My First Million
The best business ideas come from noticing what's working and doing it better, faster, or for a different audience.
Debate Format News Platform
For: Informed readers who want to understand multiple perspectives on complex issues
The Problem
Current media is either left-wing or right-wing echo chambers. People don't trust news sources because they know they have an agenda. Readers want to understand both sides but have to read multiple biased sources.
The Solution
A media platform where every major story is presented as a structured debate between smart people who genuinely believe in opposing positions. Both sides argue their strongest case in the same article.
Why Now?
Trust in traditional media is at an all-time low. People are hungry for nuanced takes. AI can help find the best arguments for each side. Substack proved people will pay for quality independent journalism.
Build MVP in 7 Days
Create simple website with debate format template
Commission one high-quality debate on a hot topic
Recruit two respected experts to argue opposing sides
Share on Twitter to gauge engagement
Collect email signups for future debates
How to Validate
Revenue Model
Subscription model like Substack. Premium tier gets access to longer-form debates and expert commentary. Corporate sponsorships for industry-specific debates.
Competitive Moat
Format innovation and quality of debate participants. Network effects as best debaters want to be on the platform.
Risks to Consider
Related Knowledge
Traditional storytelling structures are becoming obsolete for modern audiences
The Hollywood formula of save-the-cat screenplay structure (page 30 turning point, 120 page movies) is losing effectiveness as audiences lose patience and attention spans shrink.
Personal relationships with journalists: Understand what motivates each journalist and tailor your a
Journalists need stories and sources.
Reality Distortion Field
A psychological influence technique where a charismatic person convinces others that their initial judgment or story is wrong, making them believe an alternative narrative even when evidence contradicts it.
Create definitive, unassailable narrative non-fiction through exhaustive research
You know things about your subject that they don't know about themselves.
Story Supremacy Principle
A company's narrative and ability to tell a compelling story about their product is more important than the actual quali
People will always talk to journalists if you understand their motivations
No story is impossible to report if you're willing to invest the time to understand what each potential source wants and