Wrong Answers are Effective Prompts for Correct Answers

Ward Cunningham, creator of the first wiki, observed that people are much more willing to correct a wrong answer than they are to answer a question. This observation led to his namesake law:

The best way to get the right answer on the internet is not to ask a question; it's to post the wrong answer.

I can identify with Cunningham's Law and the common sentiment that having the courage to posit an answer and be wrong is much harder than pointing out a shortcoming in someone else's answer. In fact, this is why I have delayed blogging for so long.

What if I am Wrong?

I have started to blog many times before with the goal of sharing my experience and knowledge only to quit each time fearing that I might publish erroneous information and be shunned forever when it is assumed that I am a fraud. Every time I wrote an article, doubt set in and I inevitably found myself contemplating at least one of the following questions:

• Did I solve this problem correctly?
• Is this applicable to anyone else or too specific to my use case?
• Am I qualified to write about this? What do I really know?
• Someone else has already written about this, am I adding any value?
• What if I am wrong and readers only realize that after they have taken my advice and find themselves at a point of no return?

Imposter syndrome is real.

Not knowing how far any actionable advice I provide might reach when there is a chance I am wrong is a terrifying thought. And yet, I have come to the realization that being wrong is okay.

Being Wrong is Okay

After reflecting on Cunningham's Law for some time now, I have a new perspective:

Having the courage to openly be wrong might be the easiest way to create the opportunity to learn what is right.

And that is why I have committed to starting this blog. I know not everything I share here will be correct and my hope is that, together, we can all determine what is right.

What's Next?

I have worked on some interesting projects recently that I want to share. Hopefully what I write about in future posts will help others and generate feedback which can only lead to better solutions for everyone, myself included.