*Episode Highlights* 1. Packy has published over 1 million words. There’s no substitute for practice, no matter how strong your Personal Monopoly. Put in the work. 2. Write your 1st draft while you're still excited. 3. Beta content vs. Alpha content: Beta content is designed for short-term engagement. It gets views but won’t make you any smarter. Alpha content is designed for long-term relevance and it comes from the writer’s unique experience and expertise. 4. Writing helps you discover who you really are because of the way it helps you stop lying to yourself. 5. Be fascinated about something, and explain to the reader why you’re fascinated with uncommon honesty. 6. Promoting your article: If you have a shocking chart or statistic, use it. It stops the scroll and makes people curious to know more. 7. If you don't know what to write about, there's opportunity in adding fun to topics that people usually approach with extreme seriousness. 8. Don't know what to write about? The thing you're nerdiest about is a good place to start. 9. In a rut? Try reading great writing. Might inspire you. 10. Packy’s reading strategy is to put as many interesting ideas in his brain as possible, have them bang into each other, and wait for original breakthroughs. 11. On the internet, you get points for being curious, sharing, and helping with no expectation of reciprocation. 12. A lot of writing is digging. People love when you uncover a gem for them. Look for a surprising source that throws new light on a common query, and you may have a viral post on your hands. 13. Writing is like skiing. Packy says writing something new is like skiing a path you’ve never skied before. You need to figure out your “line” ahead of time. Packy spends a long time on the first few paragraphs, figuring out the line ahead. Then the essay almost unfolds on its own. 14. When I met Packy, he had only the faintest clue what his niche would be, and he discovered it by publishing consistently. 15. Packy thrived by going all in on his Personal Monopoly. There were many business strategists around, and they had more connections, experience, and knowledge than him. But they lacked his quirky tone, the light touch, and the willingness to explore new angles. That became Packy’s value proposition and he named his newsletter Not Boring.
Packy's approach to creating Alpha content is a game-changer for anyone looking to make an impact. For entrepreneurs, understanding the power of niche content can be pivotal. Instead of trying to appeal to everyone, focus on a specific audience and dive deep into that subject area. This strategy establishes you as an authority and fosters a more engaged and loyal following.
Sh*****t!! Didn't know David was shilling so much quality on this RUclips channel. Just subscribed, binged on Howard Marks' episode and now this one. From an investing to a writing genius. Good job, sir 👍
Amazing talk, gives more knowledge on writing process and keep me attached to watch the full conversation.. It feels that writing is a difficult process but I like that and started finally….😊
Classic Silicon Valley. A couple of noobs discuss a craft as though others haven't been grappling with the same challenges for hundreds of years. That said, these "noobs" are also pioneering a new business model whereby they're succeeding in capturing far more value for themselves than most journalists ever have. So, credit to them! Seriously! Still...these "challenges" are the same s**t every writer ever has dealt with. It's an "a$$ in chair business," as Nora Roberts said.
Great interview. a) have you considered a “Where are They Now” episode with Write of Passage alumni? b) I’m using the Packy M formula for ETA. Subscribe growth +80% can’t wait to see where it leads. c) do you have a list of Packy’s 100 ‘inspirational’ essays? d) interesting discussion writing what you’re curious about v. niche. e) still waiting on my OSV WoP scholarship ;) d) have a great rest of your week.
*Episode Highlights*
1. Packy has published over 1 million words. There’s no substitute for practice, no matter how strong your Personal Monopoly. Put in the work.
2. Write your 1st draft while you're still excited.
3. Beta content vs. Alpha content: Beta content is designed for short-term engagement. It gets views but won’t make you any smarter. Alpha content is designed for long-term relevance and it comes from the writer’s unique experience and expertise.
4. Writing helps you discover who you really are because of the way it helps you stop lying to yourself.
5. Be fascinated about something, and explain to the reader why you’re fascinated with uncommon honesty.
6. Promoting your article: If you have a shocking chart or statistic, use it. It stops the scroll and makes people curious to know more.
7. If you don't know what to write about, there's opportunity in adding fun to topics that people usually approach with extreme seriousness.
8. Don't know what to write about? The thing you're nerdiest about is a good place to start.
9. In a rut? Try reading great writing. Might inspire you.
10. Packy’s reading strategy is to put as many interesting ideas in his brain as possible, have them bang into each other, and wait for original breakthroughs.
11. On the internet, you get points for being curious, sharing, and helping with no expectation of reciprocation.
12. A lot of writing is digging. People love when you uncover a gem for them. Look for a surprising source that throws new light on a common query, and you may have a viral post on your hands.
13. Writing is like skiing. Packy says writing something new is like skiing a path you’ve never skied before. You need to figure out your “line” ahead of time. Packy spends a long time on the first few paragraphs, figuring out the line ahead. Then the essay almost unfolds on its own.
14. When I met Packy, he had only the faintest clue what his niche would be, and he discovered it by publishing consistently.
15. Packy thrived by going all in on his Personal Monopoly. There were many business strategists around, and they had more connections, experience, and knowledge than him. But they lacked his quirky tone, the light touch, and the willingness to explore new angles. That became Packy’s value proposition and he named his newsletter Not Boring.
Packy's approach to creating Alpha content is a game-changer for anyone looking to make an impact. For entrepreneurs, understanding the power of niche content can be pivotal. Instead of trying to appeal to everyone, focus on a specific audience and dive deep into that subject area. This strategy establishes you as an authority and fosters a more engaged and loyal following.
Sh*****t!! Didn't know David was shilling so much quality on this RUclips channel.
Just subscribed, binged on Howard Marks' episode and now this one.
From an investing to a writing genius.
Good job, sir 👍
Under 1k views is criminal. Excellent podcast.
Love any writer who brings their personality into their work
Amazing talk, gives more knowledge on writing process and keep me attached to watch the full conversation.. It feels that writing is a difficult process but I like that and started finally….😊
Been loving these episodes 👏
Amazing conversation guys! Thanks 🎉
Woaaa, 1h25! Brb, getting a coffee for this one
Excited for this!
Great content!
So...many...yt.... ads....
more lke this:)
Classic Silicon Valley. A couple of noobs discuss a craft as though others haven't been grappling with the same challenges for hundreds of years. That said, these "noobs" are also pioneering a new business model whereby they're succeeding in capturing far more value for themselves than most journalists ever have. So, credit to them! Seriously!
Still...these "challenges" are the same s**t every writer ever has dealt with. It's an "a$$ in chair business," as Nora Roberts said.
Great interview.
a) have you considered a “Where are They Now” episode with Write of Passage alumni?
b) I’m using the Packy M formula for ETA. Subscribe growth +80% can’t wait to see where it leads.
c) do you have a list of Packy’s 100 ‘inspirational’ essays?
d) interesting discussion writing what you’re curious about v. niche.
e) still waiting on my OSV WoP scholarship ;)
d) have a great rest of your week.