What is the optimum length of reply that you could make that would cater for the average person' attention span? I think I have a below average span and I find that my eyes glaze over and the brain turns to mush when I see the length of some of replies, even though they may be beautifully written and full of wit and relevant information.

I know exactly what you mean. There are some replies that I just can't quite get through. And, I just kind of glaze over, just as you say.

In fact, there are some people that I know tend to post incredibly long messages every time they post, and I've learned to just skim their posts. I know that doesn't sound very good, but it's true! And, I suspect I'm not the only one doing it. Some people have the reputation of droning a bit!

I don't know what the average "this is just way too long" post would be in terms of length.

A thought. Some of the ones from people that I skim would be helped by just putting in some paragraphs at regular intervals! When I see a post that has no breaking points to it, that's why I get overwhelmed.

Put some paragraph markers in, everyone! It'll make what you say easier to read!!!

Linda, your 'skim' equals my 'ignore'.

If a post, usually a copy of a diatribe from some media outlet, exceeds one page length, I do not bother reading it.
1) I do not trust the media at all, and
2) I am very disdainful of people that use any media quotes.
3) And the real kicker.. do politicians ever tell the truth? Preferably, I would vote for the Tooth Fairy, given my druthers...

So every one ignores me! Sob! Sob! Bo Ho!

Why is there no emoticon with tears gushing forth when you need one?

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Linda, your 'skim' equals my 'ignore'

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Same here!
One is tired of reading all those posts before and someone posts one of those giant posts. (I sometimes post giant posts but I will try not to from now on )
You are right! why isn't there a graemlin with tears?

I am sorry BUT I am one of those guys who read EVERY word, line, paragraph, story, thesis, book, epic that has been posted at FT.

I believe it helps me understand the world, people, tissues, cells, atoms better.

Of course, there is NO crying Gremlin (or whatever ....) here because of 'Cultural Imperialism and Globalisation' (R) (Snm, did I get it right this time?)


I believe it is very important that I understand i's and t's of every sentence.

And I, wholeheartedly (?), disagree with Ozz that Mediamen lie.



[small print]
I never lie

"Cultural Imperialism and whatever " is a registered trademark

All rights reserved"

It's all about interest in the question - SORRY - What was the question SOTH.......It's all about interest in the ...........
Seriously I've posted on this before and have to agree that unless there is a specific interest in a subject then anything over four or five lines is either scanned (Skimmed) or ignored.

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'Cultural Imperialism and Globalisation' (R) (Snm, did I get it right this time?)

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Ace, you really need to memorize this: Globalization and Cultural Imperialism!!!

For me the legnth really isn't the issue. Obviously I'm more likely to read a short boring post than a long boring post, but if a post is interesting I'll read it no matter what the legnth.

Often if someone posts long articles I'll first read the comments the poster has made before and after the article, and then decide whether or not to read the article itself. When I post long articles I always try to highlight key passages, so that a reader who skims over the article will still get the most important bits.

I'm one of the "prefer 'em short and sweet" brigade. I tend not to read long posts (otherwise I'd never been off this site).