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What kind of author do you prefer?

Posted: Sun Aug 10, 2008 12:23 pm
by alex.barylski
Do you prefer straight to the point or really detailed stories?

For instance if you read books by Head First they tend to be very wordy but not strictly focusing on the problem at hand, it's almost like a story about design patterns. Personally I cannot stand that style of writing when reading. I find it distracts me from absorbing the content I am really after.

I guess what I'm asking is do you mind/enjoy/prefer some filler text to complement an article/book, etc or just want the good stuff immediately?

Re: What kind of author do you prefer?

Posted: Mon Aug 11, 2008 2:02 pm
by Ambush Commander
Remember what Einstein said: "Everything should be made as simple as possible, but not one bit simpler." The exact same applies to writing; if you can get your point across in a few words, do so. Technical writing can be done with magnificent brevity, but when attempting to persuade someone of your viewpoint, or to entertain, you may need more words.

Re: What kind of author do you prefer?

Posted: Mon Aug 11, 2008 6:32 pm
by alex.barylski
Wasn't aware of that quote by Einstein...huge fan though thanks for sharing I'll be sure to Google.
Technical writing can be done with magnificent brevity, but when attempting to persuade someone of your viewpoint, or to entertain, you may need more words.
Very well said...excellent point. I guess for me, when I read something, I'm normally sold on the idea already because I've done all research and convinced myself so I prefer to the point. But when I initially start with something, those details would be annoying wouldn't they?