A recurring complaint: “there’s too much content out there on the web and it’s impossible to go through it all and find all the good stuff, so there’s no point in trying.”
If that sounds like you, here’s some advice: stop consuming and start creating.
If you can’t find good stuff, make it.
The 90-9-1 Principle says that only 1% of all users in any online community actually create content. The rest only consume content or occasionally edit existing content.
You can join that 1% at the top of the pyramid. You should join that 1% of content creators.
Creating content is good for you. It makes you think critically and creatively. If you create good content, you’re more likely to find and consume good content as well.
You don’t need to know how to write well or produce professional video. You don’t need to make a killer web application or change the way people think. All you have to do is commit yourself to creation, and commit yourself to creating things of value. The rest is up to you.
Preaching to the choir?
Maybe you know all of this. I’d argue that most people reading this blog are already avid content creators, or are at least working towards that goal. So here’s a better question for you:
How are you encouraging others to create and add value?
Are you visiting lesser-known blogs and leaving insightful and encouraging comments? Are you contacting the creators of your favorite freeware applications and telling them how much you appreciate their work (and maybe send them a few bucks)? Are you helping your less web-savvy friends post their amazing illustrations online?
Everyone has the potential to create, and create great things. We all need to encourage people who are willing to take that potential and turn it into action.
Are you creating? If you are, then are you also helping others create?
Good words of inspiration… and without even trying you introduced me to a useful site for sharing free stock images - http://www.sxc.hu :) this will be really handy in illustrating some of my future creative efforts!
I think the problem most people have is they ask themselves “Who am I? Who would want to see anything I produce?” or “Isn’t it just people with big egos who have blogs?” … belief in self is one of the key drivers here…
You’re right Amir, a lot of people don’t believe that they can create content, or at least content of value. That’s why I feel that current content creators need to make an extra effort to engage with those people and encourage their activities. Creating value doesn’t necessarily mean having a large audience — instead, it’s about making things that you’re proud of and are willing to share.
i first started blogging in response to a former friend who started bad-mouthing me and my friends on facebook. i wanted to create content that was positive and uplifting rather than negative. i hope i’m succeeding.
thanks for the suggestions!
Karim, that’s a great reason to start. The world needs more positivity and inspiration. Keep it up.