Blogging can just be stating the obvious (blog.jim-nielsen.com)

Article summary

The article discusses the idea that blogging can be about stating the obvious, and that it's often the simple and straightforward posts that are the most helpful. The author reflects on how they sometimes feel like they're stating the obvious, but then realize that others may not be aware of the same things. The article also touches on the idea that there's always a new cohort of people who don't know certain things, and that blogging can be a way to share knowledge and experiences with others. The author concludes that a key ingredient to blogging is having the willingness to state something that seems obvious to you but nobody else is saying it.

Main themes

• Blogging and sharing knowledge
• The importance of stating the obvious
• The role of personal perspective in writing
• The value of simplicity in communication
• The impact of the curse of knowledge

What commenters say

• Blogging can be a way to validate others' experiences and create a discussion around a problem, even if the topic seems obvious to some.
• The value of a blog post lies not in its originality, but in its ability to communicate an idea in a clear and unique way.
• Some argue that AI can help with blogging by identifying prior art and finding new ways to express existing ideas, while others see this as unnecessary or even counterproductive.
• The act of sharing knowledge and ideas is important, regardless of whether the information is new or not, as it can help others learn and understand different perspectives.
• The way information is shared can be just as important as the act of sharing it, and a unique voice or style can make a big difference in how the information is received.
• There is a tension between the desire to share new and original ideas, and the reality that many valuable contributions can come from restating or rephrasing existing knowledge in a new way.
• Some people believe that the first person to share an idea or take action can be rewarded, while others argue that this can also lead to negative consequences.
• The concept of common knowledge and how it is shared and understood is complex, and involves not just what individuals know, but also what they know others know.