Navigating Public Entrepreneurship: Lessons from Wordle's Journey
Written on
Chapter 1: The Allure of Public Transparency
Every day, many entrepreneurs unveil their business strategies and revenues on platforms like Twitter. This level of openness often attracts a following of eager aspiring business owners who analyze their every move. While I find this concept intriguing and have contemplated sharing my own journey, there are significant risks involved.
The appeal of being transparent is undeniable. It could allow me to measure my progress against peers and potentially learn from their experiences, thereby avoiding common pitfalls. Furthermore, some of my audience might appreciate a behind-the-scenes look at my revenue streams. However, the potential for backlash makes me hesitant.
Section 1.1: A Cautionary Tale from Zach Shakked
Zach Shakked's experience serves as a prime example of what not to do when building a business in public. In early 2022, the game Wordle became a sensation, with over 20% of Americans engaging with it within a few days. This phenomenon was particularly interesting given that users could only play one game daily and only through a web browser. The creator, Josh Wardle, intentionally limited the game's accessibility and resisted monetization pressures.
Enter Zach Shakked, who capitalized on the trend by launching his own Wordle app, charging a hefty $30 monthly subscription for a game that was originally free. If he had kept his success to himself, he might have thrived without issue. Instead, his social media posts drew criticism from other developers, leading to a public backlash.
Section 1.2: The Perils of Digital Footprints
One of the most daunting aspects of being transparent is the concern over past comments or missteps. Many of us evolve, and what seems acceptable today may not hold up in the future. In Zach's case, his attempts to defend his actions only amplified the criticism. He had previously tweeted about the importance of protecting one’s ideas, which backfired spectacularly when others pointed out his hypocrisy.
The mounting disapproval ultimately led to Apple removing his app from their platform, highlighting the dangers of public scrutiny.
Chapter 2: Building with Integrity
In contrast to Zach's approach, the creator of Wordle, Josh Wardle, embodied a more genuine entrepreneurial spirit. His game was available for free, akin to classic games like solitaire, and he shared his motivations rooted in love for his wife. This authenticity resonated with users and fostered a protective attitude towards his creation.
I’m still hesitant to embrace public entrepreneurship but am inspired by those who do it successfully. Nathan Barry, the founder of ConvertKit, exemplifies this transparency well. His company’s financials are publicly accessible, and he openly discusses his journey, including the challenges faced along the way.
The key takeaway from this narrative is that maintaining likability is paramount when building in public. Whether facing success or adversity, a gracious attitude can help mitigate potential fallout.
Section 2.1: Learning from Mistakes
To his credit, after reflecting on the backlash, Zach issued a sincere apology acknowledging his missteps. He expressed a desire to learn from the experience and approach public entrepreneurship more responsibly in the future.
Meanwhile, Josh Wardle successfully sold Wordle to the New York Times, despite initially rejecting monetization. This story illustrates that while the internet can be unforgiving, there is often room for redemption after a misstep.