In the world of web design and advertising, there is the rule of “KISS” (“Keep It Simple, Stupid!”).
This basically means that your HTML masterpiece isn’t worth a crap if your readers don’t bother to wait for it to load, or your magazine spread loses its message when you clutter it to show off your Photoshop and Quark prowess.
I got the following comment from a Comment Spammer, which I found invaluable.
“When you wish to instruct, be brief; that men?s minds take in quickly what you say, learn its lesson, and retain it faithfully. Every word that is unnecessary only pours over the side of a brimming mind. “
It’s so true.
Why do you think the simplicity of the Bush campaign beat out the long-winded Kerry?
Why does Instapundit is so popular over so many other blogs?
Why do major companies pay a fortune for a 30-second commercial when they can make a half hour infomercial on late night tv?
Not every one is an intellectual with a long attention span. In fact I’d say very few are.
If you want to reach out to the masses…. Keep It Brief, Stupid!
but…but…if I keep my posts simple, no one comments on them…
but I do subscribe to the “simple website” thing…that’s why my site is usually very spartan….
Well, gee… this post has been up for two days, and you’re my first comment (well, really, i wasn’t expecting comments).
There is a whole science to it, and it was proven on MetaFilter many times…
If you end a post with a question, you are likely to have more comments. A relatable post will have comments as well, but posing it in the form of a question will really do the trick.
What would ellicit a comment more?
1) “This is how it is.”
2) “This is what I think. What do you think?”
An old BBS trick by moderators is to answer a post authoritatively, which, in a sense, ends the discussion without having to lock the topic.
I’m sorry… did you say something?
your blogs remind of nietche
he said G was dead
but G said nietche was dead
Funny you should mention Nietzche.
I recently took a Philosophy test, and found I lined up 100% with Nietzche. Surpised me because he’s a favorite among the Militant Athiests.
Me? I just agree “There are no facts. Only interpretation”. 🙂