Power To The People

Ben Franklin's 'The Pennsylvania Gazette' was one of two papers in Philadelphia in the early 1700's. The other papers owner was also the postmaster. This access provided by the government position allowed him direct access to subscribers as he didn't allow Franklin's Gazette to be delivered through the mail. 

By 1737 Franklin won't the postmaster job and immediately recognized the advantage of having direct access to his subscribers as a result the Gazette became more profitable.  

Similar to today's world where social media accounts are at the whims of the businesses. Incorrect posts can get you down regulated, shadow banned, or publicly banned. 

Having direct access to your audience is crucial. 

The task of building this type of audience is more difficult. It is easier to to hit a like or follow button than find a newsletter or blog and follow.  

The asymmetry works in both directions though.  It is better to have fewer subscribers or followers of something you control. It likely is better by an order of magnitude.  

100 people that open your email newsletter is better than 1000 followers on Twitter (X). Like Kevin Kelly's '1000 True Fans' there is simply a higher level of bond for those that self select in. 

The hard is what makes it good and lasting.  

Technology and Housing

 Technology is an innovation that reduces fiction costs. 

Steam engines replaced horse power. Reducing the need for raising, feeding, and sheltering work horses. 

Computers replaced people. In 1950 there was about 350,000 switch board operators working. A few computers replaced that job and reduced the costs it took to make a phone call.  

It doesn't make sense that industries like realty having had the benefit of technology for the past 50 years. Reducing the friction costs at every level of the process and yet still charge the same 5-6% commission. 

Selling a house 50 years ago was much more intensive. Even with fax machines, computers, digital photography, internet, and Zillow having come along the costs is still the same. 

That is not congruent. 

Concept and Theme

Have you ever read a piece in the newspaper or anywhere else and stopped after the first sentence or two? Or unfortunately read the entire article only to think to yourself 'that sucked'?  

Most people who write will sit down and stream consciousness then go back to ensure it is edited for grammar.  

The hardest part of writing happens before you start. 

Thinking deeply on Concept and Theme of what you are about to write. 

Concept is your innovate take on what you are about to write. A person will not rewrite 'Die Hard' but will write 'Die Hard but in a submarine'. Or the concept of government corruption such as Tammany Hall but what about the concept of something like Tammany but happening for a small county in Virginia.  

Concept. 

Theme's are the message you are conveying. The theme needs to be driven into every part. Theme's such as identity, power, death, loneliness. It is your core message that comes through ever character and every arc. 

It is difficult though and that is why most don't do it. You read a journalist and you get some facts listed in chronological order and then a couple quotes from both sides of the issue.  No concept. No Theme. 

It is scary because it is an exercise in 'Why should anyone read this shit' and you might not like the answer.