Reasons to build in public
As I build out https://www.usethreadr.com, a Twitter tool for founders to build in public while keeping a journal style record, I decided to give some thought to the question “build in public?” Everyone has their own reasons, but here are a few thoughts:
-Desire for support. It’s not a stretch to say the internet can be a very negative place for self expression. However, the IndieHacker, IndieDev, and BuildInPublic communities are the opposite of that . Encouragement and support is the norm, so if you want support for the project that you’re unsure of, BuildInPublic is a solid way to get it.
-Accountability. Being held accountable is arguably a form of support, but it may still be worth highlighting it separately. Perhaps support via BuildInPublic is looking for positive reinforcement while accountability is more pushing yourself through fear of failure or embarrassment.
-Desire to inspire. You may recognize that your own journey can help others take the leap you did. You might think your idea can inspire others to make a change, even if it’s not by encouraging them to build their own project.
-Marketing. The hero’s journey is possibly the most engaging of all story arcs. You recognize this, and know that by humanizing your own hero’s journey you can turn your personal and professional struggles into a strong brand.
-To build a following. If you want to be known as an expert in a field, BuildInPublic is a great way to demonstrate your expertise while perhaps defending and refining your theses. The BuildInPublic crowd is supportive, but that doesn’t mean you can do or say whatever you want without pushback. Remember, this is still the Internet.
You may only have one reason, or you may have several. The reason, or reasons, are not nearly as important as knowing what yours are. Only then can you make certain that your words, tone, audience, platform, and goals are congruent. Congruency ensures authenticity, and being your authentic self is, or should be, the core of building in public.
So, what do you think? Why do you build in public? What did I miss?
PA - https://www.usethreadr.com is in free Beta, so if you are currently building in public or even just considering it, I’d love the feedback.
I voted for followers, because my initial desire was to build an audience. But then it changed and I still do not know what I am doing on Twitter. But at least I have a fun?
I think one that didn't make this list is the opportunities for collaboration that it opens up. I guess it falls under support in many cases.
But we can find people that have a passion for the same idea, that want to talk about it on a podcast with you, or want to give feedback to make it better, or want to write about it. And it's hard to tell what kind of doors these opportunities will open down the road.