Oh. I was trying so hard to NOT ramble on that I forgot to say how much I enjoyed your story telling in this one. It had me literally laughing out loud and smiling with recognition the whooolllleeee time. Super fun and emotionally engaging to ready. A great example of why I love long-form content!!
And thank you for the other comment too, it won't let me reply to that for some reason but I do appreciate the kind words. This one might actually be my favourite post that I've written and I think I may have made a bit of an error "hiding" it as I have. Lesson learned though, as you mentioned in your comment "don't make the reader hunt for it!”
Love this Mark! For me, I crave a long novel (I won't even read a book shorter than 500 pages) packed with detailed descriptions, the meandering road of words that takes me on a virtual adventure. BUT, when it comes to receiving information or sharing it, I prefer brevity. For example, in a business email - PLEASE keep it short, clear, and bullet pointed and put it all in (no multiple emails for me). In a story about how you feel, what you have seen or experienced (I always think of a scene in Shrinking where Michael Uriel tries to explain how he met and started hanging out with the guy who everyone is avoiding and he gives this round about tale which I LOVE SO MUCH), I want you to tell me everything. Details are important and use lots of sensory words. Maybe there is a place for both in our world. Savor some and be brief some.
Thanks Aprille. I think your preferences mirror mine here. I’m really bad at the short emails though. I’ve taken to writing my email and then either putting a summary at the top, or highlighting the most important points I don’t want people to miss.
My justification for long emails is, they can either get a long one in half the time, or a short one in twice as long and I get paid by the hour so the choice is my bosses!
Haha omg this was excellent. I came across and read the short version first. For me, there is no real competition. The long version wins 🙌🤓 I have often said that my style of communication is why say something in one sentence that I can could say in 5 paragraphs?! 🤣 I have accepted that this is just me and understand that it certainly isn’t for everyone.
I love the winding thoughts, the analogies, the tangents and connections… not as I express myself and when taking in others’ expressions. I think of Douglas Adams and one of my favorite descriptions of anything ever-
“The ships hung in the air much in the same way that bricks don’t.”
Certainly more words than necessary to say there was a ship in the air… but the deliciousness is in the art of putting words together.
Of course, just because it’s long doesn’t mean it’s good. Sometimes my eyes glaze over when I’m trying to read what has been written… like when there’s a ginormous wall of unbroken, unformatted, badly grammar-ed text and I find it absolutely impossible to stick with what is being said!
I think that there certainly is a place for the brevity of short-form. I agree with all you’ve said about it. When all I need is raw information, dear god please don’t make me hunt for it.
But for me… if I’m looking to consume content on social media, it’s generally not for information. It’s purely for emotional entertainment. So give me long-form content every time.
Haha I was about to say, "You like long form better? I'd never have been able to tell" 🤣
That Douglas Adams quote tickled me, I've had the first 3 Hitchhikers books for maybe 15 years but I've never got around to reading them. Maybe now is the time to give them a go.
Thanks for reading and for your supportive comment.
Ooohhh you absolutely must read Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy. One of my all time most favorites ever… all of the Hitchhiker’s books (5 in all). And well, love all Douglas Adams’ stuff. I have read the whole Hitchhiker’s series like 7 times lol… it never gets old and I always feel like I probably look like a madwoman laughing so much all by myself 🤭
It's not so much the looking like a looney laughing to yourself, it's when someone asks what you're laughing at and you explain an out of context in joke and thsts when you really sound crazy 🤣
If you enjoyed Hitchikers so much have you considered Dungeon Crawler Carl, that's my absolute favourite series and it's often said that they have a similar readership. Don't let the title put you off or even the genre really, I didn't think I would ever enjoy it from the description but it's awesome.
I wish I could go back and start from the beginning, with no context and have those “WTF” thoughts again. If I was to tell you a little bit about some of the characters but then tell you the character development and themes covered were on par with some of the great works of literature you would never believe me, it’s a real journey!
I'm in for the shorter version. Well, for the long form of the shorter version. I also am fond of the long version but consciously cut it into smaller, digestable bits. As you say, for some, like the ADHD me, the "nowness" of a read is what brings and keeps me in. A longer piece has more "not nows" and hence more potential, but, not right now. Thanks!
Interesting, I live by Nows and Not Nows too, although I didn’t know that that’s what they were called, but when the post, the book, the podcast or whatever you’re engaging with is in progress, that’s all now to me regardless of how long it is, so it’s interesting that you break it up even more.
If I stop, have a break or get distracted it’s hit and miss whether I will ever go back to it, once the spine has been cracked on a book, if I let it out of my sight too long it gets forgotten about.
I enjoyed your long post way too much...you are a clever devil 🤣 enticing readers to read all 3 posts. This is such an interesting read because of the way you described each of the matches, in full detail and quoting so many examples. It really hooked me to the end!
You know my style is to write short and direct, but it's because I can't write descriptive like you. It's not me being humble but a fact. I voted for depends on content because I enjoyed reading long novels (most of my well-loved books are novels), but for learning I prefer short and punchy.
For your short post....even though it's short, I just skimmed through, as it's not as readable. So, for your experiment, I would say, your long post has won by an overwhelming edge.
And look what it has done to me, I rarely (almost never!) write such long comments, and if you allow me, I like to train my meandering writing skills in your comments section, just to see how long I can get 😏 but seems like, I'm at the end of the rope here, so I'll stop rambling now.
I agree, it all depends, I do prefer the depth, but it’s also good to have the option to skim something.
It’s really quite interesting on the data side of things, I’m going to geek out about it and follow up with some actual results, it’s kind of how I expected, but the main thing I have learned is just how reluctant people are to click links in posts. I approached it from an experimental perspective and I’m happy that I’m getting some results, but in hindsight, I don’t think splitting it into three posts was a good idea.
It has made me think if putting in TL;DR’s in my future posts though, like a summary at the end, but with a link at the top that would take the readers who just want the “cheat sheet” straight to the goodies. I’ll experiment with that in the future.
100 percent prefer the longer version. Brevity has the potential for more reach as thr message is punchier and open to interpretation, but the counter-argument of depth is enough for me. Your notes experiment was very interesting to see, and perhaps is a sign at what the algorithm favours.
Love the extended metaphor of a boxing fight between the two!
The boxing metaphor nearly broke me, I started with like 5 rounds and needed to try and eek it out, because 5 rounds was much too brief to try and make my point 😂
of course it really does make a difference what the context is, but I just can't help loving a good old ramble around the point. Thanks for reading Malick.
Definitely the longer one! I write both read both just depends on my level of interest in mastery of the topic. And sometimes a poem will capture my interest. Nice poem strung in there btw. Great read
Oh. I was trying so hard to NOT ramble on that I forgot to say how much I enjoyed your story telling in this one. It had me literally laughing out loud and smiling with recognition the whooolllleeee time. Super fun and emotionally engaging to ready. A great example of why I love long-form content!!
And thank you for the other comment too, it won't let me reply to that for some reason but I do appreciate the kind words. This one might actually be my favourite post that I've written and I think I may have made a bit of an error "hiding" it as I have. Lesson learned though, as you mentioned in your comment "don't make the reader hunt for it!”
It should definitely shared and read by many!! Too good to keep hidden 💙
Love this Mark! For me, I crave a long novel (I won't even read a book shorter than 500 pages) packed with detailed descriptions, the meandering road of words that takes me on a virtual adventure. BUT, when it comes to receiving information or sharing it, I prefer brevity. For example, in a business email - PLEASE keep it short, clear, and bullet pointed and put it all in (no multiple emails for me). In a story about how you feel, what you have seen or experienced (I always think of a scene in Shrinking where Michael Uriel tries to explain how he met and started hanging out with the guy who everyone is avoiding and he gives this round about tale which I LOVE SO MUCH), I want you to tell me everything. Details are important and use lots of sensory words. Maybe there is a place for both in our world. Savor some and be brief some.
Thanks Aprille. I think your preferences mirror mine here. I’m really bad at the short emails though. I’ve taken to writing my email and then either putting a summary at the top, or highlighting the most important points I don’t want people to miss.
My justification for long emails is, they can either get a long one in half the time, or a short one in twice as long and I get paid by the hour so the choice is my bosses!
Haha omg this was excellent. I came across and read the short version first. For me, there is no real competition. The long version wins 🙌🤓 I have often said that my style of communication is why say something in one sentence that I can could say in 5 paragraphs?! 🤣 I have accepted that this is just me and understand that it certainly isn’t for everyone.
I love the winding thoughts, the analogies, the tangents and connections… not as I express myself and when taking in others’ expressions. I think of Douglas Adams and one of my favorite descriptions of anything ever-
“The ships hung in the air much in the same way that bricks don’t.”
Certainly more words than necessary to say there was a ship in the air… but the deliciousness is in the art of putting words together.
Of course, just because it’s long doesn’t mean it’s good. Sometimes my eyes glaze over when I’m trying to read what has been written… like when there’s a ginormous wall of unbroken, unformatted, badly grammar-ed text and I find it absolutely impossible to stick with what is being said!
I think that there certainly is a place for the brevity of short-form. I agree with all you’ve said about it. When all I need is raw information, dear god please don’t make me hunt for it.
But for me… if I’m looking to consume content on social media, it’s generally not for information. It’s purely for emotional entertainment. So give me long-form content every time.
(And I will now end my long-form comment 🤣)
Haha I was about to say, "You like long form better? I'd never have been able to tell" 🤣
That Douglas Adams quote tickled me, I've had the first 3 Hitchhikers books for maybe 15 years but I've never got around to reading them. Maybe now is the time to give them a go.
Thanks for reading and for your supportive comment.
🤣 oh yes, I hide it will 🤣🤣
Ooohhh you absolutely must read Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy. One of my all time most favorites ever… all of the Hitchhiker’s books (5 in all). And well, love all Douglas Adams’ stuff. I have read the whole Hitchhiker’s series like 7 times lol… it never gets old and I always feel like I probably look like a madwoman laughing so much all by myself 🤭
It's not so much the looking like a looney laughing to yourself, it's when someone asks what you're laughing at and you explain an out of context in joke and thsts when you really sound crazy 🤣
If you enjoyed Hitchikers so much have you considered Dungeon Crawler Carl, that's my absolute favourite series and it's often said that they have a similar readership. Don't let the title put you off or even the genre really, I didn't think I would ever enjoy it from the description but it's awesome.
Oh, cool. I have never heard of it before… I will check it out!
If you don’t like it, I’m sorry.
If you do like it, I’m also sorry, there are 7 books so far and it’s so easy to get sucked in!
7 books “so far”?? Oh, that actually makes it even more enticing in my world 😅 love me a good book series. (Talk about long-form, right??! Hehe)
I wish I could go back and start from the beginning, with no context and have those “WTF” thoughts again. If I was to tell you a little bit about some of the characters but then tell you the character development and themes covered were on par with some of the great works of literature you would never believe me, it’s a real journey!
Woooow it must have taken a lot of time to create such a marvelous piece sir. That's way toooo creative 🤯
It wasn’t a short amount of time that’s for sure 😊 I enjoyed it though. Thanks for reading! 🥊
Your head is full of wonders really. 🌟🤹
🤯
I'm in for the shorter version. Well, for the long form of the shorter version. I also am fond of the long version but consciously cut it into smaller, digestable bits. As you say, for some, like the ADHD me, the "nowness" of a read is what brings and keeps me in. A longer piece has more "not nows" and hence more potential, but, not right now. Thanks!
Interesting, I live by Nows and Not Nows too, although I didn’t know that that’s what they were called, but when the post, the book, the podcast or whatever you’re engaging with is in progress, that’s all now to me regardless of how long it is, so it’s interesting that you break it up even more.
If I stop, have a break or get distracted it’s hit and miss whether I will ever go back to it, once the spine has been cracked on a book, if I let it out of my sight too long it gets forgotten about.
I enjoyed your long post way too much...you are a clever devil 🤣 enticing readers to read all 3 posts. This is such an interesting read because of the way you described each of the matches, in full detail and quoting so many examples. It really hooked me to the end!
You know my style is to write short and direct, but it's because I can't write descriptive like you. It's not me being humble but a fact. I voted for depends on content because I enjoyed reading long novels (most of my well-loved books are novels), but for learning I prefer short and punchy.
For your short post....even though it's short, I just skimmed through, as it's not as readable. So, for your experiment, I would say, your long post has won by an overwhelming edge.
And look what it has done to me, I rarely (almost never!) write such long comments, and if you allow me, I like to train my meandering writing skills in your comments section, just to see how long I can get 😏 but seems like, I'm at the end of the rope here, so I'll stop rambling now.
haha feel free to practice as much as you like 😂
I agree, it all depends, I do prefer the depth, but it’s also good to have the option to skim something.
It’s really quite interesting on the data side of things, I’m going to geek out about it and follow up with some actual results, it’s kind of how I expected, but the main thing I have learned is just how reluctant people are to click links in posts. I approached it from an experimental perspective and I’m happy that I’m getting some results, but in hindsight, I don’t think splitting it into three posts was a good idea.
It has made me think if putting in TL;DR’s in my future posts though, like a summary at the end, but with a link at the top that would take the readers who just want the “cheat sheet” straight to the goodies. I’ll experiment with that in the future.
Thanks for reading Moon 😁
100 percent prefer the longer version. Brevity has the potential for more reach as thr message is punchier and open to interpretation, but the counter-argument of depth is enough for me. Your notes experiment was very interesting to see, and perhaps is a sign at what the algorithm favours.
Love the extended metaphor of a boxing fight between the two!
The boxing metaphor nearly broke me, I started with like 5 rounds and needed to try and eek it out, because 5 rounds was much too brief to try and make my point 😂
of course it really does make a difference what the context is, but I just can't help loving a good old ramble around the point. Thanks for reading Malick.
Yh I get that. You couldn't make it an exhibition fight, it had to be a heavyweight title fight 😂
Love a ramble too, great post as usual
Thanks Malick, exactly, it does make me wonder if I should have made the shorter post a one punch knock out though 😂
Definitely the longer one! I write both read both just depends on my level of interest in mastery of the topic. And sometimes a poem will capture my interest. Nice poem strung in there btw. Great read
Thanks Michelle, it does depend on the topic, I'll skim over boring things but when I'm really into something I can't get enough!