Blogging can just be stating the obvious
This post argues that blogging often means simply stating the obvious, a task many creators undervalue despite its immense utility in cutting through noise. This sentiment resonates deeply with HN readers, sparking a wide-ranging discussion on the nature of originality, the "curse of knowledge," and the vital role of different voices in articulating common truths. It highlights a shared understanding that clarity and repetition are often more valuable than perceived novelty.
The Lowdown
Jim Nielsen's post, "Blogging Can Just Be Stating The Obvious," reflects on a meta-commentary by John Gruber, suggesting that valuable blogging often comes from articulating seemingly self-evident truths that others aren't addressing. Nielsen admits he often doubts the worth of his own "obvious" posts, but concludes that these are precisely the ones that cut through the noise and are most appreciated.
- The "Emperor's New Clothes" Analogy: Nielsen uses this fable to illustrate how bloggers often feel like they're just pointing out what's plainly visible, yet unacknowledged by others.
- Questioning Originality: He highlights the internal struggle many writers face, wondering if their observations are too simple or unoriginal to be worth sharing.
- The Value of Articulation: The core argument is that even "obvious" points become valuable when clearly articulated, especially when widespread annoyances or overlooked truths remain unaddressed.
- Amplification as a Form of Contribution: Nielsen suggests that if someone else is saying it, linking to them with an enthusiastic "Yes!!! This!!!" is also a significant contribution.
Ultimately, Nielsen advocates for the courage to state the obvious, recognizing its power to validate shared experiences and cut through collective silence, making such posts some of the most impactful content available.
The Gossip
The Originality Odyssey: Navigating Novelty and Redundancy
Commenters grapple with the pressure to be original versus the value of repeating or rephrasing existing ideas. Some lament the perceived lack of truly original thoughts and the feeling of contributing to "noise." Others argue that the "curse of knowledge" means new audiences always benefit from hearing fundamental concepts, and that unique voices and perspectives can make even old ideas fresh and relatable. The consensus leans towards the idea that reiteration, tailored presentation, and personal worldview are crucial for effective communication, even if the underlying concept isn't groundbreaking.
AI's Influence on Authorship: Robotic Rhetoric and Prior Art
The discussion touches on how Large Language Models (LLMs) might impact blogging. Some commenters feel LLMs diminish the need for public blogging, as AI can generate higher-quality, tailored content more quickly. Others suggest AI could serve as a tool for bloggers, helping to identify "prior art" for an idea or unearth topics that haven't been widely discussed recently, thereby aiding in the pursuit of fresh content or the validation of a "missing obvious."
User Experience Uproar: Rejecting "Dickovers" and Substack's Sins
Directly relating to the article's opening about annoying web patterns, a strong theme emerges criticizing "user-hostile" website designs, particularly the pervasive pop-ups and mandatory subscriptions ("dickovers"). Substack is singled out for its aggressive monetization tactics that hinder initial content access and for its technical issues (JS bloat) and controversial content moderation policies. Commenters express a desire for platforms that prioritize content over conversion and earn subscriptions through quality rather than coercion.