Many newcomers to Effective Altruism (EA) find it hard to connect with the movement because most introductory materials focus heavily on abstract reasoning, missing the emotional and motivational elements that make ideas stick. One notable exception is a talk by Ajeya Cotra, which combines intellectual rigor with warmth and storytelling. However, since the talk is only available as audio/video or a raw transcript, its accessibility is limited. Translating it into a well-structured written piece could make its appeal more shareable, referenceable, and adaptable for different audiences.

Why a Written Version Could Help

A written adaptation of Ajeya's talk could serve as a more versatile resource by:

• Preserving emotional resonance: Using storytelling and conversational language to retain the original’s warmth.
• Improving readability: Structuring the content with headings, bullet points, and visual cues (like pull quotes) to mirror the talk’s pacing.
• Filling a gap: Offering a middle ground between dense handbooks and raw transcripts—ideal for newcomers who prefer narrative-driven learning.

Early feedback from EA organizers suggests that many struggle to find an introductory resource that balances depth and engagement, making this a promising solution.

How It Could Be Done

One approach to developing this resource could involve:

1. Research: Interviewing organizers and newcomers to identify which parts of the talk resonate most and what formats they’d find useful.
2. Drafting: Experimenting with writing styles (e.g., FAQ, narrative summary) and iterating based on feedback to optimize clarity and engagement.
3. Testing: Piloting drafts with EA groups to measure how well they motivate and inform newcomers compared to the original talk.
4. Distribution: Sharing the final version freely under Creative Commons, with optional add-ons like discussion guides for organizers.

How It Compares to Existing Resources

Unlike formal guides (e.g., the EA Handbook) or narrowly focused summaries (e.g., 80,000 Hours’ career advice), this project would leverage Ajeya's unique ability to make EA feel both intellectually compelling and personally meaningful. Unlike raw transcripts, it would add value through careful editing, structuring, and supplementary materials.

By focusing on emotional accessibility and testing its effectiveness with real users, this project could lower the barrier to EA for those who might otherwise disengage.