Reviving Online Writing: How Justice Writers Battle Mediocrity
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Am I alone in believing that the quality of online writing has plummeted to new lows?
Indeed, it seems to be a side effect of AI tools like ChatGPT.
The internet is inundated with bland, formulaic advice generated by machines, creating a new wave of content mediocrity.
However, just when I was ready to give up hope, my own League of Justice Writers appeared, ready to change the narrative.
The Superhero Lineup
- Superman Tim: The favorite among writers, he offers straightforward productivity tips and financial advice, all without the tired clichés.
- Wonderwoman Eve: A powerful force in writing, she embodies resilience and determination, wielding a lasso of truth in her self-development strategies.
- Sean The Flash: With a rapid-fire writing style, he captivates readers from the very first sentence, guiding them through astonishing tales and insights.
- Batman Ayodeji: The Dark Knight who confronts uncomfortable truths head-on, he challenges societal norms with thought-provoking ideas.
- Green Arrow Nour: His words strike deep, provoking genuine emotions and encouraging important dialogues, showcasing the strength of vulnerability.
- Aquaman Michael: He dives into new intellectual depths, uncovering hidden wisdom and revealing the beauty beneath the surface.
- Hawkgirl Paula: Through her evocative writing, she shares personal stories that inspire readers to soar to new heights.
(That certainly sounds like a horoscope.)
Why Are They My League of Justice Writers?
These superheroes share a common superpower: content that resonates deeply.
It connects with me on an emotional level.
You know that moment when you read something that just clicks? It feels like a direct line to your thoughts and feelings.
That's precisely how their audience reacts, as evidenced by their comment sections.
Their writing offers laughter, valuable advice, inspiration, and much more.
What draws me to them is the empathy I feel through their words, which is often missing in others' writings.
While not every article they produce hits the mark, the majority do.
The secret ingredient in their writing is genuine honesty.
There’s no empty jargon or recycled stories—just authentic reflections on their life experiences.
A Hero’s Journey
Their diverse backgrounds bring a rich tapestry of stories.
My seven writers span the globe—from the US to Spain, Turkey, and Australia.
They represent a broad spectrum of experiences.
Another key element of my League of Justice Writers is their unique stages of growth and their distinct voices.
They offer a bit of everything: - The seasoned writer striving for continuous improvement. - The Quora expert and humorous ghostwriter who knows how to break the mold. - The author turned podcaster, then YouTuber, and now TedTalk speaker. - The emerging talent on a rapid growth trajectory thanks to her dedication and passion. - The former stutterer who now teaches storytelling to Fortune 500 companies. - The writer taking a breather to prioritize personal life over online persona. - The adventurous globetrotter who breaks free from conventional spaces.
They each embody different phases of an online writing career.
From those with millions of views to those just starting to amplify their voices, they all illustrate what a writer's journey can look like.
This serves as a template I can follow.
I can envision where I want to be in the next six months, a year, three, five, or even ten.
This journey is not linear; there are ups and downs along the way.
That’s the reality behind having 1.1k versus 316k followers.
None is more inspirational than the other; each simply offers a unique perspective.
The Common Thread: Traits of Superhero Writers
The obvious answer is that they possess distinctive voices and styles. However, it's much deeper than that.
- Niching down: They have discovered the sweet spot where their background, expertise, and interests intersect, allowing them to create quality, specialized content that leverages their strengths.
> Common factor: **They respect your time.**
- Multiple Platforms: Medium is just one of many platforms they explore, including YouTube, podcasts, Quora, and Gumroad.
> Common factors: **Twitter and Substack.**
- Free Resources: They follow the 90/10 rule, offering 90% free content and 10% paid. This includes free guides, videos, and lists, alongside paid books and masterclasses.
> Common factor: **Newsletters.**
- Real Talk: They understand that phrases like “Read this book and become a billionaire in six months” are misleading. They advocate for a balanced life, emphasizing the importance of stability and efficient systems.
> Common factor: **Writing as a side hustle.**
- Versatile Creators: These writers are not just writers; their skills extend to finance, acting, design, marketing, filmmaking, and parenting, with writing serving as a medium for their diverse abilities.
> Common factor: **A mix of broad knowledge with specific expertise.**
- Persistent Mindset: They have been in the game for several years, displaying the patience to keep going. This isn’t just about consistency—it's about a long-term vision and an adaptable approach, fueled by curiosity and experimentation.
> Common factors: **Long-term vision and adaptability.**
- Practice for Perfection: As experienced writers, they understand that practice is key. Many produce extensive content frequently, enhancing their personal brand and SEO presence.
> Common factor: **They consistently show up.**
The 70/20/10 Rule: A Reading Game Plan
Here’s how I allocate my reading time on Medium: - 70% to my League of Justice Writers, to whom I subscribe. - 20% to exploring new recommendations, following intriguing writers, and engaging with interesting comment threads, allowing me to discover fresh ideas. - 10% for spontaneous exploration—a chance to uncover hidden gems or unexpected delights that keep my reading experience fresh.
This approach ensures I consume content that lives up to its promise without aimlessly scrolling through the platform.
I also set a 30-minute timer to maintain focus, especially when there’s a surge of new stories.
Final Thoughts: A Superpower Within Reach
Let’s be honest for a moment.
While my League of Justice Writers possess remarkable talent, they are not distant, unreachable figures in the writing world.
They are relatable individuals, complete with quirks, challenges, and victories.
Through their authentic storytelling, they share their genuine thoughts and experiences, making them trustworthy and inspiring.
While heroes may come and go, this League of Justice Writers will undoubtedly evolve over time.
For now, they stand strong against the monotony of online content with their compelling narratives.
Ultimately, we should draw inspiration from their unwavering commitment to excellence.
This superpower is within our grasp if we are willing to put in the effort and remain true to ourselves.
Together, we can rescue the online writing realm from its latest adversary, one captivating story at a time.