Why don’t people share failures publicly when they build in public?

Why don’t people share more failures publicly? 

I used to think it was because we’re fake, and not really interested in transparency, just marketing. But I just learned the real reason. 🤯 

Sharing failures is about YOU, sharing success is about your AUDIENCE.

This might be the most interesting lesson I learned from Kevon Cheung’s build in public course on Alpe Audio. 

Let’s use an example to explain. 2 builders share their stories. Builder #1, Jason, shares how he launched a product. But it flopped — it didn’t get any traffic.

Builder #2, Sharon, shares how she launches a product, it flopped, but then she reached out to micro influencers and managed to get 500 page views. Which story is more interesting? Which adds more value to you, the reader?

Story 1 is all about Jason. He shares his failure, which while cathartic for him, doesn’t add value to whatever you’re building.

Story 2 is all about YOU. Sharon shares actionable tips that can help you in the future. They’re both authentic. Both real, but #2 is much more valuable. Added benefit: #2 follows the hero’s journey ala @nathanbaugh27:

That’s why sharing pure failures are less prevalent than success stories. Sure, they’re also easier to share publicly and more fun to boot. But in the end — it’s about your audience, not you.

You can also follow along with our build in public journey here, where we’ll be documenting it or follow us on twitter (where we share things first).