@wacomo
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@wacomo PSA: rules are in
Trending short videosRule follower reframes through art
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Video #16768 · Vlog
Rule follower reframes through artfrom @wacomo
[01]
Overview
The creator begins by confessing he is a rule-follower due to anxiety, a trait he finds uncool. To feel better, he explores the concept of "cool rules," citing examples like conceptual artist Sol LeWitt and music producers Rick Rubin and Brian Eno, who use rule-based systems to foster creativity. He concludes by demonstrating that even sports and poetry (haikus) rely on rules, reframing his own nature as a foundation for creativity.
[02]
Simple outline
- 1State a relatable insecurity.
- 2Reframe it as a quest.
- 3Provide surprising external examples.
- 4Deliver a self-referential conclusion.
[03]
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Classification
[05]
Hook analysis
What stops the scroll in the first 3 seconds
Title hook · 35%
lately
Verbal hook · 50%
Lately, I've had to come to terms with the fact that I am a rule follower.
Visual hook · 15%
An extreme close-up, wide-angle shot of the creator's face with dynamic camera movement, creating a distorted and personal perspective that breaks the pattern of a standard talking-head video.
[07]
Hook and payoff
The promise the opener makes, and how the video pays it back
Hook
A direct-to-camera, slightly self-deprecating confession of a common personal trait, creating immediate relatability and curiosity.
Payoff
A final, clever demonstration that uses the very trait/rule being discussed to deliver the punchline, creating a satisfying, self-referential loop that proves the video's thesis.
[08]
Narrative framework
The structural pattern this video runs on
Framework
The Insecurity Reframe
Taking a common, seemingly negative personal trait and reframing it as a hidden strength by showcasing surprising, high-status external examples, culminating in a self-referential proof.
- 1
The Mundane Proof
The creator provides a rapid-fire sequence of simple, visual examples from everyday life that prove the initial confession is true.
- 2
The Core Conflict
The creator articulates the negative internal feeling or social perception associated with the trait, establishing the central problem that the narrative needs to solve.
- 3
The Reframe Pivot
The narrative shifts from problem to solution by introducing a new mission: to find positive, aspirational examples that challenge the negative perception of the trait.
- 4
Exhibit A: The Unexpected Genius
The first piece of external evidence is presented, showcasing a respected figure or concept from one field (e.g., art) that successfully utilizes the trait for a creative or powerful outcome.
- 5
Exhibit B: The Cross-Disciplinary Proof
A second piece of evidence from a different, unrelated field (e.g., music) is introduced to strengthen the argument and show the trait's broad applicability.
- 6
The Universal Principle
The argument is elevated from specific examples to a grand, universal statement, connecting the trait to fundamental and beloved cultural structures like sports or language.
Themes
Techniques
Post caption
PSA: rules are in
Text overlays
contextual · beginning
lately
contextual · beginning
come to terms
contextual · beginning
that I'm a rule follower
informational · middle
SOL LEWITT
informational · middle
DRAWING #118 1. On a wall, place 50 points at random 2. The points should be evenly distributed 3. Connect the points with straight lines
informational · middle
Do nothing for as long as possible
title · end
WITHOUT RULES, THERE'S NO
informational · end
FOOTBALL, BASEBALL, OR PING PONG
title · end
NOT EVEN HAIKUS
Transcript
Lately, I've had to come to terms with the fact that I am a rule follower. I never touch the yellow line on the subway. I buckle my seat belt when the light turns on. And if it says do not enter, I do not enter. And it's not because I wanna be an honest worse. It's simply because breaking rules gives me horrible anxiety. The problem is that this isn't a quality that's particularly sexy. So to make myself feel a little bit better, I started a list of cool rules, and there's more than I expected. For example, there's Sol Lewitt, who's an artist that instead of painting, he would write a set of rules to make drawings like this. Rank Rubin and Brian Eno are two music producers that are known for coming up with rules like do nothing for as long as possible, to guide music sessions that have made songs like Oh. And Booze Without rules, there's no football, baseball, or ping pong, not even haikus.