Summary

The author reflects on the lessons learned from eight years of writing programming tutorials, emphasizing the importance of perseverance, support, disagreement, positive writing, and starting despite imperfections.

Abstract

In an article detailing his experiences, the author shares insights gained from writing programming tutorials for nearly a decade. He acknowledges that not all readers will appreciate or agree with his content, but highlights the value of supportive feedback and the necessity of maintaining a positive and constructive approach in the face of criticism. The author advises writing with the intention of spreading positivity, as it tends to be reciprocated. He also encourages writers to start publishing their work before they feel fully prepared, advocating for the use of tools and peer feedback to improve their craft. The overarching message is one of personal growth through consistent writing and publishing, regardless of initial skill level or external validation.

Opinions

The author believes in the empowering nature of writing and publishing, despite the challenges it presents.
He values the supportive reactions from the audience, which can be a source of motivation and encouragement.
The author recognizes that not everyone will like or agree with what is published, and that's acceptable.
He suggests focusing on the constructive aspects of feedback rather than negative emotions that may arise from harsh criticism.
The concept of karma is invoked to suggest that a positive writing style is likely to elicit positive responses.
The author is a proponent of starting to write and publish before one feels completely ready, as improvement comes with practice and feedback.
He recommends using tools like Grammarly and seeking advice from others to enhance writing skills.
The author is grateful for the learning experiences and growth opportunities that have come from writing and engaging with his audience.

5 Lessons From Writing Programming Tutorials for 8 Years

Push through all boundaries, even though it’s hard

Writing online can feel empowering and scary at the same time! In this post, I want to share the five lessons I learned from writing and publishing my work online in the past eight years.

1. Not Everyone Wants Your Help

Most of the time, I write articles to help others. But sometimes people who read my story don’t want my help.

Or don’t like my solution to a problem they don’t have.

Or the solution doesn’t match with their problem.

There are a lot of things people potentially don’t like about your post.

But hey, you did your best! You had the best intention and that is all that matters!

2. People Can Be Very Supportive

During my time writing online, I’ve always been empowered by people who are supportive! Receiving claps, gaining new followers, or having your work shared by others elicits an exciting feeling. This feeling is so awesome!

But I learned that this should never be overshadowed by reactions of people who don’t like your work.

So, always celebrate every positive experience you have. Those positive sparks are going to push you further! They keep you motivated every time.

3. Not Everyone Agrees With You

It happens to everyone who publishes their work online — people that don’t agree with what you say in your article. And they don’t have to.

But when they let you know in the comments, realize that some do this with a positive mindset, some don’t. When they sound very rude, aggressive, or provocative, focus on the facts they are telling, don’t focus on that emotion.

You don’t want your comments filled with your bad behavior. Fill it with facts, realism, and optimism above anything else!

4. Write With Karma in Mind

Always keep in mind how someone can interpret your content. If people are in a bad mood, they are likely to interpret your words in that same way.

If you always write your content or comments in a friendly, positive or optimistic way, people are more likely to write in the same way.

I believe in “what you reap is what you sow.” When you give positivity, you will get that back. If you give negativity, you will get negativity back.

This is karma!

5. Start Before You’re Ready

I still remember when I was in college, my grammar sucked. I’m a native English speaker. But both Dutch (yes, I’m from the Netherlands) and English were terrible. But later on, I realized I liked writing.

I started to push it online even though it was bad as hell! Until people started commenting on that.

So I started to search for tools that could help me improve my writing. Up to this day, I highly trust Grammarly to help me to write “good enough” tutorials and blog posts.

Sometimes I ask people to proofread my blog posts. Man, I’ve learned so much about that!

Thanks, Daniel Roxas.

If you tell yourself “I will wait to publish my things online until I’m ready,” well dear, wonderful human being, that moment is never going to be there!

So, publish what feels good enough, and ask people around you for advice, or use tools like Grammarly to write better.

Because you will only become ready when you start writing and publishing.

Today, there is nothing easier than putting your writing online!

Thanks

I hope that my lessons will help you start or go further in your growth process like I do every day.

If you have questions or suggestions, please write them down in the comment section below. If this post made you publish your first story, or when you want to share your lessons, please feel free to share them with your comment.