The First Decentralized Writing Platform That Pays Writers Is Here: How to Do Great Work
Hatched by Kazuki Nakayashiki
Aug 14, 2023
7 min read
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The First Decentralized Writing Platform That Pays Writers Is Here: How to Do Great Work
In today's digital age, the way we express, share, and monetize our thoughts is constantly evolving. One platform that is revolutionizing this process is Mirror.xyz, the first decentralized writing platform that pays writers. Mirror's mission is to create a decentralized, user-owned, crypto-based network where writers become co-owners and have the ability to publish their work. The platform is run and built by its contributors, and it uses crypto tokens, specifically the $WRITE crypto token, to enable writers to publish on the platform.
What sets Mirror.xyz apart is that it seeks to democratize revenue streams for creators. In the current Web 2.0 model, creators monetize their work through a SaaS (Software as a Service) model, where they are paid for their content on a regular basis. However, in Web 3.0, creators monetize through the issuance of social tokens or NFTs (Non-Fungible Tokens), which act as digital media ownership. Mirror.xyz allows writers to be paid in cryptocurrency (Ethereum) and offers the opportunity for creators to co-write stories and set the split of earnings with their collaborators.
The concept of decentralization is not limited to Mirror.xyz. In fact, many centralized platforms may voluntarily migrate to become decentralized platforms in the future. This shift is inspired by Jack Dorsey's announcement to explore the possibility of making Twitter decentralized. Decentralization may soon become a mandatory feature among readers and writers, rather than just an option. The benefits of decentralization have already been proven with Bitcoin and Ethereum, and blockchain technology has the potential to become a writer's best friend.
Now that we understand the potential of decentralized platforms like Mirror.xyz, let's delve into how to do great work as a writer. The first step is to choose what to work on. It is crucial to select work that aligns with three qualities: natural aptitude, deep interest, and the opportunity to do great work. Figuring out what to work on can be challenging, but the key is to start working. Even if you are unsure, take a guess and get going. Some of the biggest discoveries come from noticing connections between different fields. Identify what you are excessively curious about, something that would bore most other people. This curiosity will drive you to work harder and pursue outlier ideas that others may not be interested in.
Interest is a powerful motivator. When you are genuinely interested in a subject, you are more likely to work harder and produce great work. The three most powerful motives for doing great work are curiosity, delight, and the desire to do something impressive. When these motives converge, they create a force that propels you to achieve greatness. Ambition can take two forms: one that precedes interest in the subject and one that grows out of it. Both forms of ambition are valuable, but the more you have of the former, the more challenging it becomes to decide what to focus on. Ultimately, when it comes to figuring out what to work on, you are on your own.
To do great work, you must make yourself a big target for luck. The best way to do this is to be curious, try new things, meet new people, read extensively, and ask lots of questions. Being open to new experiences and constantly seeking knowledge will increase your chances of stumbling upon new ideas and opportunities. Additionally, it is essential to make something that people actually want. Build or create something that you yourself would want or enjoy. By catering to your own interests, you are more likely to attract an initial audience, especially if your friends share similar interests.
The recipe for doing great work is straightforward: work hard on exciting and ambitious projects, and something good will come out of it. Planning too much can be counterproductive, so it is often better to focus on what is most interesting and offers the best options for the future. This approach, known as "staying upwind," is favored by many who have achieved great work. Even when you are reluctant to start work, trick yourself into taking the first step. Review what you have done so far, and you may find mistakes or areas that require improvement, which will motivate you to continue.
Finishing what you start is crucial. In many projects, some of the best work happens in the final stages. Therefore, even if it becomes more challenging than expected, persevere and complete what you have started. Great work is consistent and often tool-like, with the potential for others to build upon it. Therefore, creating ideas that others can use or exposing questions that others can answer is a positive sign. The best ideas have implications in various areas and are not limited to a single field.
Originality is a habit of mind, not a process. Original thinkers generate new ideas by focusing on building or understanding something slightly too difficult. Talking or writing about the things you are interested in can generate new ideas as well. Putting ideas into words creates a vacuum that draws out missing ideas. When it comes to generating ideas, seek those that seem crazy, but the right kind of crazy. Ideas that seem bad to most people often have exciting implications, whereas ideas that are merely bad tend to be uninspiring.
One of the most interesting types of unfashionable problems is the problem that people believe has already been fully explored but hasn't. Great work often involves taking something that already exists and revealing its latent potential. Therefore, if you are interested in a field that others think is tapped out, do not let their skepticism discourage you. Sometimes, overlooked ideas only lose in the semifinals because they are perceived as too weird, risky, or controversial. By turning off filters and embracing curiosity, you can see more new ideas and explore uncharted territories.
Curiosity is the best guide throughout the process of doing great work. It will lead you to the right field, encourage you to push the boundaries, help you identify gaps, and drive you to explore them. It is crucial to nurture curiosity and allow it to fuel your work. The factors that contribute to doing great work include ability, interest, effort, and luck. While luck is beyond our control, effort is something we can commit to. The key is to find a kind of work where your ability and interest combine to create a burst of new ideas.
To summarize, the first decentralized writing platform that pays writers, Mirror.xyz, is transforming the way we express and monetize our thoughts. Decentralized platforms like Mirror.xyz offer new opportunities for writers to co-own and publish their work while being paid in cryptocurrency. To do great work as a writer, choose work that aligns with your natural aptitude, deep interest, and offers a chance to make an impact. Embrace curiosity, try new things, and pursue outlier ideas. Focus on what genuinely interests you and build something that people want. Persevere, finish what you start, and be open to collaboration and feedback. Stay curious, nurture your curiosity, and let it guide you throughout your journey of doing great work.
Actionable Advice:
- Embrace decentralization: Explore platforms like Mirror.xyz that offer decentralized publishing and monetization opportunities for writers. Consider the potential benefits of being paid in cryptocurrency and co-writing stories.
- Cultivate curiosity: Stay curious and open-minded. Try new things, meet new people, and read extensively to generate new ideas and opportunities for great work.
- Focus on what genuinely interests you: Build or create something that aligns with your own interests and preferences. By catering to your passions, you are more likely to attract an initial audience and produce work that resonates with others.
In conclusion, the future of writing and monetization is being reshaped by platforms like Mirror.xyz. The concept of decentralization offers exciting possibilities for writers to co-own and publish their work while being paid in cryptocurrency. To excel in this evolving landscape, focus on work that aligns with your abilities and interests, nurture curiosity, and create something that people genuinely want. Embrace the challenges and opportunities that come your way, and stay committed to doing great work.
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