Odyssey Creators: Write Bigger | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Student Life

Odyssey Creators: Write Bigger

Some advice from an ex-EIC.

16
Odyssey Creators: Write Bigger
Pexels

My first Odyssey article was published my last week of my senior year of high school. It received thousands of views, and I fell in love with the virality of the platform. After a few months of lots of (less successful) articles and a deepening excitement towards the website, I became the Editor in Chief of the community at my school. I had found a home in a platform that not only allowed, but encouraged me to tell my story, on a well-constructed stage with a packed audience.

Let’s get one thing straight right off the bat: Odyssey is not a journalism platform. They don’t claim to be. So it’s not fair to expect them to be producing high-quality journalism content. This isn't an "Odyssey isn't journalism, blah blah blah" article. Odyssey is a social platform for millennials to tell the stories of their lives in article format, and for other millennials (or anyone, really) to read and connect with them.

In theory, this sounds excellent. This sounds like a wonderful way to gain insight into the lives and minds of young people all around this country.

But Odyssey creators very often chase the “pageviews and shares” high and sacrifice actual storytelling and high-quality writing. At the end of the day, Odyssey is a business, and pageviews and shares are the way they stay that way, which is completely fair and understandable. But creators shouldn’t be getting comfortable with producing low-quality content simply because it fits into the algorithm of the platform.

This isn’t an article to bash Odyssey as a platform. It truly has meant so much to me, and I really have honed in on my voice as both a writer and a young person just by having a place like this to publish my writing.

It bothers me how easily this platform is thrown away in the chase for pageviews. Creators have an opportunity to put their work out there and really be seen. And it bothers me that that's so often overlooked because relatability is valued above creativity. Most creators aren't striving for great writing, they're striving for great audience engagement.

It’s hard to write a thought provoking or meaningful article every week. And that being said, there are plenty of great pieces of writing that aren’t either of those things. But as a creator, you should want to create great pieces of writing. You should want to tell stories in a way that makes them your own, not in a way that conveniently fits into a pre-tested and approved headline.

Odyssey creators: write bigger.

Don’t write about something for the sole reason that you know your entire hometown will relate to it. Don’t write something that has more .gifs than words, in a chase for readers that don't like to read.

Write about heartbreak and passion and the things that make you laugh. Write strong opinions. Write about things you research because you're interested in them. Write about the things that make you interesting. Write using words that are huge and strong and create stories on their own.

If you’ve decided to put yourself out there by becoming a content creator, you have to truly put yourself out there. You have to write things that might not get views or shares, simply because you feel compelled to write them. You have to really create.

You have to write bigger.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

A Few Thoughts Every College Freshman Has

The transition into adulthood is never easy

18096
Mays Island
Courtney Jones

Today I started my third week of college at Minnesota State Moorhead. I have survived welcome week, finding my classes on the first day, and being an awkward loner in the dining hall. Even though I have yet to be here for a month, I have already experienced many thoughts and problems that only a new college student can relate to.

Keep Reading...Show less
Students walking on a sunny college campus with trees and buildings.

"Make sure to get involved when you're in college!"

We've all heard some variation of this phrase, whether it came from parents, other family members, friends, RAs, or college-related articles. And, like many clichés, it's true for the most part. Getting involved during your college years can help you make friends, build your resume, and feel connected to your campus. However, these commitments can get stressful if you're dealing with personal issues, need to work, or aren't sure how to balance classes and everything else going on during the semester.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

9 Reasons Why Friends Are Essential In College

College without friends is like peanut butter without jelly.

7716
Bridgaline Liberati and friends
Bridgaline Liberati

In college, one of the essential things to have is friends. Yes, textbooks, a laptop, and other school supplies are important but friends are essential. Friends are that support system everybody needs. The more friends you have the better the support system you have. But you also have someone to share experiences with. And don’t settle for just one or two friends because 8 out of 10 times they are busy and you are studying all alone. Or they have other friend groups that do not include you. Don’t settle for just one or two friends; make as many friends as you can. After the first couple of weeks of college, most friend groups are set and you may be without friends.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

The Power of Dressing Up

Why it pays to leave the hoodie at home.

5642
sneakers and heels
Sister | Brother Style - Word Press

For a moment your world is spinning. The phone alarm has just scared you awake and you’re flooded by daunting thoughts of the day ahead. You have three assignments due and little time to work on them because of your job. You’re running late because you’ve hit snooze one to many times after yesterday’s long hours. You dizzily reach for a hoodie, craving its comfort, and rush for a speedy exit, praying you will have time to pick up coffee. Does this sound familiar?

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

11 Signs You Live At The Library As Told by 'Parks And Recreation'

A few signs that you may live in the library whether you'd like to admit it or not.

4898
brown wooden book shelves with books

Finals week is upon us. It is a magical time of year during which college students everywhere flock to the library in attempt to learn a semester's worth of knowledge in only a week. For some students, it's their first time in the library all semester, maybe ever. Others have slaved away many nights under the fluorescent lights, and are slightly annoyed to find their study space being invaded by amateurs. While these newbies wander aimlessly around the first floor, hopelessly trying to find a table, the OGs of the library are already on the third floor long tables deep into their studies. Here is a few signs that you may live in the library, whether you'd like to admit it or not.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments