Imitate, then Innovate: Building for a Highly Opinionated User Base

Imitate, then Innovate: Building for a Highly Opinionated User Base

In the world of creativity and innovation, there seems to be a constant battle between imitation and innovation. Many creators fear imitating others, believing it hinders their originality. However, David Perell argues that imitating others actually helps us discover our unique style and paves the way for innovation.

Creators consume art differently than consumers. They are intentional in what they consume, using it as productive work. They watch movies and read books not just to be entertained, but to learn and understand the creative process behind them. By reverse-engineering and admiring others' work, creators find inspiration and develop their own ideas.

This idea resonates with the concept of imitative learning throughout history. Apprenticeships have long been the primary method of learning and mastering a skill. Leonardo da Vinci, for example, imitated the work of his mentors during his apprenticeship, which later influenced his own creations. However, as society shifted towards transmitting knowledge through textbooks, the transmission of technique and tacit knowledge was lost.

Imitation also plays a crucial role in creative education. Reading a lot of good writing, for instance, is one of the best ways to become a good writer. It hones our intuition for quality writing and helps us understand effective writing principles that are often hard to communicate. Similarly, skills learned through YouTube tend to be more bodily than intellectual, making imitative learning even more beneficial.

Imitation not only helps us discover our creative personalities but also enhances our observational skills. Learning to see as a painter, for example, can make us more articulate writers. Both skills require keen observation and the ability to illuminate the world through different mediums.

The connection between art and innovation is undeniable. Many technological advancements have originated from science fiction. Steve Jobs, for instance, drew inspiration from Star Trek to design the iPad. The Wright brothers, unlike their contemporaries, studied animal locomotion to achieve manned flight. By imitating ideas and concepts from different fields, we open ourselves up to new possibilities and foster innovation.

However, it is important to choose our sources of inspiration wisely. If we want to be truly innovative, we should be less imitative in who we choose to imitate. Diversifying our inputs, escaping our industry, and reading more about history can help us break free from the never-ending cycle of imitating the present. By learning from the past, we can gain a deeper understanding of the problems we are trying to solve.

Building for a highly opinionated user base presents its own challenges. At Reddit, a platform known for passionate users, the key is not to destroy their passion but to harness it productively. Identifying which feedback to pay attention to is crucial. The loudest voices often do not represent the majority or ideal customers. Negative feedback may not reflect the attitudes of most users, as they expect useful features as a given.

Public discussions on platforms like Reddit rarely lead to clarity or alignment. The incentive to win the conversation overshadows productive discussions. Instead, creating an environment of psychological safety where users can express their opinions and ideas is essential.

When asking for feedback, it is important to consider the golden rule: only ask if you are willing to consider it. Ignoring feedback after asking for it erodes trust. Transparency in decision-making is crucial to maintain trust and foster a positive relationship with users.

In conclusion, imitating others is not something to be feared but embraced. It helps us discover our unique style and serves as a stepping stone to innovation. Apprenticeships, reading, and observing different mediums all contribute to our creative growth. When building for a highly opinionated user base, harnessing their passion and prioritizing valuable feedback is key. By considering the opinions of our users and creating a safe space for discussions, we can build a better product.