation to 'anyone' with an internet connection, it has created a dynamic where content is now published in droves. Nowadays, there is far too much content on the internet for our brains to process, leading to 'content overload'.
More concerningly, not all this content out there is actually unique, quality material deserving of our attention. Where is the originality or academic rigour? While there are some content creators who do make a concerted effort to create quality content, most don't. The result: The poor-quality, generic content drowns the good pieces out there.
My belief: Don't be a part of this dynamic. Take your reader as they find them. They already have enough to read. Don't say anything unless it's well thought-out, unique and original.
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Realisation #2: Having something to say doesn't entitle you to publish it online, let alone demand a readership
Enough said on this one.
We all have thoughts, rants and opinions. In the same way that people in your inner circle don't want to hear your every thought, rant or opinion, the whole world doesn't want to hear it either. Why should they?
Respect your audience. You're the one demanding that they give you their attention. Never take this for granted. If you demand they read something you post, make sure it's worthwhile and actually adds value to their lives. Enough of annoying people with poor-quality content.
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Realisation #3: The more you say, the less people listen to you
How does that old quote go... abundance destroys value.
This is true of most things in life. The more time you give to people without expecting anything in return, the more they take your time for granted and devalue the precious moments of time you have with them. The more you lie, the less people trust you.
The same is true of writing. The more you write, the less people listen to you. You'll be posting all the time, right? So why should they listen to you this one time for this one post?
See the problem now?
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A new way of writing
So how shall one approach the mammoth, anxiety-laden task of content creation?
- Post less but invest more time into what you write
- Only write when you actually have something good to say; don't just write for the sake of writing
- Expect nothing in return from your readers. They don't owe you anything
- Respect your bloody audience. Don't insult people with generic posts or plain rubbish
Still not convinced? Let's couch things in more mathematical terms. Believe it or not, 20% of your content generates 80% of the interest, so what point is there in pushing out the remaining 80% of your content if it's going to deliver you poor results?
Spend time cultivating the 'select few'. Sure, you never know what's going to be a 'hit', but I can tell you that posting 1 000 blogs in a year (or whatever it is) is going to result in 1 000 viral pieces of content.
There's also some reassurance in this as well. No, not all your blogs will be 'hits', so stop living up to this ideal.
And for heaven's sake, go and spend the time you would have spent writing that 1 000th post by adding value to peoples' lives in different ways. Do something 'away' from the keyboard. Life is multi-dimensional.
