Lessons from a Decade on LinkedIn: Eric Sim Reflects on Viral Posts and Constructive Criticism

In a recent LinkedIn post, Eric Sim reflects on a decade of content creation on the platform, sharing key lessons learned from a surprisingly viral article he published exactly ten years prior. Sim recounts the experience of drafting an article titled “The education we need next year” on his commute in Hong Kong, a process that typically took him a full day but was completed in just thirty minutes. This initial draft, published late in the evening, unexpectedly gained significant traction overnight.

Sim describes his initial bewilderment at the surge in engagement, thinking the LinkedIn algorithm might have malfunctioned. He writes:

“The next morning, I woke up to a few hundred likes and numerous comments. The number of reactions continued to climb by the minute. I thought the LinkedIn algorithm had gone berserk.”

This widespread reaction included some critical feedback, which Sim now views as a valuable part of the process. He recalls comments such as:

“Eric that is funny. You mean to say that your life skills were not learned in school? How about the ability to ask a question and listen to the response? I truly disagree with your concept of what school is… No I don’t like your argument at all.”

The Role of Criticism in Content Creation

Sim highlights that the algorithm’s effectiveness was amplified by the fact that, in 2015, the number of active content creators on LinkedIn was significantly lower, especially during the holiday season. This led to his article being featured by LinkedIn editors in multiple categories, including Editor’s Pick, Education, and Technology. Crucially, Sim learned that criticism, rather than being solely negative, can be an indicator of genuine engagement.

As Eric Sim notes, one of the primary lessons he derived from this experience is the value of constructive criticism:

“Some criticism is good. It means people are reading your posts.”

This perspective suggests that disagreement and debate, while sometimes uncomfortable, are signs that the content is resonating and prompting thought among the audience.

Engagement vs. Effort and Workplace Dynamics

Beyond the impact of criticism, Sim identifies two other significant takeaways from his ten years of posting. One key insight is that the level of engagement a post receives is not always directly proportional to the time and effort invested in its creation. His initial rapid article, which took minimal time compared to his usual efforts, became a major success. This challenges the common assumption that more extensive work automatically leads to greater reach.

Sim also humorously points to a third, more personal lesson learned: the importance of maintaining good relationships with one’s superiors. His significant delay in arriving at the office the morning after his article went viral, due to engaging with comments, underscores the need for a supportive work environment when unexpected online success occurs.

Looking back, Eric Sim expresses his continued enthusiasm for the platform, stating that he never imagined he would still be actively posting on LinkedIn a decade later. His reflections offer valuable perspectives for aspiring content creators on managing feedback, understanding engagement metrics, and navigating the dynamics of online professional communities.