Ask HN: How to Optimize Crowdsourced Motivation

[bs_alumna]

I have been relying on crowdsourcing feedback online to motivate me through tough times. The only drawback is that I have a hard time guiding the feedback in terms of timing and subject matter. For example, it looks like some seeds I sewed a year or so ago are coming to fruition now, but I did not anticipate it taking so long. I have already solved much of those problems within that year, but I am confident that I could have had better margins if the feedback were delivered in a timely fashion. While I have no doubt I can use this crowdsourced attention indefinitely, I have some important years ahead of me, and I want to learn how to manage the focus, timing, and energy levels of this group. A major constraint seems to be burnout as the feedback energizes me and demotivates them. In addition, sometimes the feedback is random and therefore useless to me. Any suggestions on upcoming iterations is welcome.

[trowitaway1]

Made a throwaway so I can b honest and say. Wut. This all sounds very made up. And even if it were true, is the feedbak even good tho? Down vote me, but here's the feedbak: Walk away from whatever you think is happening.

[bs_alumna → trowitaway1]

As I estimate, this crowd has collectively spent upwards of hundreds of hours reviewing my performance. Some of the feedback they provided was high quality, and it helped me during critical moments when I was working on important endeavours. When I realized the value of what they were giving away for free, I stepped on the gas to see how far this would take me. I've had mixed results so far, so I'm wondering how I can be more systematic in my approach.

[trowitaway1 → bs_alumna]

Wut. Get a mentor instead.

[bs_alumna → trowitaway1]

I've outgrown one of my earliest mentors in most ways but I can see how she's still useful.