How Not To F*ck With Your Readers

In today’s Write the Ship class with @Nicolascole77 I got royally pissed off.

We were reading a professionally written article on Medium that was the poster child for what not to do. The more I read, the madder I got. 

That manipulative article made me channel Dirty Harry. Instead of drug lords, I want to hunt writers who weaponize online writing. 

Do not Make My Day.

• If you craft a headline promising an intriguing take on a compelling topic, follow through. Clickbait and switch is unforgivable. Always deliver on your headline’s promise.

• Don’t write like you are getting paid by the word. Why use 2000 words when 50 would do? Get to the point, especially if you ain’t got much to say in the first place. 

• Don’t try to fool me with lame graphics. Your charts should earn their keep by containing meaningful info. They are not just text breaker-uppers to keep me scrolling.

• Don’t be a lazy writer. Word choice matters. If you can’t be bothered to find the right word, I can’t be bothered to read your work.

Respect me as a reader. Yes, I will click on compelling headlines. Yes, I will skim quickly and graphics will keep my attention. 

But, if you’ve promised me a big aha! and your insights are mediocre, have the decency to disappoint me quickly.

Better yet, don’t bother to write the thing in the first place.