This post is not another super fact but a blog note about the blog and a request for opinions. My most recent post included three super facts combined into one post. The three super facts were:
- There has been a steep decline in extreme poverty
- There has been a steep decline in child mortality
- War and violence have declined
The post became very long. It had more than 2,000 words and several graphs filled with additional text and data. In addition, I rushed the third super fact. The discussion of the third super fact was muddy, incomplete, and it lacked references. Therefore, I deleted the third super fact. I think that was the right thing to do, especially since I had planned a separate super fact entry for it anyway with the title “We are living in relatively peaceful times”. I will write that post for it soon.
The updated post featuring only the two first super facts is called: “Poverty and child mortality has been sharply reduced worldwide”.
However, I’ve realized that some of my other posts have problems as well. The second half of the post titled “Two events may be simultaneous for some but not for others” feature equations and complex reasoning that physics nerds may appreciate but not typical readers. I don’t think I need to delete that section but, in the future, I need separate such sections from the rest and make it clear that I don’t expect readers to read that, well unless they are physics or math nerds, etc.
So, I am wondering what you all think about this and if you have suggestions or opinions on how I can improve my super fact posts. Blog notes are very much welcome.
To see the Super Facts click here
Newstrade
Hi Thomas, I find your posts interesting although I do skip over the super maths 😆. It really depends on your target audience when it comes to details. If it is ordinary people then separating out the maths is a good idea.
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Thank you so much Robbie. That is a good idea. I can maybe create a clearly separated Appendix with a note saying that I don’t expect others than math nerds to read and making it clear that I appreciate comments whether you read that part or not. Or maybe put it in a separate post entirely, or perhaps skip it entirely.
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I would just make it separate. After all, there are other maths boffins out there. I know a few on WP.
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OK thank you Robbie
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I’m detailed oriented and I thought your post was good. 😀
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Thank you so much Kymber
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I like your informative posts, but the last one was quite long. I look at some of the formulas but skip over most as they are beyond my level of physics/math. I think if you describe in lay terms what or why they do to solve your main idea that will be helpful.Then make it easy, or even give your readers permission, to skip them if they want. If graphs are easy to read then they can be very helpful, but again, explain it in simple terms. Also, if most of your readers are on the phone, some graphs can be more difficult. Keep up the good work!! Maggie
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Thank you so much Maggie. That is very good input. Like I told Robbie above. Next time I have something that has a highly mathematical background I create a clearly separated Appendix and state that I don’t expect other than math nerds to read it and that comments a very welcome whether you read the Appendix or not. Or perhaps make an entirely separate blog post, or maybe just leave that out entirely.
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Agreed with the comments. It might be interesting to show both sides of an argument–the evidence for both opinions.
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Yes that seems reasonable. Like I told Robbie and Maggie above, if I have a post that with a very mathematical background I cancreate a clearly separated Appendix and state that I don’t expect other than math nerds to read it and that comments a very welcome whether you read the Appendix or not. I will try to show both sides of an issue, but since I am focusing on stuff we know to be true the contrary side typically will have non-existent or poor evidence.
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I like that you are enjoying putting these facts together. But, I agree with the other comments, that I just don’t get any of the math stuff, or charts. I have a problem with just simple math. You have some interesting topics, but it seems like just an encyclopedia entry. I’d like to have a short explanation, a photo or two, and mostly your thoughts on the topic. That’s just me as a regular reader. There probably is a whole group of readers that love all the scientific explanations. 🙂
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That is very good input. Like I told the others above. Next time I have something that has a highly mathematical background I should create a clearly separated Appendix and state that I don’t expect other than math nerds to read it and that comments a very welcome whether you read the Appendix or not. Or perhaps leave that stuff out entirely. Thank you so much Barbara.
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maybe the more important question is who your followers are, what circles are you tapping to get people here? for instance, my husband jokes that the best way to put me to sleep is to talk math — for him, though, numbers are exciting lol
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Yes that is a good thing to ponder. Thank you for the advice da-AL.
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Hi Thomas. Your posts are well researched and informative, but maybe too much for the average reader? But if your target audience is different than your other blog then don’t change it. For regular blog readers you may have to tone down the length and geek terms. Just my opinion, you asked. 🙂
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I had regular readers in mind, so I need to tone it down, like you say. It is good advice. Thank you Debby.
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Happy to help with my two cents Thomas. 🙂
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I think you made the right call in shortening the last post. Posts that are too long and crammed full of detail may not hold everyone’s attention. Of course, it also depends on whether or not they are interested in the topic. I’m always interested in what you have to say, Thomas, but must confess, I’m one of those ‘artsy fartsy’ types who did <em>not</em> excel in math or science. Some of your material is way over my head, but I try my best to understand it, anyway. 🙂
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Thank you so much Debbie. It is very kind of you. I think it is good advice to tone down the complexity a bit. A few of the posts were too much. I will certainly keep that in mind.
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