Blog Readability
In a complete diversion from my typical train of thought, I’ve just discovered this blog has been assigned a Genius label by The Blog Readability Test.
Initially I was quite chuffed with this mark, but quickly I realised that a Genius blog rating is more of a curse than a blessing.
The tool is pitched as a way of determining “what level of education is required to read your blog.” A rating of Genius therefore means that most people will not understand what the hell I’m trying to say, and that’s bad.
For an evangelistic blog that seeks to educate people on the value of emerging technology and to dispel the confusion, being easily understood is absolutely critical. Lest you fall prey to the curse of the techno-babbler.
The last thing I want to become is one of those waffley types you meet in higher education who use large words for seemingly no other purpose than using large words - such as nebulous or convoluted instead of overly complicated. The type where, when asked a question they don’t completely understand, or would rather not answer, will talk you in circles until you aren’t sure whether they’ve answered your question or not; and will end with the long pause that signifies that they’re relishing the fact you have no clue what they just said.
An explanation that is incomprehensible is not an explanation. If a concept can be said in plain English, it should be. It’s far more effective that way.
With that said, there was no indication anywhere in the tool regarding how these marks were derived, what the evaluation criteria were, etcetera. So I may have just gotten lucky in the curve.
