Sharp Writing

Write sharp text: every word counts. These rules cover all prose and Markdown.

Find the essence first

Before writing anything, find the essence of the idea. State the essence. State it well.

Principles

• Sharp, precise, concise. Straight to the point. The less, the better.
• Easy language. Keep sentences short and clear.
• Don't pad. No bloated orders, no filler.
• Respect the reader. No insistent or authoritarian tone; don't treat them like a child. Make what is important more obvious instead.
• Keep a formal register.

Keep a formal register

Stay professional, without stiffness. Write complete sentences; don't clip the opening. Use proper vocabulary: the precise word, even an elaborate one. Technical terms are fine when exact; slang and casual jargon are not. No emoticons.