- The number always seems arbitrary. Why are there only seven interesting things to say about one subject, but 10 about another?
- If something is sufficiently interesting and complex, it’s very rare that it can be reduced to simple bullet points. Reading a list is a bit like eating a Chinese meal: two minutes later and you're ready for something more substantial.
- By reducing something to a simple list, readers are given the impression that there is an easy fix to everything. That is just not true. A bit like self-help books.
- List headlines are lazy and often done just to get more readers. I wonder how many more readers I'll get with this post?
- We generally have a much shorter attention span than in the past, by producing short, punchy lists we are simply reinforcing that. (are you still reading?)
- Some posts that use lists are of the ‘Top Ten’ variety. Often, the most interesting entries are way down at number 34. Or at number 58.
- One of the easiest ways to write a post is to make a list. This encourages lazy writing and doesn’t allow for richer, more textured arguments and discussions.
- Oh yes, by the way: sometimes there are more points than neatly fit into the list.
go to Chris Rowbury's website
