THE SITUATION

I have a lot of free time this spring and summer: February-August. (In autumn I’ll be super busy running my upcoming Hogwarts for Unschoolers pilot program, but until then, I’m open.)

I want to use some of this time to create something ONLINE that’s fun, inspiring, and interactive. This could be a podcast, video show, mini-guidebook series… I’m really open to any format. (I’ll  make Vine videos if I have to!)

I want this online-thing to challenge me, help me develop my ideas, and bring in lots of viewers. Making a little $$ would be nice too, but not mandatory.

THE CURRENT IDEAS

My friend Zen thinks I should do a regular podcast on how I’m starting Hogwarts for Unschoolers. (Think “Startup” but it’s about an alternative teen semester program.)

My friend Carlos thinks I should create social media that stands up for something bold and shows that I’m the guy who understands a paradigm or set of problems.

The Unschool Adventures Nepal group helped me brainstorm an idea for an interactive show called “Challenge Accepted”, in which I issue real-world monthly challenges (e.g. “Go interview someone you admire!” or “Get rejected from something you really want!”) to an online community and then provide ongoing support via live Q&A and a forum. Also, each month I attempt the challenge myself at an extreme level.

My friend Carsie thinks that no matter what I create, I should consider using patreon.com to ask for support (a few dollars a month from lots of different people) to fund my ongoing efforts.

A FEW OTHER IDEAS

I could road-trip around the country, meeting and interviewing leaders from the most innovative schools, camps, and programs for 14- to 19-year-olds, and turn those into some kind of content.

I could take a short-term job or volunteer position in education outside my normal realm—become a substitute teacher in a traditional public school, for example—and report on my experiences.

I could read a ton of books about learning-how-to-learn and distill them down into little online cliff-notes. (Honestly, as I write this one, it just doesn’t sound that exciting, because it doesn’t involve other people.)

WHAT DO YOU THINK?

If you’re reading this, then you probably know something about me and my unique situation / gifts / quirks / strengths / downfalls. Tell me: What would you do in my shoes? What’s the best opportunity to seize?

Thanks for your input! Leave your thoughts in the comments below or e-mail me directly at yourstruly@blakeboles.com.