Should we stop writing long posts?

[Icey!]

There seems to be this mindset of that everything in this forum must have a few paragraphs. There are even some posts that have to use smaller text to fit whatever wordy stuff they need to say. Even back then I got really jealous about how some select number of users where really good at making long posts. But after making a topic about "How to make longer replies" Someone in there pointed out most people don't actually read the large rows of text and asked me why I would want to make long posts? While I did feel a little ashamed at asking a boneheaded question, it did help me point to another more relevant question. Should we stop making these long posts? I don't mean that we should just go with one liners because that would cause a uprising of low quality posts. But rather, what is the "ideal length" of a post? When should we use longer or shorter posts?

[sig]

I feel like people should write as much as they want to be honest, be it a little or a lot, IMO it's all good if it has at least a little substance or thought put into it and even putting it like that makes it seem like a bigger deal than it is. Sometimes there's a lot to be said about a certain topic and other times few words will do trick so I don't think there's an end-all be-all solution!

[purelyconstructive]

There are no "boneheaded questions" for the genuinely curious! The question that comes to my mind is:

"What length is long enough for a person to express what they intend to?"

Only the writer of that post can answer that. Of course, not everyone may read it. That too is a personal choice.

...I can't imagine a forum being very fun for those that don't like reading though. Haha!

[Deckade (Tolo)]

I think that people usually write long or short because they want to do that. If we ask users who typically write short posts to write long posts, or users who typically write long posts to write short posts it might be less enjoyable for them.

Long posts can often introduce numerous concepts, and points of discussion, which can facilitate much more conversation. I think it's perfectly okay not to write long posts however a staple of this style of community is allowing people the freedom to express themselves.


I definitely don't think there is a mindset that people have to write long posts on here, I think if there is any expectation it is to contribute something more than just a reaction like "wow that's cool". I'd guess the vast majority of people on here writing long posts on here are simply doing it because they enjoy it and take pleasure in it

[Deckade (Tolo)]

I have to say there is a certain level of irony in posting this in the writers corner though

[Memory]

I dunno, I am specifically using forums so that I can interact with people on a more thought out medium than standard social media, where you can actually hold a conversation and not just send short opinions and quips each other's way.

More time spent writing means less incentive for writing short, poignant, viral-chasing and emotionally charged posts without thinking; unlike on Twitter for example, whose fundamental design incentivizes posting as fast and short as possible. In my opinion, that has led to people on Twitter et al to mostly keep to provocative opinions and short jokes/memes for easy likes. Quote tweets and other harassment features don't make actually talking much easier, either.

I feel like forum posts on the other hand typically have a length at which posting them requires the minimum effort to dissuade people from arguing about petty stuff. They just might overthink before posting: "is it really worth it?" I also read all of them, no matter how long!

[Inkerlink]

I feel like people should write as much as they want to be honest

I feel the same way, I don't think you should put too much stock in how long you have to write something, as long as you're satisfied that you put your idea across in the way you wanted.

I dunno, I am specifically using forums so that I can interact with people on a more thought out medium than standard social media

Me as well, I feel that generally the people that come to this forum are more likely to be more descriptive and wordy simply because they actively searched for an alternative digital social experience that operates differently than popular modern social media sites.

@Icelogist
I know this topic is months old, but if you do happen to see this, just know that I think I speak for everyone here that no-one is holding you to some kind of standard when it comes to post length. You aren't being judged and any contribution you make, no matter the length, is appreciated and welcome. :)

[Icey!]

@Icelogist
I know this topic is months old, but if you do happen to see this, just know that I think I speak for everyone here that no-one is holding you to some kind of standard when it comes to post length. You aren't being judged and any contribution you make, no matter the length, is appreciated and welcome. :)

 

[Absentmind]

I guess my only gripe with long posts is that when people use unfriendly colours and difficult to read type, admittedly I often skip posts that are too difficult to read. I understand that its kind of the point with the indie web, but my dyslexic eyes struggle! Other than that its nice seeing people actually write about things they are passionate about in detail, the evocation of conversation has always been my favourite thing about this forum 

[Memory]

I guess my only gripe with long posts is that when people use unfriendly colours and difficult to read type, admittedly I often skip posts that are too difficult to read. I understand that its kind of the point with the indie web, but my dyslexic eyes struggle! Other than that its nice seeing people actually write about things they are passionate about in detail, the evocation of conversation has always been my favourite thing about this forum 

Have you tried the Newspaper theme? It's made specifically for readability, and therefore also turns off custom fonts and colors. :) And it comes in dark and light!