19 Comments

It is good advice to keep things brief and concrete. Don’t make the reader do the work. I love the clarity and coolness of Camus. On the other hand, Hemingway brings me out in a rash. His “simplicity” strikes me as bogus and unconvincing.

Rules are meant to be broken. While it is advisable for lesser mortals to be concise and use words everybody knows, I love it when Anthony Burgess sends me to the dictionary by producing some exotic word; or Larence Sterne sends me off on some weird digression. I love Joyce. I love Robert Burton’s Anatomy of Melancholy, which is far from simple and concise.

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Michael, when you said rules are meant to be broken, you are absolutely my guy 😂!

There are authors whom I love for their direct and straightforward manner, but there are some that shine with their detailed descriptions and the visions they brought to the front of the mind. So I know what you meant.

It's great to read a variety of different styles.

Hey maybe I could write a post next week holding a totally opposite viewpoint 🤔

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This is awesome! Brevity is the key

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I’m giving myself contradictory advice, but I do like things short and sweet for an easy read. Or structured and well-organized.

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You nailed both powerful brevity and thought-provoking depth in this article, Moon! Thank you so much for these words. You’ve given me hope that in the age of attention span breakdowns, depth is still valued. I’ll put these tips into practice as I write about the magic of storytelling for our media company.

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It’s encouraging to know this resonated with you. Even though fast food has existed for so long, don't you think people still appreciate waiting for a exquisite and well-cooked meal in a good restaurant?

Depth in evergreen articles will forever be useful!

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Superbb. This had to be said. Thanks for talking this. In this digital age, everyone (mostly) prefers shortness. Everyone is anxious of FOMO, habituated to scrolling & swiping. But I've noticed that more depth gives clarity & chances to think hard.

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The digital age has conditioned us for quick consumption, but depth is what brings real clarity and encourages meaningful thought. It's like planting seeds for deeper reflection in a world of instant gratification. Let’s continue to value and create those spaces for thoughtful engagement because it’s where true connection happens!

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You're contributing to this 👍

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Thank you Mayank.

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I prefer a combination of both short and long form content. Same for my sentences...I prefer a combination of long and short sentences.

I never count how many words I'm writing but I'm always glancing at the section showing how many minutes read it is.

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A variety is what makes your writing interesting. Being monotonous with length and sentences will bore your readers!

After I finished a post I always check the number of words to see whether I outdo myself 😂

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I bet you always outdo yourself! Cheers Moon!

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Thank you!

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'Brevity is the soul of the wit.' Guess which one I like Moon?😉

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If I know you, then you go for brief instead of detailed. Am I right Mubina? 😁

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Nailed it!

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Great.

(Was that too brief?)

Did I leave enough lines for the read more button to appear?

As always Moon, you took a concept and banged out the instruction manual in what was probably not very long at all after you told me you were going to write it.

I like the idea that you can just do both! Like this comment Maybe 🤔

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Why limit ourselves to one style?

While I usually write brief comments, I like long posts (maybe not long enough) and I'm still training myself.

My drafts get out fast after I had an instant inspiration (a lot from you recently 😆). Some older drafts have been sitting there for months without seeing any action.

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