My default setting for things I create (code, designs, writing, videos) is gatekeeping. Anyone who knows me gets this. But it's not absolute, and the "when" and "why" of sharing are conscious choices. Part of this reflects my bias towards deep work - I think sharing well required a lot of extra effort and is where the most impact can be made. But this tendency can even be self-sabotaging - especially when you're moving fast. I'm still figuring out where the right balance is.
There's an infectious quality to making creating. Ideas sparking more ideas, leading to periods where exploration and output feed on each other. I feel deeply attached to this process – the iterations, the unexpected connections and the evolutions of concepts. These drafts ultimately form the foundation for anything that eventually makes its way into the world.
Making the case for gatekeeping
Maybe it's just me, but there's a certain comfort in knowing that until you hit 'share', something is entirely yours. If it's just in your head or your private notes, nobody else gets to see it unless you decide. My case for it generally falls into these buckets:
- It's Just Not Ready: Maybe it's messy, half-formed, or still evolving. Sharing feels like serving a half-cooked meal. Unless the point is the messy process, it stays private.
- It's Personal: Some things are just for me. No deeper reason needed.
- The "Secret Weapon" Factor: Sometimes, an insight or creation offers a unique edge. Broadcasting it might dilute its value or intended application. I find the idea of hidden gems fascinating – proof that incredible things exist without needing a public stage.
- Faster Creation, Heightened Curation: LLMs get us to 80% faster than ever. This puts immense pressure on the final 20% – the critical refinement and insight – raising the threshold for what's truly worth sharing beyond easily generated content.
Of course, leaning too heavily into gatekeeping can be limiting. It might mean missing out on valuable feedback, serendipitous connections, or the simple joy of putting something out there. It's a balance I'm constantly recalibrating and probably something I need to consciously push against sometimes, especially by sharing more work-in-progress or half-formed ideas when appropriate.
Breaking down the create-share matrix
This brings up a sort of 2x2 matrix in my head:
- Create, Don't Share: My default
- Share, Don't Create (or Create Minimally): Think consuming, curating, commenting. This is crucial too. Platforms are shaped by engagement, likes, views. It's the audience validating and steering. We're all consumers, even when we create.
- Don't Create, Don't Share: Pure consumption. Essential for the ecosystem, but as I mentioned in my notes on Why I now write, purely consuming without any personal creation (even just for yourself) feels like a missed opportunity for reflection.
- Create AND Share: This is the one that requires active decision-making.
When gatekeeping gives way to sharing
Sharing isn't the default, so it happens when there's a specific reason. It's less about reaching perfection (which is paralysing) and more about intentionality. I'll share if:
- It Feels Complete Enough: Not perfect, but resolved enough to stand on its own or clearly articulate an idea.
- It Offers Genuine Value (To Me or Others): It might be a solution, a perspective I think is useful, or something I simply want to put out there to spark discussion or connection. It has to clear the bar of "Is this just adding noise, or does it serve a purpose?"
- The Context is Right: This is crucial, especially in areas like startups. While my default might be gatekeeping personal thoughts, applying that same logic rigidly to a startup is dangerous. As often emphasised (e.g., by YC and others), getting your product or idea out there, getting feedback, and finding distribution channels is paramount. Distribution is a privilege, not a guarantee, and excessive secrecy is often counterproductive. Hiding an idea usually helps no one; execution and reaching users is what matters. So, when collaboration, feedback, or market traction is the goal, the "gatekeeping" tendency has to take a backseat.
The act of curation – deciding what makes the cut – is as vital as the creation itself. It respects both the creator's process and the audience's attention.
Finding the balance that works
My tendency is to hold things back, refine, and consider. But sharing is powerful when done deliberately. It's about finding the right balance between protecting the process and contributing meaningfully, understanding that "meaningful" has different definitions depending on the context.