Writing


Angles that spread usually check the following boxes:
- Surprising — presents unexpected new information or theories
- True — we actually believe it
- Important — has an impact on our behavior
- Relevant — related to domains we care about
- Cool — we think we’ll look impressive for sharing it
Every • How to Write Essays That Spread
People read nonfiction to learn and to feel. My framework for ensuring a blog post accomplishes both is to start with a first draft that focuses on "novel" ideas.
A novel idea is one that's not just new to the reader, but also significant and not easily intuited. Think of it as new and worthwhile . I've identified five categories:
A novel idea is one that's not just new to the reader, but also significant and not easily intuited. Think of it as new and worthwhile . I've identified five categories:
- Counter-intuitive —
What to Write About
Comms teams are important and necessary, but not sufficient. Mission-driven startups need founder-led comms. Only a founder can be the chief evangelist for their company. By assuming that responsibility and using that power, you can change narratives, change minds, and change the course of history.
Pirate Wires • Inside Anduril’s Comms Strategy: 10 Rules for Mission-Driven Founders
Startups might try to mitigate perceived reputation risk by overly scripting or muzzling their founders. That is thinking about it backwards. The much greater risk lies in stifling a founder’s originality, muting their passion, and depriving the company of its most powerful evangelist. The risks of being bland, boring, or business as usual far outw... See more
Pirate Wires • Inside Anduril’s Comms Strategy: 10 Rules for Mission-Driven Founders
To start, simply write down what unique thing you do, why it matters, and why you’re the only team who could get it done. It needs to be human (no corpo jargon), assertive (no hedging or waffling), and specific (no hand-waving abstractions).
Pirate Wires • Inside Anduril’s Comms Strategy: 10 Rules for Mission-Driven Founders
Going direct will help you with both defense and offense. On defense, having a direct line to your audience is a hedge against being attacked. When you have your own platform, you don’t have to depend on anyone else and won’t be left helpless if the world turns on you.
On offense, if you’re doing something unprecedented and original, you’ll be the b... See more
On offense, if you’re doing something unprecedented and original, you’ll be the b... See more
Pirate Wires • Inside Anduril’s Comms Strategy: 10 Rules for Mission-Driven Founders
Going direct means retaining control over your message by speaking directly to your audience instead of depending on middlemen. This is mandatory for mission-driven founders.