11 Comments
Feb 7Liked by Becky Isjwara

I think about this every time yet another author writes a book that could have been a blog post. Or a series of tweets or something. I do think there is value in getting to essence of ideas.

But I have to disagree that the TikTok type short form content encourages that. Instead it encourages the most interesting 60 seconds. If it is information dense I am not sure if it's going to get the algorithmic vote of approval. Also, I wonder how many people actually use this short form content for actual information, when you need it rather than as entertainment couched as useful because it has a nugget of information in it.

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"The most interesting 60 seconds" is a great way to put it

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Feb 7Liked by Becky Isjwara

That article about the kids of influencer parents is startling. I'm so glad I've never include photos, imagery, or details of my kids in my content. How dreadful for kids who are everywhere on the internet by their parents hand and have no way to take it back.

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It's extremely harrowing. I've long felt uncomfortable with young kids on the internet and this article just cements it further...

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Feb 7Liked by Becky Isjwara

> In other words: it’s me, hi, I’m the problem, it’s me.

It really isn’t you. Don’t self flagellate. It’s the medium. And the algorithm.

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That's definitely a huge chunk of it

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Loved this analysis! So many good points on where short form is great.

This was spot on, ha: The true problem with short-form content isn’t its length. It’s the way we consume it, by binging in ravenous volumes. In other words: it’s me, hi, I’m the problem, it’s me.

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The small things we can control!

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Feb 7Liked by Becky Isjwara

Such a great point. I've been seeing a couple of useful shorts on YouTube, but they always get mixed with stimulating content that only leaves me feeling *bleh* (and yet I watch them anyway).

Also, a friend has been recommending A Little Life to me! But I'm too scared to start reading since I feel like a "depresso espresso" isn't what I want/need right now. 🥲

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ok yes I do recommend bracing yourself before reading this book. I had this on my shelf for 5 years before I finally picked it up...

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Yeah I vibe with this - there's so much untapped value in *useful* and targeted short form content - to just share the core knowledge and move on.

I think it's just that it will always get drowned out by short form entertainment - what do you think?

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