If you love to write, then digital writing might feel wrong 🚢

For the last two weeks, I have been doing a digital writing cohort class with #ship30for30. The instructors know their domain and the course is highly structured. 

It delivered, but I still struggled to find joy 🧵

I threw myself into the daily work with an immersive orientation.

Assumptions were challenged. Priorities were tested. Foibles were exposed. Skills were upgraded. Dissonance started.

I was not becoming my best writer self, but...

I still love the idea of social writing!

How could I integrate conflicting intrinsic and extrinsic motivations? Tenets help me navigate the tension between competing goal propositions.

Here are 5 tenets for digital writing (which also work for my podcast):

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1) Authentic over systematic

One initial goal was to unlearn my corporate voice. While I see the value of being systematic and consistent, this also makes my voice mechanical.

I will prefer an organic voice over an efficient system. 

2) Connection over attention

I am curious to meet some people online. While it's crazy how much dopamine there is from likes and follows (it’s a rush!), I already have too many fast stimulants.

I will prefer to find voice of one over the many.

3) Fine lines over deadlines

I have been enjoying the slow eating in Europe (they don't kick us out). Turns out that I also love editing. While deadlines help me stay productive, this now needs no hustle.

I will prefer more time to fall in love with my words.

4) Effective AND/OR affective

Twitter especially seems to be a weird mix of how-to shortcuts and trolling or flame wars. It’s pretty clear that trolls and 'experts' have a weird ability to suck people in and keep them.

I will prefer a diverse mix of voices in my echo chamber.

5) No percentages

Writing is a decision for clarity. While twitter's conversational tone allows for "90% of people are..." posts, they feel like rug pulls when the rigor is missing.

I will prefer credibility with verifiable claims.