The "name swap" test

Published 15 days ago • 1 min read

You see it too, right?

Everyone's content starting to sound like one big blur of recycled ideas?

Like we're all just copy-pasting each other's brains... especially now that AI joined the party.

"The writer Jonathan Lethem has said that when people call something 'original,' nine out of ten times they just don't know the references or the original sources involved. What a good artist understands is that nothing comes from nowhere. All creative work builds on what came before. Nothing is completely original." - Steal Like an Artist

Every "genius" idea you've ever had... probably came from somewhere else.

(And with AI in the mix, you might be "borrowing" without even knowing it.)

But here's the thing...

There's a MASSIVE difference between being influenced by someone...

And becoming their clone.

In a world where AI can generate 50 variations of the same mediocre thinking in seconds, having a system to transform borrowed sparks into genuinely original IP isn't just nice, it's necessary.

That's why I created the 3-P Remix Framework.

It's not about pretending we don't get inspiration from others.
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It's about taking inspiration and running it through YOUR unique operating system.

So what comes out the other side is unmistakably YOU.

The framework is dead simple (but powerful):

  1. Principle - Anchor the borrowed idea in a framework or value you already own
  2. Perspective - Add your unique lens — a fresh metaphor, contrarian take, or lived insight
  3. Proof - Ground it in concrete data or a story only you can tell

This isn't about complex originality. It's about deliberate transformation.

Think of it like this...
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When a DJ remixes a classic track, they're not hiding the original. They're acknowledging it while adding their signature sound. You instantly know it's THEIR remix.

I've been using this with clients who struggle with "everything sounds generic" syndrome, and the difference is immediate.

The mental check I use:
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If someone else can swap their name into your draft and it still works, you need stronger Perspective or Proof elements.

I've put together a complete breakdown with workflows, prompts, and checklists so you can implement this immediately. It's specifically designed to work fast, because we all need to publish consistently without sounding like robots or plagiarists.

You can check out the full framework here: [LINK]

Stay Curious,

P.S. Quick test: Take your last post/email and run it through this framework. Does it pass the "name swap" test? If not... now you know exactly how to fix it.

Check out my SubStack to become...

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