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As a former journalist, a few (hopefully) helpful hints to fellow posters:

  1. Shorter is generally better, increasing the odds your words will be read,
  2. Open with your main point, THEN back it up with corroborating facts, in the order of importance,
  3. Simple words are usually better than complex; flow better in a conversational way; less intimidating. SOUND less scholarly, learned and 'profound,' but take a lot less effort to digest and absorb. Less effort, more readers
    People come here, it's my feeling, not to read doctoral theses, but plain and simple ideas delivered in a palatable way.
    Not that I'm grading papers here, and MY posts are far from perfect.
    But I get interested in a conversation sometimes and suddenly get stopped in my tracks by a complicated and wordy 'dissertation' some people obviously read, but is too much for me!
    Just my two cents.
Storm1752 8 Jan 12
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9 comments

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Usually you can state anything in 100 words or less, and more than that is just showing off.....

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My posts range from just a few words to long and highly structured pieces. I find that a good structure in other people's posts to be very helpful in reading. My posts on technical subjects necessarily include technical words. I aim for style to suit both the medium and the audience; it is rare for me to write in my journalist style on this site.

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I'm not a writer but I'm a reader, and I agree.

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  1. OK.
  2. Agree.
  3. Got it.
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I try for short posts unfortunately too short sometimes

bobwjr Level 10 Jan 12, 2020
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Sorry. I won't stick around to read a wall of text... 😉

(though, from point 1, which is as long as I stayed, your post sounds about right).

Zster Level 8 Jan 12, 2020
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I'm an English teacher, but even I gravitate to shorter posts. I'm a huge fan of Twitter for that reason. Succinct, well-phrased words are catchier than longer narratives.

At least for me

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I like the way you numbered your points rather than writing in paragraph form. Much easier for the reader.

TY

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