innovate or die: purification + my work credo

 
 
PART 1: INNOVATION

The most erotic word in my vocabulary right now is innovate.

inn.o.vate.

It’s one of my core desired feelings – to feel, be, and live innovate.

I’m not talking about being innovative for the sake of it. (Innovation for the sake of innovation is masturbation.) I’m talking about being on my personal leading edge – where I have to deep bend to reach the fruit. Where the branches are so thin that I have to lighten my load and empty my pockets of ego, greed crumbs and the dirty pennies of mistrust – mistrust in how righteously loving and supportive the universe is.

To innovate, you need to lighten your load. Constantly.

Which brings me to my work credo. (It's up for global adoption. Go ahead. Take it.)

MY WORK (+ SOCIAL MEDIA) CREDO - in order of priority - is:

1. Be USEFUL. If your stuff is not 100% about utility, practicality, or wisdom*, then...
2. Be INSPIRING. If you’re not flush with inspiration, passion, motivation, then at least...
3. Be ENTERTAINING.

And if you can’t at least be amusing then keep to yourself. Otherwise, you’re wasting people’s time. And when you waste people’s time – you’re not only a delusional wanker, you’re disrespectful. Once you disrespect your audience, they’ll walk.

(**Wisdom is information / experience translated into something that is useful + inspiring.)

(You can stop reading here if you got your fill. I understand, the average visitor stays 2.4 minutes on a blog. But if you want to know about some creative/business refining I’m doing, read on.)

PART 2: PURIFICATION

My intention to be useful drives my personal innovation. So, there are going to be a few changes ‘round here - subtle perhaps, but meaningful. I’m announcing this because I think it’s … useful.

As any on-line writer or seller-of-stuff will tell you, “TRAFFIC” is one of the horniest words in the Internet lexicon. Some of us “bloggers” (I put it in quotes because I loath the term) are driven by the numbers. That means amassing more-more-more visitors, users, uniques, followers, “Friends” - idealistically for influence, practically, for cash. Nothing wrong with either motivation, nothing at all. I myself am uh, highly motivated.

Making wisdom products is my living. More traffic = sell more stuff. I'd love to tip 100,000 readers so that when I release my next book (this year! in digital AND print!) a very big bunch of those readers will buy my stuff. And then I can pay my kid’s tuition, help a few friends out, and wear French linen all summer long.

Do I want to be innovative (read: true to my artistic integrity, and reeeally happy) or do I want to make lotsa coinage? Of course, the answer is both, darling. As if I'm not going to have my cake and eat it - with a scoop of Vanilla. On a chaise. In French linen. With enough cake to share with the neighborhood.

In order to innovate, you need to eat right – a diet of integrity and courage. NO FILLER.

The game for traffic (more articles = more traffic) creates a lot of filler out in the blogosphere. Gotta post post post! As my friend Jonathon Mead just put it, "It's a churn, creating content for the sake of it, not due to a burning desire. Quotas = crap." Uh huh.

And sometimes, this is the winning, appropriate most pure strategy. Information aggregation and high-volume content generation can be magnificent when it’s done right. Think: Huffington Post, or Feministe. Even Seth Godin, who is known for not playing the social media popularity game, pubs seven days a week.

UPPING MY GAME BY NARROWING MY FOCUS

The downside of Internet-reality is that you can write a gorgeous piece and it gets buried fast in the flurry. I want each article I compose to feel like a nourishing meal, or at least a midnight snack that sends you to bed smiling. I don't want to just whip something up for hungry search engines.

I also want to give deeper love to the love of my (career) life: making books. Books that you can hold. Books that are compelling enough to spend some quality time with. Books that are useful, inspiring, and entertaining - and so philosophically sexy that they’ll spread like wild fire.

So, I’ve decided to post only twice week...maybe twice and half. That way, I can give each piece my whole heart. I may sprinkle in the odd truism - but only if I really feel that it's genius.

I'll be the sole generator of content on White Hot Truth – which means no more interviews (okay, maybe some.) I can hear some groans already. I know, I know, the Burning Questions Interviews are juicy. We've had some superstars and angels to this banquet. Good news is, I have some beauties lined up over the next few weeks. Obviously my policy of "no thanks, no guest posts" and zero solicited product reviews stays good n' staunch.

The quality vs. quantity model is nothing new. But it remains a rarity. Authenticity is demanding business.

join the convoposted 17 Feb 10 in: White Hot, creativity + art + design articles   ·   tags: , ,   ·   View Comments

• Follow Danielle on Twitter • Follow Danielle on Facebook

  • I love your stuff... and have since it first captured my ATTENTION! and this is something I have in in short supply... be useful, be inspiring, be entertaining, that's good... but for gods sake be worth my attention...

    as a fellow writer and kindred spirit, I think simply earning someone's attention is the greatest reward... hell I know I toil in obscurity but there is something sacred to me about obscurity!
    there is no pretense involved...just doing it for it's own sake... sure I hope to amass an audience to my digital scene... maybe 100k someday... but right now I am in love with the idea of being useful, inspiring or entertaining... there's no rough edges to my style... that's not my style... but I do care deeply about living in freedom (aka doing whatever I please) and I know there are many thousands out there in the goo who like me yearn for creative, expressive freedom and the dough to some good in the world...

    I am discovering my voice along they way and I'm ok with the idea that I might suck every now and again... I am aware I am droning on here on but I know you get what I am thinking.

    I was a fire-starter client... and I continue to stoke the flames
    you can see the result at
    www.whitehotcenter.com
  • Love this! Have recently been going through a similar thought process - and blogging, to be honest, was feeling like a burden rather than a passion - and I never ever want that to happen! It started as a passion and while I know there is always a "dip" - I never want to give it up. I've switched to one well thought out post a week and if I feel like doing two, well then, there we are :) Thanks Danielle!
  • Danielle,

    Dynamic words of action that expand my senses better than the coffee I am drinking right now. Thanks for your heart and mind inspiration. I tell everyone about you.

    Your thoughts breed hope in me and I spread it around to all who will listen.

    I live in Detroit. Don't be depressed, I am not. I live in a beautiful state that is changing. Filled with very intelligent minds that need to INNOVATE. We are used to that. Including me. So, thank you.

    When I can, I listen to you on your pod cast and read your blog most every morning along with Seth's.

    I also listen to Radio 2 on the CBC, which is fantastic!

    Have a lovely day.
    Annmarie,
  • Yes. Yes. and Yes.

    Loaves and Fishes

    This is not the age of information.
    This is not
    the age of information.

    Forget the news,
    and the radio,
    and the blurred screen.

    This is the time
    of loaves
    and fishes.

    People are hungry,
    and one good word is bread
    for a thousand.

    ~ David Whyte ~ from The House of Belonging
  • barb
    Wow. I don't really need the parenthetical permission to stop reading. That's just odd and somehow off-putting. Also I don't understand the "blogger" hate. Self-loathing is not empowering and you can deny a title all you want and be cheered on by others denying it as well. Nonetheless you are a blogger.
  • Hi Danielle,

    I love and appreciate this post. My friend. Regina Perata, pointed me in the direction of your blog and I'm really glad she did. I'm actually going through my own spell of "redefinition" and trying to figure out where I want to fit in in life, what my intention is and what my drive is. "Be useful. Be inspiring. Be entertaining."--I think I may adopt that model. It's simple and, as is thematic in your post, cuts the fluff.

    "I also want to give deeper love to the love of my (career) life: making books. Books that you can hold. Books that are compelling enough to spend some quality time with. Books that are useful, inspiring, and entertaining - and so philosophically sexy that they’ll spread like wild fire."

    ...like wild fire. This is the best declaration I've read from an author, from someone who likes making books. My professional roots are in book publishing (on the publisher side) and if all authors held and were open about their love for what they do...I don't even know what the world would look like.

    Thank you for your words. I am excited to see what your focus on quality opens up for you.
  • Thanks Danielle for your article and thanks to those who commented already. I agree with everything that's already been said. In reference to another tweet you wrote ("...and I think that problem with the blogosphere is that most content is complete and utter crapola.") I just want to say that somehow I mostly land on fabulous blogs (websites). I've found some real gems over the past 6 years or so. There are so many wonderful sites out there.
  • I'm so glad to have read this.

    The 3 points in your work credo are great: Be Useful / Inspiring / Entertaining--what a good check list to run through on a regular basis.

    I've been struggling with my blog because I take so long to write posts. I know bloggers who are faster and better than me, but I just can't let a post out till it's as good as I can make it. Reading your post provided some welcome perspective when there's plenty of pressure for bloggers to keep up a breakneck pace.

    I know plenty of bloggers who write better and faster than me, but I can only go at my own pace.

    I
  • I am so happy to hear this from you. Downsizing for quality's sake is something that I have made my focus since mid 2009. It can be challenging at times but reading something like your post reiterates how I feel and recharges my enthusiasm about it. THank you Danielle
  • This is the best thing I've read in a long time. I'm on you with the blogger thing. Why not just be a writer?! Let's reclaim it. We're writing, just in a different format.

    Kudos to you. I'm taking your words to heart and letting them stew. Thanks.
  • Oh boy...where to begin. First of all, I agree with everything you've written, so it MUST be brilliant. *grin*

    In my quest to be Authentic this year (my "word" of choice for 2010) I've chosen to listen to my inner muse and post only when I feel I have something to say. She's been keeping to herself a lot lately, however, I've resisted the urge to ask her the question dreaded by all: "What are you thinking...?" That's not to say all my posts are worthy of mention by the New York Post....yet.

    I'd also like to thank you & the Universe for providing me with some confirmation, just when I needed it. I've been approached to review a book on my blog and it just didn't 'feel right'....so thank you for adding that last bit about your position regarding unsolicited product reviews.
  • yes yes yes- my biz partner Suzi made a genius suggestion- lets post new videos every other week instead of weekly- ??horrors???is this possible??? WHO CARES- it may be the only thing sustainable! Its a gift to do less and BE more. We are all gettng buried by everybody's churning. What drives the churn- FEAR (false evidence appearing real)??? Expect a leap in quality when you give yourself space...I will be leaping soon for a 6 month sabbatical- yeeeeee haaaaaa.
  • I couldn't agree more and, of course, I too share the sentiments of most readers: give me really good articles twice a week and I'll stick around; produce daily crap and I'll disappear. I write two articles a week and I add one writing exercise every Friday morning. It seems to work well.

    I do find it odd that they say people don't stick around long online; my articles hover above 1,000 words and yet I get comments from people who definitely seem to have read to the end. I think this idea that an online reader is only an impatient skim-reader is a fallacy perpetrated by those who churn out crap for a living; I think it's only 'content' that gets skim-read. The good stuff holds people's attention for longer than two minutes and gets read to the end, every time.
  • cool beans. i rather have truthful, innovative inspiration 2 times per week. it provides opportunity for reflection and action.

    quite frankly, it's also more productive and kinetic than having someone write just to satisfy some people's need to have new content to match their use of "page refresh" as a tool for procrastination.
  • Thank you for another brilliant post of fire and wisdom. I wrote "useful, inspiring and entertaining" and stuck it on the wall to remind me every day. My day job in eCommerce is filled with talk of innovation (for the sake of innovation, the masturbation kind). We are implementing an "innovation tool" which I view with a skeptical glance - software can not make what is truly human. I love and support your quest for purification. My passion is Dance - the raw exploration of my truth (which I try to infuse in eCommerce land, a little tricky). My dance teacher, Dunya, gently suggests "let go of what you are not using" to find greater efficiency of movement. Easy to say, a lifetime of practice to achieve.
  • Damn straight. I would personally rather be inspiring than useful, but that's just me, and perhaps it's a flaw, who knows... it's probably more profitable to be useful than inspiring, but life is short and the occasions I have been involved in something inspriing have brought me a profound sense of gratitude, humility and yes, satisfaction that nothing else quite compares to. So yeah, I want some more of that please.

    Twice a week is about what I've settled on for my own upcoming relaunch, and I think it's about right for anyone that's trying to seriously care about writing something powerful and beautiful every time - as opposed to 'producing content', which term is nearly as obnoxious as 'blogger'.

    I will run a blog, but I will not be a blogger. I will write and care about what I write and I will absolutely try to be a champion for what I write and help it connect with people and find its place in the world. But I will not be a Blogger and I will not Produce Content.

    Thanks as always for your fire and your honesty. You are a necessary voice - and I'm not sure I have higher praise than that to give.
  • I dilike the term "blogger", also. It's just a pidgeon hole that catches on some of my ridges. But, you deserve a larger hole as you are much more, Wise Woman.

    I,too, have been de-cluttering my life. Not always easy, always worth it.

    Looking forward to reading the new book and your posts 2 1/2 times a week.

    "Innovate or die". I like it!
  • Mmm, makes me want cake...
  • All I can say is "kudos" and "right on". I've been trimming my
    list of people to follow on Twitter for some time and, luckily,
    have never been overly driven by numbers. We have different
    roles, but similar philosophies. Why does that always feel good?
  • Funny, just some days ago, I decided to do the same thing: only post twice a week but make it quality work. Glad to hear we're on the same page with that.
  • This is a very poignant post! And a question lots of us (well at least I do) struggle with. How much is too much, and how do you manage all the social media avenues while still having time to make art!

    You can be a "guest star" in someone's inbox or a "recurring character," guess who gets more attention ;-)

    A million Thanks!
    CC
  • i tried to subscribe but there seems to be some kind of problem...
  • sara gori
    I am proud of you. This is exactly what I expected, indeed was waiting for this decision. I knew you would never post for the sake of posting. Substance over trivia.

    As a #1 fan (well in my head at least) I would like to say:

    This isn't the game show who wants to be a millionaire? Tho I suspect we all secretly say moi!!

    This is not an infomercial spot at 3am.

    Or squawk box interview filled w/hot air, ego-infused boxed responses for public approval.

    This is the oracle. You are here if you are in search of the authentic elixir of life, the fountain of wisdom, the holy grail.

    If that's what you desire, salivate and mesmerize, then don't fret over the reduced frequency.


    I am a super seeker, a nurturer. I seek. Integrate. Funnel. Feed. Myself, family, community, and the world. It is what moves my passionate being. Loathe wasting my time with watered down baby food blogposts. Instead, I really value when I find someone who feeds me golden nuggets of wisdom in a funny, inspiring, useful way. That's you D!

    To para- quote DLP, quality trumps quantity. Moderation over excess is good for the body. And the soul.

    Bring on the book baby. Muah from Paris!

    Lou is right: however do we help you build the empire? reading via email or having to click on your website?
  • Lou Niestadt
    I already figured. It took longer than usual since your self hatred post. I think it's even better, the last one keeps spinning around in your mind longer that way and gives you more time to wrap your brain around it.

    Question; does reading your blog in my inbox still count as a visitor? Or do I need to click through to your website to help you build your glorious empire?
  • I love this, I totally agree about lightening your load but I haven't been living it lately.. I've been biting off so much more than I can chew just to prove I can do it... but I think this is the wake up call I needed. I need to lighten my load AND focus more on my true calling/what I am best at. Thanks!
  • Paula
    Let's hear it for "less is more", for honoring the FACT that quality takes time and effort and for the feel of a real, physical book with a cover and pages and everything. Can't wait.
  • Some of my favorite bloggers are bi-weekly (or even bi-monthly) posters. LUXIRARE is a gleaming example. She'll keep her readers waiting for eons, but when a fresh post finally arrives -- holy buckets. It's life-altering perfection.

    "Do less, but be the best" = YES!
  • Be TRUE to YOU!
    I'll continue to thoroughly enjoy your soon to be [bi weekly] servings of white hot truth!
  • Fleur
    ohhh how good does it feel to simplify and put your new ways out there.
    Love the direction you are heading in and I will look forward to my 2.5 weekly intake. I think your blog may surpass my sugar addiction!
    I plan to read it on my chaisse in french linen!
  • Amy
    Exactly why you are the only blog I get delivered to my inbox. I LOVE your heart!

    I know that everytime I open that email there will be something useful, inspiring or entertaining. Many times all three! You have stayed true to your promise of true love + wisdom in my inbox.

    Cheers to cake, a chaise and french linen in the future. :)
  • Karen Sharp
    wow, Danielle. You are gorgeous and your words are right on. A challenging right-on, but you got it in the inspiration department, from my point of view.

    I'm particularly challenged (in a not-super-comfortable way) by the need to lighten one's load. Figuring out what's essential and what's crap, and being ruthless with shedding the crap. Whoa. Some of that crap makes me feel really comfortable and cozy, I've loved it for a long time.

    (Hmm. Because then there's the question Kelly offered not long ago -- does it love me?)

    For you, the thing that inspires me more than your words, is your example. I love your clarity. And I guess I have to say, yes. You love me. You seem to love the best me, the me I'm nervous about being. But yeah. There is clarity and purity and purpose in it, there's usefulness and wisdom, and juicy entertainment too.

    Thanks for being, for doing, for saying, and for loving.
  • I'm glad that you're staying true to yourself. I think good things will come out of it, like BOOKS. Ones that last, are compelling and don't zip off in a flash (like posts).

    Can't wait to read your book. It's going to set the world on fire.
  • Elizabeth
    LOVE IT. LOVE LOVE LOVE. Every step an exemplar takes in the direction of quality/authenticity as the velvet rope means one less xanax I have to take to fend off all the crap marketing email in my inbox, etc. If that makes any sense.
  • An important part of writing is the thinking and consideration and reconsideration and sudden insight and discovery of the perfect way to express an idea.
    You have the best grasp of the right pace for your expression.
    Once we know when to tune in Wed/Sat? Mon/Thurs? just subscribe? then all good.
  • Bruce, sugar, you haven't SUBSCRIBED?! Go do that right now. Please and thank you. Building an empire over here....
  • As usual, your words are golden. I HOPE that what I write is useful, inspiring and entertaining. How do you KNOW? Creatives tend to be their own worst critics, after all. Does INTENTION count? Every time I read your posts, I step away with more questions. I will miss the daily challenge, but honor your need to pull back and focus on what really stokes your fires. I laughed out loud with glee at your expectation to enjoy your cake on the chaise in french linen. It inspires me to give myself permission to want and have the same (though I'm going with soy ice cream and jersey cotton, but still...)
  • As long as you don't sit still and maintain the status quo you're doing good. If you're doing the same thing as yesterday and haven't learned a thing it's time to take a good look at what you are doing right now.

    Being useful, inspiring or entertaining one day never means you'll be that the next day so you need to stay on your game here. Indeed it's not about just creating fluff for your blog (and sorry, yes you are a blogger, even if you don't like the word) but it's being on your edge.

    Actually I find it a disticntion between blogs, the ones I often read are the ones with less posts, but every single one is usefull or inspiring (I rarely read for entertainment) It's hard to do that all the time but you really do manage that Danielle

    Looking forward to your fewer blogposts :)
  • re: a distinction between blogs, the ones I often read are the ones with less posts, -- DITTO.
  • Game on!
  • I'm so glad someone else dislikes the term "Blogger". Why does that always sound like someone's throwing up last night's tequila in the office bathroom?

    And a resounding "YES!" to more quality writings! We could all use a little decluttering of our souls. ....And of our google reader. *nods*
blog comments powered by Disqus