keeping it simple not stupid

I have another writing gig which I can't say much about because of a non-disclosure agreement. Essentially it involves writing searchable web content that will 1.) create an online presence for the client's product and 2.) be good.

So it is with impeccable timing that Clive Thompson at Collision Detection tells us of a gem of a research project in which it is proved that using big words makes you sound like a moron. Or, as the deliciously ironic title of the paper puts it...

Consequences of Erudite Vernacular Utilized Irrespective of Necessity: Problems with Using Long Words Needlessly.

Thanks Clive; I'll keep that in mind as I get to work.


Here's a link to an online abstract. The full text PDF of the article is available there as well but it'll cost you if you're not already a registered user. :-(


Other links of interest:

• The Bad Language Blog--good blog about bad word usage. Including a post about the study above.
• Short Science Daily article (with lots of adwords, yech) about the study.

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• writing
• blogging
• remarkable_stupidity