Creator Science #41: Tim Urban – Why the author of Wait But Why focuses on quality over consistency
Jan 19, 2021
Tim Urban, the mind behind the blog Wait But Why, shares insights from his intriguing journey as a long-form writer. He discusses the balance between quality and consistency in creativity, emphasizing the importance of producing emotional, in-depth content. Urban reveals his writing and research process, highlighting the power of metaphors and personal anecdotes. He also dives into the Dunning-Kruger effect, showcasing the paradox of confidence in knowledge, and shares how perfectionism can both hinder and enhance productivity in the creative process.
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Wait But Why's Origin
- Tim Urban, initially pursuing music, found himself running a test prep company with Andrew Finn due to procrastination.
- This led to a creative impulse, and they partnered to start a media platform, Wait But Why.
Quality over Quantity
- Wait But Why aimed for A+ quality content to stand out in a market saturated with short-form, high-quantity content.
- Tim Urban's early blog featured lists, predating BuzzFeed's popularization of the format.
Viral Success and Shift in Focus
- An article on millennials' happiness unexpectedly went viral, significantly boosting Wait But Why's readership.
- This success gave Tim Urban the confidence to tackle more serious topics, shifting from virality to reader delight.
