Clear: Avoid ambiguity, be direct, and use simple words/sentences.
Concise: Be brief.
Cogent: Ensure your writing follows a logical, relevant sequence. Each point should naturally lead to the next, building a cohesive argument backed up by data, examples, and/or testimonials.
Comprehensive: Be thorough by covering your bases and anticipating questions.
All of this seems like generally good advice, and the points about writing are probably useful for the majority of people. Nonetheless there are certain writers who refuse to simplify their writing but who nonetheless amass a large following online. Byrne Hobart, Zvi Moshowitz, and Patrick McKenzie are perfect examples of this. So the interesting question for me is why writers like the three I mention succeed in spite of the advice offered in this post.
The 4Cs have never led me astray:
Clear: Avoid ambiguity, be direct, and use simple words/sentences.
Concise: Be brief.
Cogent: Ensure your writing follows a logical, relevant sequence. Each point should naturally lead to the next, building a cohesive argument backed up by data, examples, and/or testimonials.
Comprehensive: Be thorough by covering your bases and anticipating questions.
All of this seems like generally good advice, and the points about writing are probably useful for the majority of people. Nonetheless there are certain writers who refuse to simplify their writing but who nonetheless amass a large following online. Byrne Hobart, Zvi Moshowitz, and Patrick McKenzie are perfect examples of this. So the interesting question for me is why writers like the three I mention succeed in spite of the advice offered in this post.
Very readable, learned while feeling pulled in. Thanks for sharing!
Great post Jim! Thanks!!