The Art and Business of Online Writing: How to Beat the Game of Capturing and Keeping Attention

by Nicolas Cole

Cons of writing on social platforms: Feedback is much more immediate. (This is actually a pro, but for a lot of people it’s seen as a con. They don’t like the idea of writing in an environment that objectively tells them only one person Liked their article.) Criticism is more direct. Aspiring writers and industry leaders will avoid partaking in the social world online because they don’t know how they’d handle a negative comment or someone disagreeing with what they wrote. “Anyone can write on social platforms.” This is a criticism I’ve heard from high-status people who feel they are above sharing their insight on the same platform as a “nobody.” These are the types of people who chase after contributing to major publications, almost exclusively because there is a barrier to entry and being allowed in makes them feel they are “where they should be.” My opinion is that all these cons are self-inflicted, and largely rooted in fear or insecurity.