If you want to be a good writer, you have to read a lot. Reading trains your ear. There is no shortcut. - Paul Graham

The holidays are the best time for working. Everyone who usually interrupts you isn't.

You never need to describe something as a "bad take." If it's false or irrelevant or omits something important, you can just say so. And if it's true, relevant, and complete, it's not a bad take.

If you want to get someone famous to speak at your event, you're much more likely to get them to agree if it's a Q&A session rather than a talk. A talk = a week of worry for those who are not professional talkers (e.g. politicians), whereas a Q&A session you just show up for.