META: Karl that's a tremendously massive comment. Wonder if it might be more use...

larrys · on July 20, 2012

I agree on the length. Ironic how, in an article on the importance of grammar, and presumably communication, the parent while most likely using perfect grammar, fails to convince [1] simply because of the amount of the material and the way it is presented.

I've done consulting for busy people who don't want to spend time reading a long email. They want to know the bottom line, however I also find it good practice to provide backup information in case they or someone they forward the email to want to know how I came to the conclusions.

I start the email with a summary and a list of actions they can take or questions that I have. Typically no longer than a few sentences. Below that is a demarcation point to all the backup, links and further details (should they want to forward or in all honesty to CYA as well for the conclusions).

Edit: [1] Because if people don't read they won't be convinced and they won't learn anything. One of the reasons I typically avoid books by academics: to much difficult verbosity.

jongraehl · on July 21, 2012

I found it an easy read, and more useful and interesting than the rest of the comments on this article combined. You can link a HN comment, too.