Paul Graham is an interesting, prickly character. I’ve linked to him before, here and here. I recently finished reading his “Hackers & Painters” (well worth a read) and just wanted to query one point he had made, so whipped off an e-mail. To my surprise, a couple of hours later I got a thoughtful reply. This is what I love about the net, the way it has changed the relationship between creators and audiences.
I first encountered this many years ago when I was reading Douglas Rushkoff‘s “Children of Chaos”. After reading the first three or four chapters I was so excited I did a search, found his web site, got his e-mail address and sent him a rather over-excited rave. To my immense surprise he replied very quickly and it clicked that something significant was going on.
Since then I often write a quick appreciation if I encounter ideas I am enthusiatic about. I don’t usually expect a reply, but more often than not I get one.
I know from my own experience with the e-mails I have got from readers of the three books I wrote with Bob Cotton, that there is something rather special about getting a direct response from someone who has engaged with something you have done. It is almost better than royalties, knowing that in some small way you have made a difference.