Thanks for the compliment! The idea behind the pictures isn't so much about them being useful (they mostly aren't — I'm well aware of that). Instead it's about

Thanks for the compliment! The idea behind the pictures isn't so much about them being useful (they mostly aren't — I'm well aware of that). Instead it's about breaking up the wall of text and adding visual variety so as to prevent reader fatigue. It's a tip I picked up from reading the Star Slate Codex piece on writing: http://slatestarcodex.com/2016/02/20/writing-advice/ http://slatestarcodex.com/2016/02/20/writing-advice/ Also: HN readers != average internet readers