How Ben Thompson Built a Writing Empire
How I Write
Deep Dive
What is Ben Thompson's approach to writing articles and updates?
Ben Thompson writes two types of pieces: articles, which are free and appear on the front page of Stratechery, and updates, which are behind a paywall. Articles are more challenging because they must appeal to a broad audience with varying levels of knowledge, while updates are more timely and assume a higher level of familiarity with the subject matter.
Why does Ben Thompson emphasize storytelling in his writing?
Ben Thompson believes that storytelling is a key differentiator in his writing. He structures his best pieces with a beginning, a path, and a resolution, making complex analysis more engaging and relatable for readers. This approach has helped Stratechery stand out in a crowded field of tech analysis.
What role do deadlines play in Ben Thompson's productivity?
Deadlines are crucial for Ben Thompson's productivity. He sets a daily deadline to publish content, which helps him stay focused and avoid procrastination. This self-imposed structure ensures consistent output, even when he feels unmotivated or distracted.
How does Ben Thompson differentiate between articles and updates?
Articles are free and aim to attract a broad audience, often requiring more effort to craft a compelling hook. Updates, on the other hand, are paid and focus on timely topics, assuming the reader has prior knowledge. Updates are easier to write because they are more straightforward and assume a specific audience.
What is Ben Thompson's business model for Stratechery?
Ben Thompson's business model for Stratechery relies on subscription revenue. He charges $15 a month for access to updates and premium content, emphasizing the value of consistent, high-quality output. The model is designed to provide ongoing value to subscribers, rather than relying on one-off insights.
How does Ben Thompson handle editing in his writing process?
Ben Thompson rarely edits his pieces extensively, focusing instead on fixing typos and avoiding repetition. He reads his articles out loud before publishing, which helps him catch errors and improve clarity. This approach allows him to maintain a high volume of output while ensuring quality.
What is the significance of volume in Ben Thompson's success?
Volume is a critical factor in Ben Thompson's success. Over the past decade, he has written the equivalent of 50 to 60 books worth of content. This consistent output builds trust with readers and establishes Stratechery as a reliable source of insights, even if not every piece is perfect.
How does Ben Thompson approach writing about technology and business?
Ben Thompson approaches technology and business writing by developing a framework or 'machine' that processes news and events into coherent analysis. This allows him to quickly generate insights and predictions, often tying new developments to his existing understanding of the industry.
What advice does Ben Thompson have for aspiring writers?
Ben Thompson advises aspiring writers to focus on a niche and define their target audience clearly. He emphasizes the importance of consistency and volume, suggesting that writers should aim to produce content regularly to build a loyal readership. He also stresses the need to differentiate oneself in a competitive market.
How does Ben Thompson use storytelling to engage his readers?
Ben Thompson uses storytelling to make complex topics more accessible and engaging. For example, he often starts with a historical anecdote or a relatable narrative before diving into technical analysis. This approach helps readers connect with the material and stay interested throughout the article.
Shownotes Transcript