Facibus On Blogging

Effectual vs. Causal Reasoning
LifeHack has an article today on Effectual vs Causal reasoning. The definition of effectual vs causal is:

Causal Reasoning is based on having a goal and defining what means and choices can be made. The opposite, Effectual Reasoning, involves being given the means and choices and defining what the goal is.

It goes on to say that causal reasoning is a key part of being an effective entrepreneur. Here’s an example:

• Effectual reasoning: slipping on a path covered in lemons and coming up with a boutique organic lemonade concept.
• Causal reasoning: having the concept, then outsourcing the lemon location project to a cheaper third party while you line up the manufacturing and distribution channels.

How does this work for bloggers?
Picture this example: Frank has an interest in economics and researches the topic in his spare time. He sees a generational behaviour difference in spending patterns between Generation Xers and their Boomer parents. He notes that the Gen Xers looking to start retiring in the next 20 years have a different attitude to superannuation - less trust in government and employer pension plans and more self-directed retirement investment. He starts with the goal of owning this niche. Frank applies this to related blog niches and comes up with a plan that involves the formation of a blog network that looks at different Generation X-targeted retirement strategies within the same uber-niche, based on the theory that the blogs can share writers and leverage content through cross-linking. He parks some domain names for potential future sale and pays an experienced student blogger $500.00 to set up the 40 WordPress blogs for him under his own hosting. He then advertises for writers, starting at $5.00 to $10.00 an article. Using crosslinking and ruthless editing he quickly establishes a presence in this niche. After a couple of years he is making $2,500.00 a month from his mini-empire - Frank sells off his flagship blog for $20,000.00, allowing him to start the process again with the next opportunity he has researched - Generation Y kids inheriting the wealth of their elderly Boomer parents.

What is the hallmark of causal reasoning?
In case you hadn’t guessed already, it is the goal.

Start with the goal and work it intelligently. By sticking to the plan you’ll find out fast if it works for you - you’ll know soon if it is a path with a heart.

Do you have a blogging goal that you’d like to share here?

UPDATE: I’ve entered this post in Darren Rowse’s 31 Days group writing project.

Casual reasoning can be especially useful when blogging and managing your website. With server web hosting, you can be sure that your files will be backed up and a hosted business email account will keep all your emails in order. Exchange 2007 is the way to go so you can continue to develop your blog.