Writing by committee makes everything shitty
Writing by committee makes everything shitty.— Neville Medhora
This is a commentary on something I've seen a ton: If you work in a big company, present a GREAT piece of copy to a group/committee to post, but then 3 level of bureaucracy gets involved, each with little notes....and the copy comes out meh and lame 🙄
Positive Aspects
The title of the post is straightforward and catchy, effectively capturing the frustration many creative professionals feel when their work is subjected to endless rounds of committee review. It sets the stage for a relatable discussion on the pitfalls of bureaucracy in the creative process. The content succinctly highlights a common scenario in large organizations, where layers of feedback dilute original ideas, making it instantly relatable to anyone who has experienced similar situations.
Key Takeaways
- Bureaucracy Dilutes Creativity: In large organizations, original ideas often get watered down through multiple layers of approval, leading to mediocre results.
- Keep It Simple: The more people involved in a decision, the more likely the original message will be lost or weakened.
- Trust Your Experts: Allow the person with the expertise to have a significant say in the final output, rather than letting it be overrun by too many opinions.
- Efficiency Over Perfection: Sometimes, striving for perfection through committee consensus leads to inefficiency and bland outcomes.
- Embrace Boldness: Bold and impactful copy often comes from a single, clear vision rather than a watered-down compromise.
Additional Insights
This post is a rallying cry for creatives to push back against the "design by committee" syndrome. It's reminiscent of the classic "too many cooks in the kitchen" analogy. When everyone adds a pinch of salt, you end up with a dish that's too salty to enjoy. Similarly, businesses should empower their creatives to maintain the integrity of their work. Here's a fun thought: Imagine if Shakespeare had to get his plays approved by a committee – Hamlet might have ended up as "The Prince and the Dilemma of Denmark," a less riveting title, for sure!