by guest writer Alex Fayle
List posts rock. You can get your information across quickly and succinctly and they’re killer for traffic generation. Just look at any blogger’s most popular posts and you’ll likely see list posts fill the top spots. Plus Internet marketers say that titles with specific numbers like “10 ways to…” or “15 reasons why…” or “101 excuses for…” bring in the search engine traffic.
However, list posts can also be overloaded with information, superficial, and super-duper long. And for these reasons, I almost always skip over list posts that appear in my reader.
Before you dismiss me as a freak who likes to go up against the popular kids just because (which I do admit to doing from time to time), let’s look at each of my reasons for barely glancing at list posts.
List Posts Are Overloaded With Information
I learn best by exploring a single idea fully. When I open up a list post in my feed reader, I look at the first point, read the explanation (if there is one), consider its meaning, then apply it to my life. This may take 30 seconds or several days. Knowing that I have 9, 14 or 100 more points to absorb turns me off. I already have too much reading – why do I want to add to it? I mark the post as read without going to the blog, and I move on.
List Posts Are Superficial
For me, list posts are the study-guide version of a novel. They include all the information but contain none of the knowledge. This is likely why lists posts are so popular – we live in the Information Age, not the Knowledge Age. Lists posts are like the get-rich-quick equivalent of learning. All hype, no substance. If you just want to be one of the popular kids then go ahead and list away, but if you would rather create meaningful content that endures and teaches then, for me, lists just don’t work.
List Posts Are Too Long
But Alex, not all list posts are superficial – some of them go into quite a bit of detail, you say. Yeah, I answer, and when they do they are super-duper long and difficult to digest in a single sitting. I spend about three hours a day reading and commenting on blogs. I don’t have time or energy to read a highly in depth list. I need it broken up in smaller bite-sized chunks so that I don’t choke on the knowledge that’s being imparted to me.
An Alternative To List Posts
A list post is a great opportunity for a series. Many bloggers struggle to produce content on a regular basis. Why therefore waste some of your best ideas in a single overloaded, superficial, super-duper long post?
Go ahead and keep the list post, but use it as a Table of Contents for a series. On day one introduce the list and let your readers know that for the next 3, 5 or 10 posts you’ll explain what each point means. Then over the next 3, 5 or 10 posts choose no more than three of the points in the list and create a full post around them. Suddenly you have a whole series of posts, instead of just one. The information seekers get their superficial list without a lot of cluttering explanations. The knowledge seekers discover the depth and breadth of your expertise and can take the time to absorb the lessons you’re imparting. And because the knowledge seekers are doing some introspection, they’ll be more likely to come back and tell you about it, expanding your community, making you more alluring, and providing you with more social credibility.
And who doesn’t want more social cred?
Alex Fayle is a Writer and Professional Organizer who cures people of Someday Syndrome, which he himself suffered for 25 years. After a year in France, in 2007 he switched to Spain where he lives with his boyfriend and writes full-time. You can follow his journey at http://www.somedaysyndrome.com.
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I’m so with you Alex. I skip them too. It seems like they’re too often regurgitating.
Writer Dad’s last blog post..Deja Vu
I think that’s the problem with Blogging. It’s training us to read in quick 300-500 word spurts.
I’ve written longer posts (actual short stories), which I (personally) think include some of my best writing. But these only get marginal traffic…nobody wants to sit down and read 2500 words.
But if I put out a quick, funny list that takes me 20 minutes, everyone comes to visit and gives their two cents, and I get 50-60 comments.
That’s the way it is, I guess.
Friar’s last blog post..Basil the Special Dog (Updated, Part III)
Alex, thanks again for sharing this with us. I could rant about list posts all day long, but I really love the alternative you’ve suggested. Brilliant.
Writer Dad — It does seem like many of the list posts I read are covering the same old stuff.
Friar — I’m probably the exception, but (depending on who the writer is) I might sit down and read 2500 words if it’s a story. I don’t want a 2500 word how-to post most days.
The difference for me would be that I would want to sit back and enjoy the story, so I would probably do it from my feed reader and not necessarily jump in to discuss in the comments. I think engaging in banter afterward would sort of take away something from the story. Then again, I’m also the type who if I don’t have time to read blogs that day, I just skip it. I don’t force myself to stay up extra late speed-reading a bunch of posts just to get in a few quick comments. When I have a really busy week, I’ll usually still read some blogs but not read the comments, which is probably against the rules of Blogland, but I would rather have the chance to read just the posts than skip my reading entirely. I really think a lot of why many people read blogs is to get to the comments, which is pretty sad. I think too that so many people feel obligated to respond to as many blogs as possible, making it so they have very little time. Me, I would rather read 10 blogs and enjoy them than skim 100 and race to the comments.
@Amy
I guess it depends what mood I’m in.
Some blogs, I visit for the actual writing. The authors write well, and it’s worth taking the time to savor what they’ve posted.
With other blogs, the content dosen’t interest me as much, but often the comments afterwards are hilarious and/or start a stimulating discussion.
In the latter case, it’s more for a social visit, rather than actually reading some good literature.
I can do either/or.
(For off-line reading, though, I prefer the old-fashionned analog type….i.e. holding a book between my hands).
Friar’s last blog post..Basil the Special Dog (Updated, Part III)
Friar — Your point about some bloggers generating a good discussion even if the post content isn’t the greatest is true for me too. But I’ll confess, if I have just enough time to either choose between reading a well-written post or engaging in a discussion, I will pick the good reading. Not to say the other is bad or anything, just that maybe my preference is another proof that I’m sort of a hermit by nature. I would rather read.
So, say the content is the same, just arranged differently. Would you rather read it as a list or as a narrative-type post? I would rather read the narrative, but I assume many bloggers would choose to read the list.
@Amy
I write either/or, so it’s diffult for me to say.
But I DO feel more satisfied with my narrative stories, as they take much more focus to write. Some of my favorite ones have gotten the least views.
(What I don’t like, is narrative stories where writers navel-gaze too much, and the 2000 words could easily be trimmed down by half).
Friar’s last blog post..Basil the Special Dog (Updated, Part III)
Alex,
I So Agree.
I am not a list lover. When I first came into blogging I was appalled at all of the lists. My first thought was *Lazy writing* Then I learned it was the preferred format. So I closed my lips and kept my mouth shut. But it does nothing for me unless the author fleshes out the list with some further thoughts.
I do think they could use it for more posts and series. I think they sell themselves short.
Way to shine the Light on the Emperor’s New Clothes.
Wendi Kelly-Life’s Little Inspirations’s last blog post..A Letter to the World
@Writer Dad & @Wendi:
Glad to know I’m not the only one - it seems that all I ever see is “write list posts, write lists posts!”
@ Friar:
List posts when done well, especially in a step-by-step how to draw me right in. Humorous posts that are lists also work really well, but otherwise I prefer narrative.
@Amy:
Thanks for the opportunity for this guest post! I enjoyed writing outside my usual niche.
Alex Fayle | Someday Syndrome’s last blog post..Our Lives Are Full of Stuff - Full Text Answers
I don’t mind lists as long as they are short. Very short. 3-5 items is sufficient. I agree with Alex that if your list is going to be any longer, perhaps you should go in deeper detail on each point and make it into a series. Only exception for me: humorous lists! No need to expand on each point and they may go up to 10!
Urbane Lion’s last blog post..Random acts of kindness
GUILTY!!! As a writer you’re told that a good title sells your piece, and if you look at magazine covers in a grocery store, they will often do this too. They’ve done the market research on what causes people to buy the magazines… however, I do agree with you, it can be a lazy way of writing at times! Great post, Alex.
Lorie Marrero’s last blog post..Prevent Clutter Where It Starts! New Wallet Reminder Sleeves
@Alex
Cracked.com has the funniest set of lists on the Internet.
Worth checking out!
Friar’s last blog post..The Parking Nazi
Listless! Alex, you crack me up.
Terrific post.
The internet has really enforced for me the whole “different strokes” thing. Some people LOVE certain kinds of posts, other people hate them … everyone ends up finding the stuff that fits their style and filtering out the rest.
So your “right people” will be ones who can’t be bothered with the list posts and like to read the way you like to write.
Can’t tell you how many times I’ve been given Expert Advice to not write long posts. But I love writing something that feels complete. And the people who hang out on my blog are smart and thoughtful and patient, and they like to read.
And when I click through to a post that turns out to just be a paragraph, I feel a tiny bit annoyed. Like, you made me click through for that? My friend Janet, though, will only read posts that are a couple lines long or she gets stressed out …
So now I figure that the right readers will find the stuff I do super attractive, and at least I won’t have to write list posts!
p.s. occasionally I leave a long comment too … sorry about that!
Havi Brooks (and duck)’s last blog post..Talking truth to fear
Friar — I just looked at cracked.com. I love the “7 College Scholarships That Require Absolutely No Talent” list.
Alex — Humorous list posts are an exception for me to. You bring up a good point about how-to posts. I’ve read some good ones that weren’t done as a list, but the list format does make it easier if you’re actually doing the how-to project while reading the list.
Lion — First let me say, after visiting your blog, how happy it makes me that you love your girlfriend because she walks around the house braless. And then let me say how much it made me laugh to go through the flowchart in my mind and recall that you’re married to Alex’s sister. (Disclaimer: I’m probably the only one who finds this funny.)
Anyhow… back to the topic at hand…. 
I like your point about 3-5 things. I will often write a post and break the lesson into 3 subheadings. I don’t usually number the three, but I suppose if I ran across a numbered three or five points — and they offered good info — I wouldn’t mind that. When I think “list post” I usually think of the Top 10 Ways To Improve Your Writing Career and such, which obviously couldn’t be covered well in one post. But people do it all the time, and many folks seem to enjoy it.
Lorie — Thanks for visiting to read Alex’s post. Nice to find your blog. I saw the words Clutter Diet and am pretty sure I had a tiny aneurysm. I hate the word “diet” and am the queen of clutter (aka master of disorganization, aka addicted to insanity). So clearly, I need to spend some time at your blog.
What you said about magazine titles made me remember why I laugh at some of the magazines my mother reads. The covers say things like “How Mary Lost 20lbs and You Can Too” and then the inside reveals that Mary still weighs 240lbs and that mostly, those 20lbs she lost were by eating nothing but fruit for six months. (Hell, who couldn’t do that?) But these titles keep people buying the magazines, for sure. (Why are Americans so stupid? Whole other post topic…)
Havi (and Selma) — No worries on long comments here. My comments are often longer than the posts at many of the blogs I visit. And considering this is Alex’s post rather than mine, I’ve rambled on quite a bit.
Your friend, ADD Janet let’s call her, is a lot like Morning Amy. Morning Amy can’t read anything of substance before she’s had at least two cups of coffee. I read blogs like yours and Alex’s at night, when my brain has decided to play fair and my dyslexia is napping. I completely agree with what you said about the right readers finding the right blogs. So many of the blogs folks tell me I should read just don’t do anything for me. And I’ve had folks tell me I should do this or that to rake in more viewers, better revenue etc. Usually it’s 1) stop cussing and 2) write list posts. I’ve tried to cut back on using fucking as an adjective, but I can’t bring myself to write posts that bore me.
I was thrilled when Alex wanted to write this post, and I’m equally thrilled that so many others who have stopped by agree.
Hi Alex - I hear what you’re saying. I do list posts sometimes - especially ones with links to other resources. But I would never expect anyone to read them all at once. A lot of folk bookmark them and refer back to them.
I wouldn’t write them all the time, but I will write them now and again because they bring me I ton of traffic. I did one on 43 Ultimate Resources for Writers back in May and it has had over 100,000 views.
But I couldn’t write them all the time. I try to vary the types of posts I do to appeal to different types of reader.
Cath Lawson’s last blog post..7 Questions To Ask Before You Launch A Business
Cath — I’m glad you don’t do list posts all the time.
I don’t think I’ve read any of your list posts, but that one does sound interesting. Resource posts may have to be another exception. Sigh. 
Thanks Amy - that one does have links to some brilliant creative writing exercises - you’ll love it. I’m finding that folk arriving from social networks, a reader, or google are all attracted to different types of article, so I’m trying to vary it.
Cath Lawson’s last blog post..7 Questions To Ask Before You Launch A Business
Cath, I honestly think the biggest turn-off for me is that for a while there every blog I read seemed to be doing list posts every single day. It becomes draining after a while. Mixing it up is probably a good thing, if you’re the type of writer who enjoys doing that. Your blog always entertains me and makes me laugh, so I think I would enjoy your posts no matter the structure. However, the very serious bloggers who write instructional posts on a daily basis aren’t my cup-of-tea (at least not for a daily read). I feel burnt out after reading those types of blogs. Others thrive on them. Clearly those types of blogs don’t need me as a reader, since they have plenty of visitors without me.
Amy: Yeah, I usually change those ‘I love my girlfriend’ quotes on a more regular basis but I just love this one. Maybe one day I can change it to no top at all. What can I say, I’m a boob man! (ok to say this here isn’t it?)
Urbane Lion’s last blog post..Random Acts of Kindness
Lion — I’m a boob woman, so you can say you’re a boob man here all you want. LOL (I’m prone to bralessness myself. Topless can be a safety hazard, ya see… one quick turn, and ya take somebody’s eye out…)
Hi Amy - me too. As much as I like learning - I get really muddled and overwhelmed after too many “how to” posts.
Cath Lawson’s last blog post..How To Attract Amazingly Positive People
Too bad I didn’t read this post before I wrote a quick list of my own. “10 Commandments of Working with a Freelance Writer” went up today…I was trying to be amusing, but I guess now I’ve gone and put up an annoying list!
Leigh’s last blog post..10 Commandments of Working with a Freelance Writer
Cath — Yes, my brain starts to shut down after a while.
Leigh — At least it wasn’t 101 Commandments.
Going to go read it now…..
Honestly, I think lists are great for many of the reasons your guest writer thinks they’re bad. I use them often when sharing advice on Ask Angel. The one point I really agree with in that article is that a list can make a great jumping point for someone who would like to write more on the topic. Breaking it down, a list post can easily become a series of articles.
I like to think of lists as the index of a book. Lists give the reader something to make note of so they can look for more information on each specific point individually.
Now that I have been inspired with a new idea for Ask Angel, I am going to go and try to finish my guest post for you so I can expand on that idea of mine.
Hey Angel. I think it’s all a matter of personal preference. Some readers love to read lists, and some writers love to write them. Others are burnt out on both, or just never got much from them in the first place. But clearly from the amount of list posts overflowing on the web, there are a lot of people out there who agree with you.
Can’t wait to see what your idea is for Ask Angel!
@UL
I’m totally with you on the humorous lists - as long as they’re not the Dave Letterman type. I’ve never found those ones funny…
@Lorie
Just as there are a million different styles of blogs, there are a million different styles of readers. Since writing this post, I’ve figured out ways that I can incorporate list posts into my own blog as they are something that attracts readers - because as you say, the magazine sales prove it.
@Havi
I like the “right people” thing. On Someday Syndrome, I’m not looking for the quick-fix readers. I want people who are willing to take a deep long look at themselves. That being said, having the occasional list post won’t hurt to draw people into the blog in the first place…
(BTW, I love long comments. They really add to the conversation.)
@Cath
100,000 views? That’s awesome - and folks, there you have a great reason for list posts! You’re right though. Balance and moderation. I’ve been a bit extreme keeping them out of my blog. Maybe it is time to incorporate them in some format.
@Leigh
As I said in the comments to your post - that was an awesome list. You used the list to get your points across in a way that kept it short, amusing and done in a way that people will remember.
@Angel
That’s what I love about the blogosphere - what works for one person doesn’t work for someone else, for the exact same reasons!
Alex Fayle | Someday Syndrome’s last blog post..A Life Without Somedays: Erin Doland Interview
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