It’s the story about your hometown. It’s a new opinion on the Election cycle. It’s a relatable piece about introverts. It’s a list of the best restaurants on your college campus.
This is Odyssey.
If you’re the “general public,” Odyssey is a media platform that publishes those rando stories that cause you to stop scrolling on your Facebook feed, because you felt intrigued or you related to the eye-catchy title.
But it’s bigger than this. Odyssey is a voice for the marginalized, a tool for change, and a platform for tough discussions. It’s the starting point where bold millennial creators feel safe to practice their 1st Amendment right.
The Odyssey Online was started by college students, for college students (and young people), and has since expanded into one of the most viewed sites of our time. Odyssey is only two years old, but it already has over 30 million unique views per month and 14,000 creators from a variety of backgrounds, nation-wide.
This start-up is literally revolutionizing the media industry, and it looks like it’s here to stay. And, I’m not complaining, because I would argue that the world needs Odyssey (and Odyssey needs you).
Here’s why.
1. It’s is a startup.
It’s a baby, which means that the management and employees are go-getters. They are always looking for ways to improve and make it better.
2. It was created by college students.
I really like that it was started by people in their young 20s, when they were still in school. That proves that the executives are hard-working visionaries with a desire to succeed.
3. It is a voice for minorities.
Odyssey doesn’t have a rigorous application process for creators, which means that anyone who wants to create, essentially, can. This gives minority populations a voice in the media, where there would otherwise be barriers to get this voice out.
4. It isn’t censored.
There is a series of editing that happens between a piece’s creation and publication, but viewpoints and opinions are not censored, meaning that there is no political stance or agenda that the company is overall trying to get across.
5. Creators choose topics.
In order for content to stay exciting to each creator, there are generally no writing prompts given out. This allows creators to create content that matters to them.
6. It’s a manageable resume-builder.
Odyssey doesn’t take up loads of time, so busy millennials can dedicate a few hours every week to creating content and adding a field to their resumes without being overwhelmed by hours or work. It is a good responsibility-booster, because creators have expectations and deadlines and contact with full-time employees while still managing several other aspects of their lives.
7. It’s boots-on-the-ground.
The Odyssey is local and national at the same time. Creators write what they know, so the news and opinions of a local issue gets a national platform to be heard on. This is something so unique and special to Odyssey’s model.
8. It’s futuristically-minded.
This probably has to do with the mind of start-up companies, but the Odyssey has an ear to listen to future development ideas. The future for this company looks quite open and fluid, which is quite exciting.
9. It’s relatable.
Because creators are literally your roommate, cousin, or best friend, you can usually relate to the content that Odyssey produces and the conversational language that creators use in their writing.
10. It’s a conversation-starter.
Meaning, it’s still a form of social media. The Odyssey doesn’t claim to be a hard news organization with all of the answers. It’s created to start conversation on issues, and be a shareable piece of content.
11. It’s Phase B.
There’s Phase A News and there’s Phase B news. Odyssey takes the trends and news that is happening around the world and places an opinion or unique thought on them. Most of the time, there’s still really valuable information that is well-sourced and thought out, but it provides readers a new way of thinking about the issues.
So there you have it—11 Reasons the world needs Odyssey. But because this isn’t a traditional news model, there’s a catch. Odyssey needs you. Use it as the tool it is—share content, comment on it, and use it to create conversation. Play a part in revolutionizing the media industry.
