show your work

• myth of lone genius: society romanticises idea of solitary genius who emerges from cabin with finished masterpiece
• Kleon argues for “scenius”: ecology of talent = creativity is multiplayer, networked effort

• don’t have to be an expert to share something valuable
• amateurs are often better teachers than experts cos they remember what it feels like to struggle with basics

• creating final product = intimidating
• documenting daily process (photo of messy desk, rough sketch, highlighted quote) = low stakes

death of the business card:

• traditional networking relies on forcing yourself into rooms hoping people notice you
• Kleon argues:
  • if publish interests + process online
  • then right people will find you

Vampire Test:

• Kleon: avoid “vampires”—people / projects that drain energy
• showing work = natural filter; repels people who demand perfection + attracts people who value curiosity, growth, etc.

scrapbook approach:

• digital garden =is= perfect vehicle for showing your work
• portfolio of greatest hits scrapbook of current fascinations

teaching what you just learned:

• don’t need a PhD to write note about concept
• eg if learned something on Tuesday ➡️ perfectly qualified to explain it to person who didn’t know it on Monday

attribution as currency:

• showing your work = showing whose work influenced you
• linking heavily to other thinkers (like referencing Kleon here :)) builds scenius web