A couple of years ago, inspired by my friend, Bryan Lawrence, I started putting together white papers. They were written with a few key formulae — or rules of thumb in mind.
Most important was that they took the perspective of someone who does not claim to be a subject matter expert. Early on, the papers make clear to the reader that the writer is figuring this area out, and enlists the reader’s interest and resources to help with new information and insights — which would then be reincorporated into the document.
The result is a document that is living — and which reflects not just the unfolding knowledge of the writer (usually myself) but also of the readers. As the white paper evolves, it will end up representing the thoughts and insights of a combined network of minds working on one problem.
As Bryan Lawrence put it, it was a way of downloading one’s brain and sending it out through email.
Since then, I have produced a few and I have also encouraged colleagues, investing peers and interns to write their own.
I have been pleasantly surprised by their popularity.
White Papers — by number of visits
1. Zero Management Fees: Mark Chapman > 2,800 visits
2. With Whom I would Invest: Guy Spier: >2,500 visits
3. On Human Longevity: Ori Eyal > 800 visits
4. Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Work: Satvik Subramaniam > 300 visits
5. Recognizing that I May Be Wrong: Will Robertson > 250 visits
6. Aircraft Engine Leasing: Joanna Jin: > 850 visits
If you would like to receive a copy of one of these papers, feel free to request a copy here.
