The State of System Explorers
I’ve been writing about systems for 10 weeks now, so I’d like to briefly reflect on my progress.
Am I accomplishing the goals that I outlined at the start? What lessons have I learned? In light of current progress and what I’ve learned, what’s next?
Goals
I set out to learn about systems science in public and create a community of people interested in exploring systems. I expressed a desire to “foster close connections between members, inspire deep conversations about systems, and facilitate exciting collaborations.”
Connections
Readers have engaged with me in the comments and over email, but aren’t really interacting with each other. There are 32 subscribers, which is more than enough for the type of community dynamics I want to cultivate. But it’s a priority for me that people within the community are actually having conversations and I’m going to focus more on making that happen.
Conversations
I’ve had more success with inspiring deep conversations about systems. Most of these are taking place during ISSS education meetings where some of my posts have sparked great discussions. I’ve also had a few great chats in person with my friends, and have received some thought-provoking responses to my posts.
While I’ve made good progress here, there’s a lot of work to be done to create more space for the sort of deep and intimate discussions that I’d like to experience.
Collaboration
One exciting collaboration has started to take shape over the past couple of months.
I’m working with the ISSS education group to help develop the formal systems language and modeling tools outlined in George Mobus’ Systems Science: Theory, Analysis, Modeling, and Design textbook. I believe this will be a powerful tool for unlocking the true potential of systems science.
I also feel that I am engaging in a sort of collaborative process with readers as you give me feedback which serves as inspiration for my writing.
Lessons
I’ve learned important lessons when it comes to simplicity, vulnerability, schedules, and adaptability.
Simplicity
Simplicity is key when writing for a general audience.
In my first posts I put a lot of effort into making core concepts like Systemness and Systems Science as simple and accessible possible. These early posts are some of my most popular ones and seemed to really resonate with people.
I’ve noticed a sharp drop in engagement when I start to stray from simplicity. While I really enjoyed writing my post on process and hierarchy, it didn’t get much engagement although it did lead to some wonderful offline conversations.
Similarly, my most recent post on spreading systemism with an idea machine was a joy to write and led to a great conversation within the ISSS education group, but barely got any engagement.
Dense and complex essays filled with new concepts have been effective in sparking conversation among people who are already deeply invested in the world of systems science. So far, they haven’t been great for introducing new ideas to a broader audience.
Vulnerability
Vulnerability is powerful.
I’m not very comfortable injecting a lot of personal feelings in my writing. Impersonal, research-based work has always felt easier for me. And yet, when I’ve allowed more of my personality and opinions to come through, I’ve been rewarded with gratitude and meaningful conversation.
In Systems Science and AI I described how my personal relationship with chatGPT has evolved over time. I outlined how I believe systems science can help ensure humanity has a positive relationship with AI.
In Systemism as Ideology I explored the uncomfortable fact that ideology and belief could play an essential role in cultivating the type of mindset that might help systems science thrive as an academic discipline.
Both posts were received much better than I expected. Sharing them led to thoughtful comments and enjoyable discussions.
Schedules
Schedules are a blessing and a curse.
I’ve been writing online since 2015 but have never had any sort of regular schedule. Committing to publishing every Tuesday has provided me with structure that has proven effective in helping me feel immersed in a new subject and meet people who share my interest.
But the structure has come at a cost. I experience anxiety when I struggle to make time for research, or am lacking inspiration. It’s easy for me to become dependent on the pressure of the deadline to write, rather than writing from a place of curiosity and remembering that I’m doing this because I love systems.
I’m slowly developing a healthier relationship with my writing schedule, but it’s been harder than I expected.
Adaptability
Adaptability is essential.
I originally set out to write about the 12 principles of systems science every week. Overcommitting to a rigid plan led to me feeling constrained, and I often found myself rushing through the research and writing process.
Allowing myself the freedom to adapt my plans in response to reader feedback and events in my personal life has made life a lot easier.
What’s Next
So, what’s next?
There are a few subjects I’d like to explore before I start introducing new principles again next month. Ideology, network science, ontology, and practical applications of the principles we’ve already covered are the main topics on my mind.
I’m going to experiment with new ways of cultivating more conversation and developing deeper connections within the existing community. The main tools I’ll be using are polls and Substack’s chat feature which is specifically designed to be a “space for writers and creators to host conversations with their subscribers.”
Thank you for the support so far, and please let me know if you have any suggestions or requests!