People talk about posts "going viral." I won't use those words, because they imply a really broad adoption. I am thinking of ideas being passed around on a much more personal level. I call this a "portable" idea, one that is easily passed from one person to the next to support a point they already believe in. If you write an angry rant about sexism in the workplace, it may never leave the bubble. But a thoughtful piece may plant some ideas at the edge of the bubble that will escape. A twenty-something male programmer may not need to be personally convinced of your argument, he may already embrace it. But if your argument is persuasive and portable, he may be emboldened to speak up the next time he overhears someone else being sexist. He may quote your words or idea. He's using your portable idea to spread change outside of the bubble. So, the answer to Ted's concern is also a call to action. Don't be afraid to preach to the choir. Don't be discouraged by the thought that your ideas are only going to be read by people who already agree with them. Be optimistic that people at the edges of your bubbles will also read them. And from time to time, if your idea is sufficiently portable, it will escape the bubble and you will have done your part to change the world
Portable Ideas - raganwald's posterous