I find myself (once again) thinking about the many times a discussion about "Quality Content" has come up here on Hive, as well as on a number of other content venues, past and present.
Aside from one of my own root "values" as a creator-publisher — that evergreen quality never fades — I've typically not said a whole lot on the topic. I think each person needs to let quality speak for itself. As the old saying goes "the cream floats to the top." Or does it?
This whole topic came to mind again recently, as part of the INLEO platform's intention to reward evergreen content through ad revenue sharing — something we have not previously had here.
But "quality" is a pretty ambiguous and fluid concept. Quality... to whom? What does it even mean?
I have typically felt that the more relevant question should be of whether or not something adds value to the vast repository of information — call it the data stream, if you will — we are building in the virtual world. Moreover, ask yourself what has value to you if there were no Hive to consider.
The question then becomes "what does 'adding value' look like?"
Again, that can certainly be open to a lot of interpretation... but I'm thinking we can perhaps approach a definition by looking at what definitely does not add value. Repetition of news stories already covered extensively by major news media, is a good example.
Unlike those who prefer a more practical approach, I have always been a fan of personal stories. But do they add value?
It depends. Simply a journal entry about what you ate for dinner, not so much. The same journal entry, but also including your grandma's secret recipe for chicken gravy? Now we're talking!
I strongly believe that anecdotes have value, and tend to make for far more interesting reading than dry instructional prose. Think about what you prefer to read! Chances are the rest of the world isn't that different.
In the past, most of my own evergreen content has revolved around psychology and spirituality, neither of which tend to have "expiration dates."
Compelling stories about problem solving the human condition tend to have evergreen value, as well. Most people enjoy reading about how people overcame some obstacle and persevered.
The reason "the personal" tends to work well is that each person's story tends to be unique, which concepts are easily repeated, absent the human factor.
Of course, we can throw much of the whole value discussion out the window when we start answering the question of "WHO are you writing for?"
Let's face it, a lot of people just enjoy writing and sincerely don't care about the technical aspects of their writing.
Which is fine! As long as you're not also complaining that you're not getting the same visibility and engagement as those with highly relatable and engaging content!
It's a complex issue, to be sure! What does value mean, to YOU?
Comments, feedback and other interaction is invited and welcomed! Because — after all — SOCIAL content is about interacting, right? Leave a comment — share your experiences — be part of the conversation! I do my best to answer comments, even if it sometimes takes a few days!
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Created at 2024-02-08 00:32 PST
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