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My 4-year-old daughter and I were playing barbie dream house with her massive collection of barbies one night (no shame) and I was astounded by her creativity.

As she grows older I realize these moments are fleeting, bittersweet. She won’t be the same age forever and the environment and times that I’ve grown up in (the dawn of the internet age), will be wildly different a few decades from now when she’s an independent adult.

As I sat there “pretending” to be the daughter of batwoman and an owner of a giant blue tyrannosaurus rex, I began daydreaming about my daughter’s future and what it possibly could look like.

While there’s a huge push for STEM in America right now (Science Technology, Engineering, Math), I think it’s important to not discount liberal arts and creativity or liberal creativity (a term I just made up, but fitting). As we advance in STEM I even think creativity and arts will be even more imporant.

We’re at the cusp of many great emerging technologies. Quantum computing and its applicaitons are just beginning to blossom. Machine learning and advanced AI systems are being deployed in big businesses. It’s only a matter of time those technologies will be very widespread and available. A lot of human capital in STEM fields won’t be required and will inevitably be replaced by machines.

I’m not saying there’s anything wrong with STEM education paths or careers. Rather, I’m pointing out that right now there’s a lot of value placed in those fields and not so much in the creative arts.

We’re going to eventually need people who think outside of the box, who think outside the bounds of science and technology. Even bridging the gaps between arts and sciences. Think of the enormously successful technology company Apple and its melding of art and technology.

And if my daughter wants to puruse one of the STEM fields, I’m 100% ok with that and will support her fully. But, if she’d like to be an artist, musician, writer, history major, I more than welcome and support that too. I’m just enjoying my daughter’s sense of wonder and imagination.

I’ve been reading a lot of blog articles lately – averaging around 25 a week (5 per day each weekday) for the last 4 months. It’s just become part of my morning routine. Many of these articles are amazing and some fall short. These blogs range in topics from photography, productivity, science, technology, and history.

The content that resonates with me the most all have three things in common.

Authority

Whether inherent or extrinsic, great authors write with authority. That doesn’t mean the author has to be the “end all be all” expert of the content, but the articles that typically add the most value have an air of authority. The writer whether or not an expert, will have solid arguements, vetted references, and personal experience. I find that most articles that I’m drawn to are pretty confident in what they are writing. In other words the content I’m drawn to won’t make me doubt it’s credibility.

Authenticity

I look for an authentic voice when reading articles. Sometimes content can be boring, because people keep regurgitating the same thing over and over again. I like to read articles with a unique and authentic voice, something different.

Out of the 400+ articles I’ve read recently, I’m put off the most with articles that intentionally try to sell me some product that I’m not particularly interested in. The title may be intriguing, captures my attention, but the content is inauthentic and almost deceptive. There’s a massive difference when you read something written from a perspective of a writer who’s persuading the reader of an arguement, vs a writer persuading the reader to buy something.

Actionability

All great content gives you something to do. Next steps, take-aways, whatever you want to call it, great content demands you to do something after you consume it. Whether it’s defined actions or even food for thought, everytime I read a great article I’m left with the feeling that I must take action.

Authority, Authenticity, and Actionability may not be the only elements to a great article, but it’s something I see time and time again after reading something of significant value. It’s a frame work in which I employ when I’m making a decision whether or not to read an article. Does the writer have authority over the subject? Is he writing from an authetic perspective? What value can I gain from reading the article and how can I apply it?

What do you look for when searching for great content?

Cover Image: by Angelina Litvin on Unsplash