You learn new things every day, but occasionally, you come across a new idea that changes the way you work and live. In the last few months, I’ve found two ideas particularly “sticky”.
1. No one wants to read your writing. This comes from a presentation about writing good web copy. The speaker could have said “less is more”, or “brevity is the essence of wit”, or “write for your audience, not yourself.” Instead, he said this, which I think amounts to much the same thing, with all the pleasantries stripped away. I think it’s quite catchy, as far as thoughts go.
2. Internet browsing is like doping. This conclusion comes from a study of internet users’ brain activity. The researchers found that surfing the web frequently induces a dopamine response—basically, a chemical reward—that compels individuals to stay online. After reading this, I became much more self-conscious about compulsively reading the news, or checking Twitter. It actually feels like I’m just placating myself.
You might be thinking, “Hey! Aren’t those statements contradictory? How is it that people are compulsively searching the web, just like drug addicts compulsively pursuing their next fix, but no one wants to read MY work?”
Well.
Maybe that’s the real question.