Online readers are a surly bunch.
I mean that in the best possible way, mind you. And, naturally, I lump myself into that group.
See, when it comes to reading online, everyone is mean, lazy, and stupid. Makes you wonder if there’s something wrong with anyone who chooses a career as web writer.
The origin behind that harsh designation, though, is interesting. It’s how New York University philosophy professor Jim Pryor suggests his students view their readers.
His reasoning? It forces the writer to write clear, concise, and compelling copy.
Which is what my podcast, Rough Draft, is all about. In just a few minutes a day I deliver essential writing advice you need to succeed online, four days a week.
But unlike most business podcasts (where interviews rule the roost) Rough Draft is a monologue.
It’s just you, me, and 15 years of experience working with top brands like KISSmetrics, Salesforce, Hubspot, and, of course, Copyblogger (where I am Chief Content Writer).
Tomfoolery included.
Start here
If you want to start from the very beginning, listen to Two Challenges All Digital Content Must Conquer. It’s a little over four minutes long, so nice, easy introduction to what you are in for.
But if you’d prefer something more personal, try A Small Gift for Your Dark Days as an Obscure Writer. I offer you something that helped me during one of my most difficult times as an online writer.
However, my favorite show at the moment is How the Perfect Article Is Framed by White Space. The reason I love this episode is because the blend of monologue and music are pure magic. I tip my hat to our sound guy, Toby Lyles.
On second thought, I think Meet the Tragic Poster Boy for the Emotional Brain is my favorite episode at the moment. I share my favorite story about the relationship between emotions and decision making …
It’s an amazing story. A bit graphic, however. But I keep that part brief.
Say you are more into the technical side of things, then you should enjoy A 12-Minute Crash Course on Link Building (Ugh).
Or Keywords, Your Love Affair With the Language Your Audience Uses.
To shake things up a little, I recently broke the monologue mold and pulled in some of the smartest brains in online writing (all women, by the way) for a series of short interviews:
- The Oddest Story About Overcoming Obscurity You’ll Ever Hear
- The Princess of Profanity on Finding Your Voice as a Writer
- Solve Your Online Proofreading Problems With This Simple Trick
- How to (Rapidly) Build an Audience with Content Syndication
This series is quickly becoming my favorite set of episodes. The reason is simple …
Not only do you learn from the best, but you realize that every single one of these gals started at the bottom. In other words, these episodes should give you hope.
Because if average people like me, James, Erika, Stefanie, and Belle carved out careers online as a writer, so can you. So join me on this journey. And we’ll climb out of obscurity and conquer neglect together.
Hi Demian,
Rough Draft is my weekly reminder on what needs to be done with web copy to make it work. I binge on this podcast one morning a week. The lessons are timeless. The teachings are tremendous.
Thank you, sir.
You bet, Matt. Thank you for listening, sir!
My most favorite podcast ever. (That is good English -right?) I am constantly telling people to listen. Can’t tell you which is my favorite cause every day I am delighted. Thank you!
Hey Beca, thank you for your kind words. I’m so happy you are enjoying it. And thank you for spreading the word!
Love it, Demian. Thanks for holding the torch and carrying it onward…. hey, your work is the main reason I keep promising myself I’m going to use a newsreader and check in with my favorite waterin’ holes daily. You’re the man, D… the D-Man!
Thanks Don! I appreciate your support.
Informative and useful!
Thanks Demian!