5 Reasons to Avoid Lists (& 1 Reason to Read Them)

Interesting that this article is written in the form of a list.

So funny that you should write this today! I usually try to use lists on my blog because I find that readers seem to respond more to them (probably because they can skim them quickly). Today I didn’t use a list and the first thing that came to mind was, “Will anyone really read this? Are readers going to be upset if there’s no list?” I completely agree with your points about lists and this post made me feel a lot better about not using a list today.

I think lists are okay when you write quality content as you have done with your list above. Let’s face it….people want to get to quality info quickly. However, I do agree that just listing a few words on each line seems a waste of time. If you are not expanding on your thoughts then you leave out info that may be useful to others.

I think it’s fine to use lists as part of your blogging mix, but you should also aim to have well written posts using full paragraphs. You’re right that when you write one of those “100 lists” they tend to be superficial and not really explain the points well, but they can be fun to write and fun to read. I wrote a post on 99 Essential Life Questions awhile back and people really seem to like it. I still run into blogs in which people answer the questions that I posed as one of their blog posts.

How ironic – and yet this article is a # list – isn’t this hypocritical?

Thanks for this. I tend to think the list is a tool that lends itself to superficiality, but it doesn’t always have to be used that way. Maybe some of the irritation with lists people feel has to do with the repetitive content, like — as you said — 12 Ways To Have a Great Day: #1. Say nice things to people, etc.

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I think bloggers put the most important parts last on a list because it lets them close with a bang. Isn’t that what every debate team around the world does? Lead in with the fluff, and close with the strongest point. It’s what gets remembered.

I don’t know what to think about this. I know that lists create effective blog posts but I have a lot of trouble doing so. My blog posts are always made of paragraphs even when I intend them to be lists. I guess there needs to be a balance between what you read and what you actively do, a list can be a good learning material.

[...] deep within us wants to be …. dare I say it … the king of the jungle. Then I noticed this other post on why I should avoid reading self improvement lists. It said straight [...]

My cousin works for a major magazine and book publisher. She told me once when the magazine cover has a story that begins with a list, newstand sales double and sometimes triple.

I knew there was a reason I love lists.

Positively Present: Thanks! I used the list format as parody to create a bit of a comical and sarcastic effect.

Kent

Kim: I agree. Lists can be quite useful; however, the abuse of lists in the blogosphere, for purposes of capturing attention solely to increase readership for the blogger, has become, in my humble opinion, a problem.

If I see a list, I typically don’t read it. That’s just my own policy. Thanks for the comment.

Marelisa: I also think it’s fine for bloggers to use lists. I just try to avoid them as a reader because, unfortunately, most lists exist to serve a purpose other than the benefit of the reader. I imagine your list of “99 Essential Life Questions” was well-received by your readers because they respect you.

EasternWind: Yes, I did intend to write this post as a list as a form of parody and sarcasm and the ironic effect, therefore, is natural — not hypocritical. One might even find it humorous! What could be a better way to teach people about lists than with a list? I especially hoped to draw more readers who like to read and write lists to provoke thought and perhaps some spirited debate. Hopefully, at a minimum, my list will make a few people more self-aware as they choose their reading material. The list about lists just made sense to me. Thanks for the comment.

Chris: I agree. Lists are becoming so common that they may be losing their effectiveness. At risk of sounding arrogant, I believe the writing and reading of lists is an act of laziness. True, the human brain wants and seeks shortcuts but it also wants chocolate cake. I believe there is a case for balance, as with almost everything in life: The occasional list (and cake) is not necessarily bad.

Bob: You make a great point. The first item on a list does not necessarily have to be the highest in priority. Depending on the delivery the last item could certainly be the highest in priority.

My largest point with this post is self-awareness. While it is true that lists are efficient and work well with the brain’s preferences, it is also true that packaging and positioning can highly influence a consumer’s purchase of a product. If the reader understands the tactics, techniques and motivations of the media source, the reader may be a bit more selective in what they read (consume).

Peter: It’s quite alright that you “don’t know what to think of this” — at least you are thinking!

As I implied in the post, only the individual will determine the usefulness and use of lists in their lives. What’s important is that there is more awareness of the primary use of lists — to get you to read the content!

Steven: Thank you for adding to (and solidifying) my point! The fact that a publisher sells more magazines with mention of a list on the cover says that the quality of the content matters less than the format.

It also says that the publisher is not in the business of distributing useful information, it is in the business of selling magazines first (and perhaps distributing useful information second).

If the content cannot stand on its own without the use of the list, then why read it (or why write it)?

In a perfect world, the list format would be used because the writer feels that their message needs to be heard and the list might capture more attention (and hence help more people).

You said that you “love lists.” What is the reason?

Thanks again for the comment.

Kent

Positively Present: My first response to your comment was meant for “Pol” (above yours). I apologize to you and to Pol!

With regard to your comment, I agree. At times, I feel as if a given post I am writing will work well as a list but I also feel as if the list format can reduce the quality of the post’s content. This brings about a dilemma, especially with “self-improvement” bloggers (which I don’t consider myself to be): How does a writer help a reader “improve” their self by finding gimmicky ways to attract more readers?

I am sure some bloggers can do this effectively (use lists and simultaneously help rather than hinder “self-improvement”).

Thanks for provoking thought.

Kent

OK i would like to know is the author saying tha list are a good way for blogging or a Bad way to get s reader attention?

Read only what is most important.Reaind properly is alsoan art.Today reading matrial pouring thousands way on our brain what to avoid and what to remember is you can acaquire by pratice.only.What may most important you read ,think over it be septic and drawyour own conclusion.

Ramesh: You sum it up quite well — be a conscious reader and take control of what you consume, otherwise you will be the one consumed.

Excellent! Thanks for the comment…

Kent

I agree and disagree. Also, I’m a list junkie. It is the lazy man’s way of doing thing, but it’s also the busy man’s way to consume info.

Interesting article. To say I thought of using some lists on my blog would be redundant as that’s no surprise.

But now I think I’m gonna try and reduce that to a minimum and only where they actually provide value aside from being just an attention grabber.

An alternative to lists is to use headings to split the article into key components which makes it easier for people to follow and read. That combined with interesting and engaging content and a catchy title should be a good substitute for lists.

Great resource. I really enjoyed your site!

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