For the last few years, I’ve kept a running list of Posts to Eventually Write, figuring that starting this website was a question of “when” rather than “if.”

While sifting through this eclectic assortment, considering what’s worth pursuing and what’s not, a question emerges: how do you write a post when the original idea came to you years’ ago? Do you write it from the historical perspective, what you were thinking at that time, or do you update your views, confirming or perhaps disavowing based on new information? 

Both approaches have their merits. The former allows for faster posting and gets me to the bottom of the pile faster, but it sacrifices quality (or even accuracy) as a result. The latter is more plodding and deliberate, emphasizing quality — or at least thoroughness — over speed. 

What I’ve decided to do is empty the folder of Posts to Write as quickly as possible. I currently count almost 60 ideas/threads to tease out, and that’s assuming the world stands still waiting for me to catch up (which it won’t, despite many formal requests.) I’ll explore the ideas as they occurred to me at the time and, in an attempt bring the posts into the present, close each note with a list of “items for revision.” Picture 2020 Me reading a post by 2018 Me and giving editorial feedback on areas to improve or address further. It’ll make sense when you see it.

These initial posts will serve as stakes in the ground that I can come back to semi-regularly with updates. When writing about things like Economics, Technology, Education, and Culture, you’re a fool to think you’ve ever written the last word, on anything. Life marches on and iterates with or without you.

My next post will by my first official essay — no more of this throat-clearing nonsense!