(1/7) There are countless examples of writers inspiring entrepreneurs to action.

According to @balajis, "if you as a writer add value to your reader, you should get a cut of that."

Here's how he would do it.

(2/7) First, some tangible examples.

• Minority Report inspired Microsoft's Kinect
• A @NickKristof article inspired @BillGates to make a "miracle toilet"
• Ready Player One inspired Oculus VR
• @nealstephenson inspired basically everything

(3/7) The model

• Entrepreneur is inspired by an article
• Entrepreneur sets up an AngelList-like profile and seeks investment
• Portion of the investment (say 10%) goes to the article's author via an affiliate referral (like how we track referrals in internet advertising)

(4/7) Example

• Author writes article on fusion energy
• Inspired by article, a fusion startup raises $500k at a $10m valuation
• 10% ($50k) goes to author ($25k as cash / $25k as speculative equity)
• In 10yrs, Fusion company exits at $1B (a 100x) and author gets $2.5m

(5/7) The new venture journalism model changes the incentive structure of the writer.

Goal is to create QUALITY (not quantity).

Goal is to write something so good, it will attract the next Zuck or @VitalikButerin of "fusion energy" to your blog or outlet (and inspire them).

(6/7) In this model, the audience is much smaller (page views don't matter).

But the discussion is "pegged at a very high value" and the writer is "adding value to the very best people in the world" and getting a % of the upside.

(7/7) In sum, this creates a structure that "monetizes the action (NOT the content)".

All from @balajis amazing podcast with @david_perell. https://twitter.com/david_perell/status/1298053509015724032?s=20

(8/7) Addendum.

@balajis mentioned these topics as examples of how authors can inspire entrepreneurs.

• Fusion energy to solve climate change
• Genetic testing to help with COVID
• Self-driving cars to prevent traffic accidents
• Encryptions to protect privacy