Like many things in life, the feedback loop on writing is long and uncertain. When I write a post, I don’t know if it will quietly sink beneath the waves, get a reaction or two, or spark a week-long furor. Sometimes, the shortest and least effort-filled posts draw the best.

As a result, only people who love to write stick with it; the extrinsic rewards are too uncertain. You have to rely on intrinsic motivation.

(originally appeared as a comment on Hunter Walk’s blog)