Learn in Public, It’s Great: The History of Yahoo and the Lessons We Can Learn

Learn in Public, It’s Great: The History of Yahoo and the Lessons We Can Learn

In the world of learning, creating, and hustling, there are differing opinions on how to approach these endeavors. Some advocate for doing in silence and only showing the end product, while others believe in showcasing the process and progress publicly. However, there are undeniable benefits to learning in public that can greatly enhance our growth and success.

One of the main advantages of learning in public is the creation of accountability. When we share our journey with others, we are more likely to stay committed and follow through on our goals. The fear of disappointing our audience or community can be a powerful motivator to keep pushing forward. By making our progress public, we hold ourselves to a higher standard and are less likely to give up.

Another benefit of learning in public is the establishment of a feedback loop. When we share our work and progress with others, we open ourselves up to valuable input and criticism. This feedback can help us refine our skills, identify areas for improvement, and gain valuable insights from others who have gone through similar experiences. By actively seeking feedback, we accelerate our learning and growth.

Learning in public also allows us to see our progress more clearly. When we document and share our journey, we can look back and reflect on how far we've come. This reflection can be incredibly motivating and encouraging, especially during times when we feel stuck or discouraged. Additionally, seeing our progress can inspire others and serve as a testament to the power of persistence and hard work.

Moreover, learning in public facilitates the creation of a community or following. By sharing our process, we invite others to join us on our journey. This sense of community provides support, encouragement, and inspiration. It also opens doors to collaboration and networking opportunities, which can further accelerate our growth and success. Building a community around our work allows us to connect with like-minded individuals who share our passions and aspirations.

Furthermore, learning in public offers future value. By documenting our process and progress, we create a record that can be reviewed and learned from later. This not only benefits us personally but also provides value to others who may be on a similar path. Sharing our experiences and insights can help others navigate their own journeys and avoid common pitfalls. Learning in public becomes a way of paying it forward and contributing to the collective knowledge and growth of the community.

The concept of learning in public is beautifully captured in Austin Kleon's book "Show Your Work!". Kleon emphasizes the importance of letting go of our egos and sharing our process with others. He believes that by doing so, we create an ongoing connection with people who are interested in our work, which ultimately helps us move forward.

A prime example of the power of learning in public can be seen in the rise and fall of Yahoo. Yahoo began as a web directory, manually curated by humans known as "the surfers." It quickly expanded to include news, sports, finance feeds, email, shopping, classifieds, and much more. Yahoo was a pioneer in many areas, including the pay-per-click advertising model that became ubiquitous across the internet.

However, despite its early success, Yahoo's downfall can be attributed to several key mistakes. One of the most significant was their failure to adapt and embrace innovative technologies. In 1998, Yahoo had the chance to license a new search technology created by Stanford grad students for $1 million but turned it down. This technology later became the foundation for Google, which surpassed Yahoo in popularity and dominance.

Another critical mistake Yahoo made was not allowing paid search ads to coexist with organic search results. They considered search results as editorial content and believed that advertising would dilute the quality of the user experience. By the time Yahoo realized their mistake and acquired Overture, the company that invented paid search advertising, Google was already light-years ahead.

Yahoo's lack of a clear vision also contributed to its downfall. The company struggled to define its identity and purpose, trying to be everything to everyone. This lack of focus and direction led to confusion and ultimately hindered their ability to compete effectively. As the saying goes, "Trying to be everything to everyone is a recipe for failure."

So, what can we learn from Yahoo's story and apply to our own lives? First and foremost, we must have a clear vision and direction. Knowing where we want to go and what we want to achieve is essential for success. Without a north star to guide us, we risk getting lost and losing sight of our goals.

Secondly, we must focus on doing one thing exceptionally well. Trying to be the second best at everything, as Eratosthenes was known for, is not a recipe for success. Instead, we should identify our strengths and passions and concentrate our efforts on mastering those areas. By becoming truly exceptional in one field, we increase our chances of standing out and attracting an audience.

Lastly, we must embrace the power of exposure and broadcasting. Yahoo's early success can be attributed in part to their memorable TV spots and advertising campaigns. People wanted to know who this wacky company was, and Yahoo became synonymous with the yodel. By strategically promoting our work and making it memorable, we increase our chances of gaining visibility and attracting an audience.

In conclusion, learning in public offers numerous benefits that can greatly enhance our growth and success. By creating accountability, establishing a feedback loop, seeing our progress, and building a community, we accelerate our learning and increase our chances of achieving our goals. The story of Yahoo serves as a reminder of the importance of having a clear vision, focusing on excellence, and embracing exposure. By applying these principles in our own lives, we can navigate our journeys more effectively and increase our chances of success.