avatarKristina God, MBA

Summary

The web content discusses the debate on the value of short form writing, challenging the notion that it is exploitative, harmful, lazy, and without merit.

Abstract

The article presents a counterargument to the claim that short form writing is a detrimental literary form. It references Attila Vágó's controversial piece, which criticizes short form stories as the worst. The author argues that short form writing is a response to our diminishing attention spans, necessitating concise and focused content. Contrary to being lazy or harmful, the author posits that short form pieces serve as an introduction, akin to a first date, potentially leading readers to more in-depth long form content. The piece also asserts that short form writing is not a 'literary fart' but a legitimate and enduring part of literature, supported by evidence that short posts can achieve virality and significant earnings.

Opinions

  • Short form writing is not without value; it is a direct response to the modern reader's reduced attention span.
  • The author refutes the claim that short form writing is inherently lazy, suggesting that it requires writers to be succinct and eliminate unnecessary fluff.
  • Short form content is seen as a gateway to more substantial works, offering a taste that can lead to deeper engagement with long form pieces.
  • The article argues against the dismissal of short form writing as a 'literary fart,' emphasizing its staying power in the literary landscape.
  • The author provides a rebuttal to the idea that short form writing is exploitative and harmful, instead highlighting its potential to go viral and be financially rewarding.

Short Form Writing is Exploitative, Harmful, Lazy, Terrible, And Provides No Real Value

and is a literary fart. True or False?

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The other day, Attila Vágó surprised me.

He published a controversial piece called Why Shortform Stories Are The Worst.

I promised to give a statement in form of a… well, short form.

1. Short form is the bastard child of literature and journalism that nobody asked for.⚠️

Yes, people asked for it.

Our attention span is lower than from a goldfish.

People skim, browse and scroll.

2. Self-serving and pointless.⚠️

With short form writing, you have to get to the point, make your writing short and sweet — without the fluff.

3. It’s lazy, exploitative, and harmful in the long term.⚠️

Reading a short form piece is like a first date.

Do you want more? Read the long form piece!

✅No, it’s not a ‘literary fart’.

It’s here to stay.

Writing
Short Story
Future
Humor
Writing Tips
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