7 ms·

Harper's and the Atlantic have been doing long-form journalism since the 1850s. I think the form clashes with modern attention spans and ability to focus, but I

by tezzer 5y ago

Harper's and the Atlantic have been doing long-form journalism since the 1850s. I think the form clashes with modern attention spans and ability to focus, but I still enjoy it. Since it persists, I don't think I'm alone. Recipe web sites, however... padding, padding and more. Though Dickens was paid by the word, too, and it shows.

spoonjim 5y ago
This article is different from a great long Harper’s or Atlantic piece. I’m not good enough of a writer to know what needs to be fixed with this one but definitely something is “off” about its pacing.
brazzy 5y ago
The problem is not long-form journalism. The problem is shitty long-form journalism that randomly jumps between the events actually being described and the biography of the people involved.
- marvin 5y ago
  In that sense, this article was actually quite good.
- hedberg10 5y ago
  Article about some new form of science widgetry: "It was a long cold night in November 2016, Tuesday, which was Taco day in the cafeteria. The suns ray appeared yellow, and trees were unable to photosynthesize ... " Last paragraph: "So X is now faster because of Y."
  - JohnWhigham 5y ago
    This is the natural consequence of every college prep high school teaching the dreaded 5 paragraph essay, and in turn students learning on how to load it with as much fluff as possible. Instead we should have focused on clear and concise writing. I didn't learn how to write properly until college. Quality over quantity.
pif 5y ago
> modern attention spans and ability to focus It's not a problem with attention spam of focus ability: internet gave us a HUGE choice of information, and we literally like the time to enjoy it all. Thus prioritising is fundamental. Long read are perfectly fine and can be wonderful, provided I know fast enough whether it will be worth my time.
jessriedel 5y ago
Academic articles have abstracts, and it's not because of lack of attention.

by tezzer 5y ago

spoonjim 5y ago

This article is different from a great long Harper’s or Atlantic piece. I’m not good enough of a writer to know what needs to be fixed with this one but definitely something is “off” about its pacing.

brazzy 5y ago

The problem is not long-form journalism. The problem is shitty long-form journalism that randomly jumps between the events actually being described and the biography of the people involved.

marvin 5y ago
In that sense, this article was actually quite good.
hedberg10 5y ago
Article about some new form of science widgetry: "It was a long cold night in November 2016, Tuesday, which was Taco day in the cafeteria. The suns ray appeared yellow, and trees were unable to photosynthesize ... " Last paragraph: "So X is now faster because of Y."
- JohnWhigham 5y ago
  This is the natural consequence of every college prep high school teaching the dreaded 5 paragraph essay, and in turn students learning on how to load it with as much fluff as possible. Instead we should have focused on clear and concise writing. I didn't learn how to write properly until college. Quality over quantity.

pif 5y ago

> modern attention spans and ability to focus It's not a problem with attention spam of focus ability: internet gave us a HUGE choice of information, and we literally like the time to enjoy it all. Thus prioritising is fundamental. Long read are perfectly fine and can be wonderful, provided I know fast enough whether it will be worth my time.

jessriedel 5y ago

Academic articles have abstracts, and it's not because of lack of attention.