To simplify writing or not?
Dec 27, 2023 1:50:44 GMT -6
Post by account_disabled on Dec 27, 2023 1:50:44 GMT -6
Simplify writing : this is what many professionals in the sector (authoritative bloggers, copywriters and famous writers) say. Using simple language helps us reach a wider audience. Isaac Asimov said he chose simple language so he could write more books. And in fact he wrote a few hundred (and sold millions of copies: the Foundation saga alone sold over 20 million). Even Stephen King (who according to the «Washington Post» has sold over 350 million copies) writes using simple language – but in terms of vocabulary I prefer it to Asimov. On the other hand, Cormac McCarthy has a very refined style and just a dozen books under his belt at almost 90 years of age (and he hasn't reached those numbers of copies sold). What does it mean to simplify writing? Here are some commonly used rules: Write short paragraphs and short sentences.
Do not use slang or dialect words. Don't use complicated words. Do I respect these rules? In creative writing absolutely not. A reader has pointed out to me several times that there are periods that are too long in my Special Data stories. I also use long sentences. However, I don't use slang or dialect words, at least I think, but complicated ones yes, if it happens. In a modern classic, of which I can't remember the title or author, I read periods that lasted even several pages. When writing for the web, however, I use clear language. Shortest paragraphs possible, short sentences, simple words. Why? Read the following point and you will know. Simplified writing: difference between creative and web writing Comparisons cannot be made between creative writing – the writing of novels, short stories, poems and screenplays – and writing for the web – the writing of blog articles and texts for web pages.
They are two different writings because they are distributed on different media: printed paper (including ebooks, of course) and the web. On the web the reader reads faster , searches for information and wants to discover it immediately, he never has time (we don't really know why). When reading a book , the reader has time, because he is relaxing, he is reading entertaining stories or even essays, poems. Two different functions, therefore, which require different languages. The concept of simple language It is the opposite of corporate jargon , bureaucratic jargon and institutional language. Simple language uses clear and direct expressions, does not use more words than necessary or convoluted sentences. Simple language conveys the message in the shortest possible time and can be understood by more people. Above all, it cannot be misunderstood. Here is a comparison: a passage taken from the Revenue Agency website and my revision to make it less convoluted, in which I eliminated 28% of the words.
Do not use slang or dialect words. Don't use complicated words. Do I respect these rules? In creative writing absolutely not. A reader has pointed out to me several times that there are periods that are too long in my Special Data stories. I also use long sentences. However, I don't use slang or dialect words, at least I think, but complicated ones yes, if it happens. In a modern classic, of which I can't remember the title or author, I read periods that lasted even several pages. When writing for the web, however, I use clear language. Shortest paragraphs possible, short sentences, simple words. Why? Read the following point and you will know. Simplified writing: difference between creative and web writing Comparisons cannot be made between creative writing – the writing of novels, short stories, poems and screenplays – and writing for the web – the writing of blog articles and texts for web pages.
They are two different writings because they are distributed on different media: printed paper (including ebooks, of course) and the web. On the web the reader reads faster , searches for information and wants to discover it immediately, he never has time (we don't really know why). When reading a book , the reader has time, because he is relaxing, he is reading entertaining stories or even essays, poems. Two different functions, therefore, which require different languages. The concept of simple language It is the opposite of corporate jargon , bureaucratic jargon and institutional language. Simple language uses clear and direct expressions, does not use more words than necessary or convoluted sentences. Simple language conveys the message in the shortest possible time and can be understood by more people. Above all, it cannot be misunderstood. Here is a comparison: a passage taken from the Revenue Agency website and my revision to make it less convoluted, in which I eliminated 28% of the words.