What Is Negative Reading Time?

Summary

Negative Reading Time (NRT) is a writing philosophy that prioritizes delivering value to the reader by providing content that saves more time than it takes to read.

Abstract

Negative Reading Time is a concept that challenges writers to create content that is so efficient and valuable that it saves the reader more time than it takes to consume. It emphasizes that the true measure of an article's worth is not its length but the value it provides. On Medium, articles that take around 7 minutes to read are found to perform best, but NRT advocates for a focus on quality over quantity. The goal is to condense extensive research into concise articles, aiming for an "minus twenty" edit that maximizes efficiency without compromising on quality. The process involves choosing topics wisely, writing freely, editing rigorously, clarifying the article's value to the reader, and concluding with a distilled lesson. This approach not only respects the reader's time but also fosters a loyal readership that values efficiency and substance.

Opinions

The author believes that reading time is an irrelevant metric for the value of an article.
Fluff in writing is considered a form of theft from the reader.
NRT is presented as a principle that values the reader's time over the writer's ego.
The author suggests that providing exceptional value creates a loyal readership that will prefer the writer's efficient and respectful content.
Writing should be accessible and exciting to all readers, not just those already familiar with the topic.
The writing process should begin without judgment or distraction, allowing for initial creative freedom.
Editing should be thorough, with the aim of removing unnecessary words and simplifying language to enhance clarity and readability.
The introduction of an article should clearly articulate the benefits to the reader, setting expectations for what they will gain.
Conclusions should reinforce the key lessons, ensuring that the content's value is condensed and reiterated for the reader.
The author posits that content should prioritize substance over style, focusing on delivering the "chocolate" (core value) rather than elaborate "wrappers" (excessive embellishment).

Readers crave mind-blowing concepts and unforgettable stories. Your job as a writer is to save them more time than you take from them. I’ll show you how.

Reading time is how long it takes the average person to read a certain amount of words. The problem is that reading time has nothing to do with value.

On Medium, 7-minute articles perform best.

You could write the word quokka 1000 times, which would take 7 minutes to read and still provide less value than the previous sentence.

When it comes to writing, fluff is theft.

Negative Reading Time is a guiding principle.

NRT reframes your writing to value the reader over your ego as a writer. Your goal is content that saves the reader significantly more time than it takes to grasp.

If you did five hours of research, turn it into a twenty-minute article, and aim to edit it down to minus twenty. The goal is to reach the line where efficiency starts to cut into quality, and take one step back.

Once a reader experiences this level of efficiency and respect, they’re hooked. They will devour anything else you produce. They will struggle to tolerate any writer that doesn’t respect their time as much.

5. Conclude by condensing the lesson for them.

Great content is like a chocolate bar. Your talent shows when you create an elegant wrapper that engages the consumer. As beautiful as your wrappers may be, remember that readers want chocolate, not twelve wrappers with your face and signature on them.

Negative Reading Time positions restrains the writer’s urge to take the spotlight from the concept, story, or topic.

“What Is Negative Reading Time” is the first of a series of concepts that I am putting together to help everyone improve their overall efficiency. At the same time, it is an ongoing statement of respect for value and reader’s time that will be the basis for my series. Merry Christmas.

What Is Negative Reading Time?

Readers crave mind-blowing concepts and unforgettable stories. Your job as a writer is to save them more time than you take from them. I’ll show you how.

Negative Reading Time is a guiding principle.

The Five-Step Process

1. Choose a topic and ask it questions to zero in on its value.

2. Write like nobody’s watching.

3. Peel it, juice it, drink it.

4. Tell them why they’re reading.

5. Conclude by condensing the lesson for them.