99.99% (maybe a few more nines) of internet writing is unimportant stuff that will be immediately forgotten.
On the opposite end of the spectrum, you have a few articles that were read by lots of people, including a few important people, that have changed their minds on something as a consequence of reading the article.
Plus there is a layer below that, like maybe you will write an article that only a few dozen people will read, but one of them will be a popular writer like Scott Alexander, who will quote you and add a few opinions of his own, and that will be read by millions.
So I think it would make sense to write a little, but make it impactful. Although I have no idea how to achieve that, because impact requires lots of readers, and that requires you to publish regularly.
Another thing to consider is how much writing is a waste of time. If you comment on politics, it almost certainly is. But if you write about what you do professionally, then it’s a bit like making notes for yourself and for others. Books may be better, but how much time does it take you to write a book? And what kind of positive reinforcement do you get when you are in the middle of writing the book?
So this may depend on your position—if you are already employed as a well-paid expert on X, maybe take your time, and spend 5 years producing a book. If you have an important idea, and want to get it out right now, write a blog post. If you are an average guy doing something but good at writing, maybe keep writing a blog, it will increase your recognition and maybe you can convert it to a book later.
99.99% (maybe a few more nines) of internet writing is unimportant stuff that will be immediately forgotten.
On the opposite end of the spectrum, you have a few articles that were read by lots of people, including a few important people, that have changed their minds on something as a consequence of reading the article.
Plus there is a layer below that, like maybe you will write an article that only a few dozen people will read, but one of them will be a popular writer like Scott Alexander, who will quote you and add a few opinions of his own, and that will be read by millions.
So I think it would make sense to write a little, but make it impactful. Although I have no idea how to achieve that, because impact requires lots of readers, and that requires you to publish regularly.
Another thing to consider is how much writing is a waste of time. If you comment on politics, it almost certainly is. But if you write about what you do professionally, then it’s a bit like making notes for yourself and for others. Books may be better, but how much time does it take you to write a book? And what kind of positive reinforcement do you get when you are in the middle of writing the book?
So this may depend on your position—if you are already employed as a well-paid expert on X, maybe take your time, and spend 5 years producing a book. If you have an important idea, and want to get it out right now, write a blog post. If you are an average guy doing something but good at writing, maybe keep writing a blog, it will increase your recognition and maybe you can convert it to a book later.