All it took was a half-hour conversation with some desperate, charged-up nut to let me know that I need to write a manifesto. Here’s why:
When you have a great idea and can’t hold it in anymore and start talking to people about it, some of those people might have the notion to steal your idea and make it their own. Maybe it won’t be the same as your idea but the root — the genius — will be rooted in your hard work.
By writing a manifesto, you’re laying down the law on your idea. You’re staking claim to it. You’re making it public. You’re taking action on it. You’re letting people know that, “Hey — this is what I think and why. Thanks for listening.”
A manifest also helps clarify and develop your idea to a fine point. My idea is a 5-part manifesto that would look like an inverted pyramid. So imagine an upside down triangle with the following modes:
- Philosophy. The statement that reflects the deepest meaning of your idea and why, expressed as efficient and crystal clear as possible. Pure vision.
- Cause. A longer treatise of why. What’s causing you to think this way? What exactly needs to be changed?
- Expected outcome. What good (or bad I suppose) do you expect to come out of this?
- Application. How it could apply to the real world (or whatever industry/business problem you want to solve)
- Examples of how you’d apply it to the business challenge.
I’m not too sure about that, but it’s worth considering. As long as the manifesto gets published, than I suppose that counts.
Also, by writing a manifesto, that puts you in charge of the idea as well. You’re making it known that you are the owner of this idea, or at least the originator, and whatever hopeful immediate action you take on it after it’s published will be under your domain.
Control is critical, and that’s what a manifesto can help maintain.