LessWrong (Curated & Popular) “Writing advice: Why people like your quick bullshit takes better than your high-effort posts” by null
Nov 30, 2025
In a lively discussion, the host tackles why quick, casual posts often steal the spotlight from deep, well-researched articles. Readers, with their limited time, are drawn to short, punchy takes that spark curiosity and controversy. Practical advice includes keeping content concise and approachable while avoiding jargon. The episode emphasizes that engaging, relatable language is key to drawing in audiences. It's a refreshing exploration of adapting writing styles to capture fleeting online attention and build a loyal readership.
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Unexpected Hits From Last-Minute Posts
- Coaching Inkhaven revealed quick posts often outcompete effortful ones.
- New writers felt upset when low-effort midnight posts hit Hacker News while researched pieces languished.
Prefer Brevity Over Length
- Make your writing short and efficient to win readers' limited attention.
- If you can't be Scott Alexander, favor brevity over long-form unless you can match his readership.
Topic Choice Drives Reach
- Wide appeal often comes from odd, concrete curiosities rather than niche, deeply-researched theory.
- Long, specialized work appeals mainly to field insiders, not general readers.
