Garry Tan on Founder

For my startup Posterous, my conviction we would prevail clouded my ability to see reality when we had a problem. Don't make my mistake. FULL VIDEO: t.co

152 likes16 repliesPosted Aug 18, 2020

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Viral score

Based on absolute engagement — the platform doesn’t expose follower counts here, so large accounts score higher.

From likes, comments.

Why it worked

Contradicts something the audience already believes, which stops the scroll.
Admits a failure or a cost, which buys trust that a polished post cannot.
Frames the idea around what the reader stands to lose, which is more motivating than gain.
Follows a clear Hook → Context → Landing shape, so the reader always knows where they are.
Ends on a short line that is easy to quote and repeat.
Written from experience rather than as advice, which is harder to argue with.

The mechanics

Hook: Plain observation
Structure: Hook → Context → Landing
Style: Conversational paragraphs at a steady pace.
Tone: personal, punchy, corporate
Mechanisms: Pattern interrupt, Vulnerability, Loss aversion
Written for: Founders and early-stage teams

Analysis by ViralLoop — not written by the original author.

Topics

Founder Lessons

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