Goal clarity and the Hawking index

What’s this idea (book, meme, song, TV show, marketing campaign) for?

Perhaps you want to reach the largest number of people.

Or make the most sales.

Or generate the most word of mouth.

Or be notorious.

Or change part of the culture.

Or get good reviews.

Or have people actually finish your book.

You might want to gain status, make friends, make a point or make a living.

Measure the right things and it’s more likely you’ll end up where you hope to go. But it’s certain you can’t have all of these.

The smallest viable audience isn’t an excuse. It’s the point.