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Analysis by ViralLoop — not written by the original author.

Paul Graham on Growth · ViralLoop

Post by Paul Graham on X

Paul Graham@paulg

To people who don't understand startups, it seems overreaching and even irresponsible that they focus so much on growth. People who do know that when you're making something new, this is the only way to know if it's what users want.

1.7K likes49 repliesPosted Sep 19, 2020

View the original on X Written by Paul Graham. Captured Sep 4, 2026.

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39

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.
Short enough to read in full without expanding, which removes a step before the point lands.

The mechanics

Hook: Plain observation
Structure: Hook
Style: Conversational paragraphs at a steady pace.
Tone: plain, matter-of-fact
Mechanisms: Pattern interrupt
Written for: Growth and marketing teams

Analysis by ViralLoop — not written by the original author.

Topics

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More from Paul Graham

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