Outline for a Lecture

Introduction

How does an idea take shape? Which ideas do we nip in the bud because we deem them as “unfeasible”? We'll consider those “unfeasible” ideas and why they are exactly what you're looking for. I'll explain why "unachievable" projects carry with them an infinite stock of creativity when you start trying to answer the following question: "Which projects should I create to find myself in a position where that unfeasible project becomes feasible?"

Thinking in Platforms

We'll reflect on how a given project can lead to another project, which can lead to yet another project, which will eventually lead you to achieve something you thought could never be achieved, which opens even more doors. I will explain why thinking in terms of platforms is incredibly efficient and enlightening, and why this approach will get you much further than you originally expected and planned.

A Workflow Ethic: Avoiding the Pitfalls of Platforming

Building on Frank Chimero's Proposed Creative Workflow, we'll see why you should only green-light ideas that are satisfying both as a means and as an end. The risk with thinking in platforms is that you’ll create projects you don't really believe in or don't really like just as a means of starting another project you really want to do. We'll reflect on why you will expose yourself to failure and burnout if you follow some cold, elaborate scheme instead of your gut, and what you will be missing if you don't follow adequate creative ethics.

Your Expectations, and What Your Projects Have to Say about Them

In this part, we'll talk about expectations: yours, your contributors', your coworkers', and, finally, your users'. We'll expand on why you don't actually need to establish any expectations, and how your projects will in fact take care of everything for you as long as you remain smart enough to understand their potential and the personal fulfillment they have to provide.

Getting started: The Probable Loneliness of the Beginnings

In this part. we'll reflect on collaborations and the almost unavoidable, and rewarding, loneliness of the beginnings. When you start building your stack/wall of projects while trying to answer the seminal question: “How can I find myself in the position of turning an “unfeasible” project into a “feasible” one?” it's likely no one will trust you with their money or their time. Deal with it. Yourself. And get better at your craft.

Now there are people out there who want to help you: find them; talk to them.

How many times have you found yourself thinking that it would be great to contribute to a project you love? How many times have you actually tried to? Well, now that your first project has launched, you will need help, and there are many folks around the globe who'd love to work with you but for one reason or another won't try to get in touch with you. We'll learn how to find them and how to start collaborating with them.

The Power of not Saying “No”.

We'll think about “control” and “open-mindedness”. We'll try to understand why saying “yes” to the ideas people involved in your projects come up with (even the ones you totally don't beliebe in!) will lead you into new, unexpected territories which you will probably not be able to discover if you try to control everything.

Be Ready to Give a Piece of Yourself to Your Projects, and Never Get It Back: How Not to Feel Bad About It.

Your projects, like the devil, will take a toll on you. You will find yourself sitting with friends and family, maybe at important junctures in your life or theirs, and you will suddenly notice that part of your mind is stuck somewhere else (composing the next email, pre-writing the next article, drawing up a complex to-do list and whatnot). We'll talk about not feeling guilty about this, which often happens, and we'll reflect on the methods and discipline which can prevent you from not giving enough of yourself to the world outside.