Passion Graph Physics

A framework explaining how audience engagement grows over time until reaching a critical "Kool-Aid Point" where you develop both strong supporters and critics.

The Growth Pattern

• Starts with steady, gradual growth in audience engagement
• Eventually hits an inflection point called the "Kool-Aid Point"
• After hitting this point, audience polarizes into two distinct groups

The Two Groups That Emerge

• Strong Supporters ("Kool-Aid Drinkers")

  • Will support everything you do "sight unseen"
  • Become deeply devoted fans
  • Often accused by others of "drinking the Kool-Aid"

• Critics ("Haters")

  • Initially a small but vocal group
  • Often get support from others for "speaking truth to power"
  • Actively try to tear down the person/brand
  • Some people support them for "calling it like it is"

Key Indicators

• You know you've hit the Kool-Aid Point when:
  • People start accusing your fans of "drinking the Kool-Aid"
  • You develop both passionate supporters and dedicated critics
  • Your audience becomes notably polarized

Natural Evolution

• This pattern appears to be a natural progression of growing an audience
• Happens across different industries and platforms
• Seems unavoidable once you reach a certain level of success or influence

Based on Shaan Puri's explanation from reading "The Physics of Passion" blog post