Top 2 Reasons that People like Top X Lists
I have been doing a lot of investigation on some subjects recently. One of the ways that I do that is to follow a lot of Bloggers who tend to write on the topic. As I have done this, I find that my favorite blogs are also the ones that write in the form of the “Top X Items”. (I tend to like 5 or less. 10 gets to long) Why?
1- People like to skim when they read
Bottom line, I’m busy, and I don’t trust you. I haven’t the time to read all of your drivel. I skim emails, I let social media streams flow by, almost casually consuming bits and pieces of it. Skimming is the new reading. It’s why Facebook posts get read when blogs often don’t. Get used to it.
2- Epiphanies don’t fall like rain
I hope I don’t hurt anyone’s feelings, but you don’t have earth-shattering insights all that often. Odds are, you are trying to produce content, and doing so in a way that tries to convince me that you have some new insight on it. You probably don’t. I probably know 90% of what you’re about to tell me (just like you already knew all of the stuff you’re reading here.) I don’t know you, I don’t trust you, and I haven’t the time to invest in watching you congratulate yourself on how smart you are.
How to do it so it works:
1- Key Points in Big Fonts - To separate it from the informational drivel.
2- Skimmable in 15 seconds - Make it so I can quickly scroll through and know what point you are hoping to make.
3- That’s all I need – If I like what I skimmed, I am going to read about 50% of the other text. I should be able to get enough form a skim or a light read to get real value from your article. If I have to read every little word, to actually get anything out of it, then you have failed.
Snacking is the new eating. Micro blogging is the new blogging, which was the replacement for print. Get used to it. Get over it. Move on.
