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Changing The Way We Read
August 19th, 2009
by John R. Sedivy
Recently I have noticed a trend among books I am reading – at least the good ones. They are unconventional, not just in material, but in the format of the book itself, both outside and inside. Here are a few examples:
1. Meatball Sundae by Seth Godin
2. The Open Brand by Kelly Mooney and Dr. Nita Rollins
3. World Wide Rave by David Meerman Scott
What makes these books so different? For starters the size. These books are all smaller than ordinary books – not just length of the book itself but the overall dimensions.
Second, each of these books is conversational – similar to a blog. It’s as if the author is having a conversation with the reader and not merely passing along knowledge.
Third, the information is presented in a piecemeal format – again similar to a blog. Rather than long droning paragraphs, the information is provided in bits and pieces. This allows the reader to either quickly scan the page or read in-depth.
Consider the following statement from Seth Godin in “Meatball Sundae:”
“The Internet has taught us all to read paragraphs, not chapters, to look for quick hits of insight and then to surf on.”
I have read three of Seth Godin’s books so far, and each more or less supports this format. This is why his books are so easy to read. They are enjoyable yet packed with value.
The other books I had mentioned “World Wide Rave” and “The Open Brand” each contain chapters, yet they are formatted in a manner as to allow for “quick hits of insight and then to surf on.” Personally I like the chapter format as it allows for a convenient stopping point – however I love the new direction that the Internet is taking books.
This new breed of book is nice because not only are they easy to read, but they are not intimidating. I think back to how often I would stare at a book on my desk that I actually wanted to read – however the 300 – 500 page thickness and bland presentation would delay me from starting. I am more than intelligent enough to comprehend the material, however many times I would just not have the energy to dig in as I knew it would take some time and energy.
This is what is truly amazing abut the new writing style brought about by the Internet. It’s easy, not intimidating, fun, all without sacrificing value.
At first I did not realize it was truly a new style – however Seth Godin’s statement referenced above tuned me into this – and he is absolutely right. How many times have you abandoned an Internet news article that has gone beyond one page?
-John R. Sedivy of Cape Cod Branding
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2 Responses to “Changing The Way We Read”
I love Seth Godin and his speeches and DM Scott. Though I have only read 1.5 of their books. I really need to finish DM Scott’s book. Maybe because the internet is making us come to terms with the REALISTIC style of writing and changing the way business is done.
I watched a presentation by Seth Godin last night and I was impressed by what he had to say. The fact is everyone is creating more and more stuff and you need to compete with it. You need to make your stuff less complicated or more creative then the next person. You need to become the influencer and target your niche because you will be competing with everyone else for mediocrity and the only people who stand out are the people on the edges.
I totally believe this. Sports are based on this you can take the Detroit Red Wings who have known to be leaders and the Detroit Lions who have been to known to be losers and the only reason why these two teams stand out is because they are on the edges.
The way of thinking has been changed by technology and by the GEN X. We as a generation have adapted to changing technology and maybe books have changed in the process?
Great post.
Hi Jamie – Thanks for reading and commenting! Given your interest in Seth Godin’s work I thought I would remind you that I am giving away a copy of “The Dip” to a random commenter. Just stop by and read and comment on my article “The Entrepreneurial U” (http://capecodbranding.com/blog/2009/08/15/the-entrepreneurial-u/) by Saturday, August 22nd at 8 PM EST to be eligible.
-John