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This can be a highly effective form of writing when done well. A strong setup can certainly pull readers in. The problem is often most inexperienced writers us
by tannerc 7y ago
This can be a highly effective form of writing when done well.
A strong setup can certainly pull readers in. The problem is often most inexperienced writers use such a setup to clear away their "mind fog" and get to the point. And once the words are on the page it's hard to remove them (nobody wants wasted effort).
My guidance to new writers is always this: start with two bulleted items. First is a question or priming sentence. Second is the conclusion the reader will takeaway after reading what you've written.
Once you have those two bullet points you make them part of your first paragraph AND use them to structure the entirety of the piece (just add more bullet items between the first and second points).
- Wowfunhappy 7y agoJust to add onto this, I often write the sort of lead in paragraphs the GP describes last or nearly last. So it’s absolutely not the case that I used them as a way to clear my mind—the primary point was already there, I just wanted to introduce it a different way.
- rimliu 7y agoIt may be a highly effective form of writing for story telling. It is extremely annoying for technical blog posts. It's kind of a youtubezation of the writing.