Why Writing Listicles Won’t Make You a Great Writer?

Summary

The article argues that prioritizing quality writing and authentic storytelling over formulaic listicles is essential for a writer to truly connect with readers and leave a lasting impact.

Abstract

The author of the article challenges the notion that writing listicles is a path to becoming a great writer, suggesting instead that true greatness lies in the pursuit of quality, depth, and emotional resonance in one's writing. The piece questions the motivations behind choosing to write listicles, implying that while they may offer quick visibility and income, they lack the human touch and fail to fulfill the deeper needs of both the writer and the reader. The author emphasizes that by focusing on unique expression, personal stories, and emotional engagement, writers can create meaningful connections and produce work that stands the test of time. The article encourages writers to resist the temptation of algorithm-driven content creation in favor of authenticity, suggesting that this approach will ultimately lead to greater fulfillment, readership, and a sense of worthiness.

Opinions

Writing listicles is seen as a choice that may lead to being a forgettable writer, rather than one who makes a lasting impact.
The author believes that writing with depth and quality will not negatively affect one's income but rather attract dedicated readers.
Listicles are criticized for feeling inhuman and robotic, contributing to a dehumanizing effect on both writers and readers.
The article suggests that the trend of writing listicles is a symptom of despair and a surrender to the pursuit of quick money over meaningful content.
It is argued that writers who conform to search engine algorithms for visibility are not truly meeting the needs of their readers, who crave deeper human connection.
The author posits that by suppressing one's unique voice to follow trends, writers contribute to a "rigid robotic loop" in human communication.
Storytelling that includes personal experiences and emotions is valued for its ability to foster empathy and remain in the reader's mind.
The piece concludes that standing up against the pressure to produce algorithm-friendly content can lead to a sense of abundance, true connection, and genuine worthiness.

Why Writing Listicles Won’t Make You a Great Writer

Why be a bad writer when you can be a good writer? You can choose. You can follow advice from content creators who make money off giving you advice on how you should do the same. Or you can take advice from the grand masters of literature, who continue to touch countless souls long after their passing.

When you decided to be a writer, what were your intentions? Deep in your heart, do you want to be a boring advice-giving author who is forgotten the next day? Or do you truly want to touch the readers in a way they’ll never forget? Do you want to repeat what all how-to writers repeat, or do you want to bring a change?

I’m not saying one is better than another. I’m only asking what makes you feel good.

I don’t think that your income will be at stake if you choose quality over facile listicles. In contrary. By taking your time to study, to practice, to find your unique magic – you will have your readers. And not any sort of readers who just want to grab your list and run. But readers that will stay. And they will stay for you. Not just for their own interest. You get what I mean.

Wow. Listicles. I was wondering today why they make me feel so bad. I still read some – I admit they are very tempting to click on – and I even experimented with writing a few. But every time I do that, something in my stomach resists to this form. Why?

Because they feel inhuman. They sound robotic. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and you are fixed. Extraordinary. Fantastic. Bombastic. There is so much promise. Take it while it’s hot! Every minute there’s a new one, a hotter one. OMG, which one to choose, out of billions?! Fear of missing out. It’s a manic rhythm and a manic pace. It’s sick. It’s robotic. And it dehumanises us. I believe you must feel it too.

It’s like we are giving up whatever is left of our humanity, in exchange for anything that brings us the quickest money. I understand that as a gesture of despair. And I also understand that there’s all the reasons in the world today for one to despair. I know it because I too despair.

Compromise is what we do when there’s nothing else left. But have we tried everything before throwing in the towel like this?

The mainstream excuse wears a mask of nobility: You have to give up on your heart’s desire and only write answers to what the reader asks in the search engines. Wow. I would like to say that by following this formula you are not giving the reader what they want. You are only responding some simple questions, but your reader has some much deeper needs than a list of answers to the questions they type. Both you, the writer, and the reader are there to fulfil our human need for connection.

If you suppress your heart’s urge for expression in order to obey the algorithm, you are not helping anyone out, I’m sorry to say. What you do instead is create a rigid robotic loop in human communication. As if it’s not enough that AI is taking over in so many ways. Will now humans turn into artificial robots too?

Humans learn very well from stories in which there is a character to whom things happen. The reader grows with him and learns with him through the magic of empathy. And yes, readers love reading stories about your life and your feelings too. They will recognise themselves in your stories and will feel less alone. Stories which are touched by emotions, human adventures, mistakes and lessons are stories that remain for long in one’s mind. The content of lists might seem appealing for it skips context and details, which makes it fast like a Happy Meal. And just as unhealthy.

Same old story since money exists. Bending our backs in front of the wrong master.

No, we won’t die of hunger if we stand up. It will be the best feeling. It will bring more abundance. True connection. And a feeling of genuine worthiness. What would that be like? Many writers already know. They already live up to their truth. And we can too. Each in our way.

My dear friends, thank you once again for reading. You mean a lot to me and having this platform available to us is such a great blessing. May we all be happy and find peace.