Give Something Useful

I’ve been thinking a lot about why I visit the sites I visit. Besides people I like, here’s a quick list (no links):

Lifehacker , Lifehacks.org, PigPog, Reddiggdot.us (a mash-up showing links from Reddit, Digg, Slashdot, and del.icio.us), Parenthacks, create passionate users, seth’s blog, 20+ podcast sites, a bunch of tech sites.

But why am I going there? Because in each case, they’re giving me something useful. I’m getting advice, pointers to software, free downloadable things, creative inspiration. In EVERY case, I’m going to these sites because they have something of value to someone other than the person posting.

That’s a great way to think about your own contributions, isn’t it? At work, at home, wherever. When I get back to work, I’ve got a big plan for what I’m going to do to be useful. I’m going to dig into all our product lines and come up with never-before-published documentation, images, tutorials, and other content that will better explain to EVERYONE in my company how to use the stuff we create.

In my side projects, I’m working on developing tools that others can use, and then I’m going to give them away for free. The money might come from doing extra stuff, like presentations, consultations, customization.

I’ve made all my digital artwork Creative Commons instead of Copyright. The plan there is I want people to be able to use my artwork for their own stuff (not for commercial resale or anything). The mash-up economy. I want to contribute.

So I think this becomes of great importance no matter WHAT your role. I think if you want to be something other than another drone bee in the pile, you must contribute above and beyond. You have to give something useful. Same with everything in life. It’s not enough to show up and be a great person.

What can you do to give something useful?

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