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Much of what Tim Ferriss writes is genuinely useful, particularly when it comes to experimentation, testing, and questioning assumptions. Unfortunately, these
by joshkaufman 16y ago
Much of what Tim Ferriss writes is genuinely useful, particularly when it comes to experimentation, testing, and questioning assumptions.
Unfortunately, these messages are (1) packaged in the form of breathlessly-sold, instant-results snake oil; (2) explicitly modeled on the past 20 years of Men's Health and Cosmopolitan magazine covers; (3) contain obnoxious levels of social signaling and influence-via-association.
The reality is the above three factors are what have contributed the most to his renown. People want to instantly become wealthy, famous, and desirable with zero effort. They want to believe that someone (anyone) can provide these things, and they're willing to pay money on the off-chance they're able to deliver. They want to be associated with someone who travels around the world, hangs out with famous people all day, and seemingly succeeds in everything.
Ferriss promises people exactly what they want, so they buy. Simple as that.
The operative question for all of us on HN: what Ferriss does clearly works. Do you choose to emulate him? Why or why not?
- ryanwaggoner 16y agoThis is a (relatively) good summary of the situation. I think you exaggerate on point #1, but it doesn't really matter, so let's not quibble. Your question is interesting though: if you have genuinely good content (or functionality), do you market it as aggressively as possible, knowing that if you don't, less useful stuff by superior marketers is going to win out? Doesn't game theory indicate that you should, if you want to positively impact as many as possible?
- joshkaufman 16y agoI think it goes deeper than that - it deeply influences the market you choose to serve in the first place. If you can semi-credibly promise to give people instant results in wealth, physique, sex, etc - your offer will sell. The real question isn't whether or not you choose to market your offer aggressively. It's whether or not you choose to enter those specific (proven) markets, using that specific (proven) approach, knowing full well that you're intentionally exaggerating for the sake of attention and results. Personally, I've intentionally made the decision not to go that route. It makes my job more difficult, but it's a tradeoff I'm willing to make.
- eavc 16y agoAs someone who once dabbled in coaching, allow me to say that I always noticed you as an example of a person doing it in a way that I found honorable and admirable. The integrity you mention here is certainly a large part of why.
- joshkaufman 16y agoThanks - that means a lot to me!
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- jonmc12 16y agoI have a particular aversion to the 'social signaling and influence-via-association' you mention. However, I very much enjoy the substance of Tim Ferriss's content. Why? 1) TF accomplishes things first, and then publishes these accomplishments - martial arts, ballroom dancing, swimming, building muscle mass - he really did these things.. better than others. 2) Regarding the substance of his book, nearly all important info is either grounded in his direct experience, or referenced by thoroughly researched science. He picks his words very carefully when making claims. 3) TF is goal oriented and rational in his approach to learn skills. Yea, I wish his writing style was a bit different.. I'm just more cerebral than his average reader. However, when TF releases the '4-hour Promoter', I will be buying this. His promotion skills are just another area he has mastered. This guy is not a natural promoter, rather he is a golden example of how to learn skills and apply them with measurably improvable results.. his ability to promote is just another example.
- joshkaufman 16y agoThe probability of a "4-Hour Fame" book is pretty high. After wealth, physique, and sex, fame/status is the next big, universal desire. The formula works: promise people they too can become a NYT bestseller, speak at TED, and get invited to Davos in less than four hours of effort.