[tezzer]

Harper's and the Atlantic have been doing long-form journalism since the 1850s. I think the form clashes with modern attention spans and ability to focus, but I still enjoy it. Since it persists, I don't think I'm alone.

Recipe web sites, however... padding, padding and more. Though Dickens was paid by the word, too, and it shows.

[brazzy]

The problem is not long-form journalism. The problem is shitty long-form journalism that randomly jumps between the events actually being described and the biography of the people involved.

[hedberg10]

Article about some new form of science widgetry:

"It was a long cold night in November 2016, Tuesday, which was Taco day in the cafeteria. The suns ray appeared yellow, and trees were unable to photosynthesize ... "

Last paragraph:

"So X is now faster because of Y."

[JohnWhigham]

This is the natural consequence of every college prep high school teaching the dreaded 5 paragraph essay, and in turn students learning on how to load it with as much fluff as possible. Instead we should have focused on clear and concise writing. I didn't learn how to write properly until college. Quality over quantity.

[marvin]

In that sense, this article was actually quite good.

[spoonjim]

This article is different from a great long Harper’s or Atlantic piece. I’m not good enough of a writer to know what needs to be fixed with this one but definitely something is “off” about its pacing.

[pif]

> modern attention spans and ability to focus

It's not a problem with attention spam of focus ability: internet gave us a HUGE choice of information, and we literally like the time to enjoy it all. Thus prioritising is fundamental.

Long read are perfectly fine and can be wonderful, provided I know fast enough whether it will be worth my time.

[jessriedel]

Academic articles have abstracts, and it's not because of lack of attention.