---
title: "Simon Willison on Technical Blogging: Lower Your Standards and Publish"
source: "Simon Willison 博客（Atom）"
source_tier: "t2"
url: "https://simonwillison.net/2026/Aug/6/simon-willison-on-technical-blogging/#atom-everything"
permalink: "https://feed.astralor.com/items/itm_b75942a7f97e88511205a948"
published: "2026-08-06T18:04:39.000Z"
score: 67
channel: "tech"
tags: ["Simon Willison","Writing Advice","Technical Blogging"]
---

# Simon Willison on Technical Blogging: Lower Your Standards and Publish

## AI commentary

> The real value here is not blogging tips but breaking the mental barrier that 'you must have something perfect to publish.' For those stuck polishing drafts, Simon's 'lower your standards' is the most direct call to action. Especially relevant for developers early in their careers who want to build technical influence.

## At a glance

Simon Willison shares highlights from his interview with Cynthia Dunlop, with the core advice to 'lower your standards' and publish while still unhappy with the draft — otherwise you end up with a folder full of unpublished drafts. He discusses why he continues blogging, the most surprising impact, his proudest and hardest posts, and practical tips for beginners. The view challenges perfectionism and emphasizes the value of public sharing.

## Key points

- Core advice: lower your standards and hit publish while still unhappy with the draft
- Flaws you see in your writing are invisible to everyone else; done beats perfect
- Interview covers why he continues blogging, surprising impacts, proudest and hardest posts
- Offers actionable advice for beginners and recommends several blogs he enjoys

## Full text

Simon Willison on Technical Blogging I was interviewed by Cynthia Dunlop for her "Write that blog!" series back in January, but I just realized I never linked to the interview from my own blog! It includes my answers to the following questions: Why did you start blogging – and why do you continue? What has been the most surprising impact of blogging for you? What blog post are you most proud of and why? What post was the most difficult to write and how did you tackle it? Any lessons learned that you want to share with the community? Your advice for people just getting started with blogging? A few blogs that you particularly enjoy? I'll repeat my most important piece of advice here: My number one tip for blogging is to lower your standards! Aim to hit publish while you are still actively unhappy with what you have written, because the only alternative is a huge folder full of drafts and never publishing anything at all. Nobody will ever know how perfect the thing you intended to write would have been. The flaws you see in your writing are invisible to everyone else. Tags: blogging, interviews

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