Breaking down the "Rule of 1000 True Followers"

POSTED ON:2023-03-11 17:04:00.

The "Rule of 1000 True Followers" is a concept popularized by Kevin Kelly, the founding executive editor of Wired magazine. The basic premise is that if you can find 1000 true fans who are willing to support your work, you can earn a sustainable income from your creative pursuits.

So, what exactly are true fans? According to Kelly, a true fan is someone who will purchase anything and everything you produce. They will eagerly anticipate your next creation and be willing to pay a premium for it. They will attend your events, buy your merchandise, and promote your work to others.

The key to the rule of 1000 true fans is that these fans are not just casual followers. They are deeply committed to your work and are willing to invest in it financially. If you can find 1000 of these fans, you can earn a sustainable income from your creative endeavors.

The idea behind the rule is that instead of trying to reach millions of people with your work, you focus on building a smaller but highly engaged audience. By cultivating a strong connection with your true fans, you can create a sustainable business model without the need for mass-market appeal.

But can you really earn a sustainable income from 1000 true fans? The answer is yes, but with some caveats.

Firstly, it's important to note that the rule of 1000 true fans is not a guarantee of success. Finding 1000 true fans can be a challenge, and it requires a lot of hard work and dedication. Additionally, your ability to earn a sustainable income from your true fans will depend on several factors, such as the price of your products, your production costs, and your ability to consistently create high-quality content.

Secondly, while 1000 true fans may be enough to sustain some creative endeavors, it may not be enough for others. For example, if you're a musician, 1000 true fans might be enough to support your recording and touring expenses, but it might not be enough to cover your living expenses.

Thirdly, the rule of 1000 true fans assumes that you have a direct relationship with your fans. This means that you're not relying on intermediaries like record labels or publishers to sell your work. Instead, you're selling your work directly to your fans through channels like Patreon, Kickstarter, or your own website.

In conclusion, the rule of 1000 true fans can be a powerful concept for creators looking to build a sustainable income from their work. By focusing on cultivating a highly engaged audience, creators can create a direct relationship with their fans and build a business model that doesn't rely on mass-market appeal. However, finding 1000 true fans is not easy, and it requires a lot of hard work and dedication. Additionally, the ability to earn a sustainable income from 1000 true fans will depend on several factors, and it may not be enough for some creative endeavors.