Short or Long?

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   Ericdierkerposted 11 years ago

   I have some favorite hubbers but they tend to write quite lengthy hubs. Do not get me wrong, they are great writers and their hubs say a lot. I really like a lot of the responses to questions, but wish they would elaborate more. How do you strike a balance?

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      liftandsoarposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      I have the same reaction.  Hubpages suggests that the idea length is 1500 words.  Very few of mine reach that number.  Most are about 800 to a 1000 words.  Frankly, I'm inclined to read share other's hubs that are short and to the point.  And yet I notice that some of the best regarded hubbers write pretty lengthy pieces.  If it takes me more than a couple of minutes to read, I'm likely not to read it.  I'm eager to read what others answer to your post.  Just keep it short :-)

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         christopherantonposted 11 years agoin reply to this

         I think something that takes around ten minutes to read and does not have too many videos is just right for me.
         That's my preference for other people's hubs. I tend to give a bit more lalitude to the standards I set for my own efforts.

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         Ericdierkerposted 11 years agoin reply to this

         Really helpful insights

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      dannycarreyposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      I like to read short ones but on the other hand I'm trying to write at least 800 (my biggest one is around 1000 words) to be really insightful. To be honest I'm writing as long as possible to catch more and more long tail keywords

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         Ericdierkerposted 11 years agoin reply to this

         I had not thought of mastery of keywords by length. Excellent point and thanks for your honesty.

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      Junaid Ghaniposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Sir Eric, Kindly take a look on my hub and give me some suggestions. I joined about a week on hubpages.
      http://junaidghani.hubpages.com/hub/Rea … -5-minutes

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   rcrumpleposted 11 years ago

   Eric,
   The longest I've ever written was 1700 words, and that was an oddity.  Most of mine are in the 1200 word category.  Short paragraphs also help the reader as it breaks up the page view, as well as topic dividers, photos, and videos.  Appearance means a lot to some.  Long drawn out paragraphs are more than some can handle.  We have to remember that this is the Internet, where most scan, not a book where you sit back and relax while reading.  Good question!

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   The-Quietwarriorposted 11 years ago

   I think for me it really depends on what I'm doing and what I'm writing at the time. I've had stories I've written here that are 3200 words or more. That's because it took 3200 words to convey my idea. I have some  that are less than 800 words, but that's all I needed not to be mundane and confusing. Like now, this is all I need to say. I'm done.

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      Ericdierkerposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Quietwarrior. Your long one's are sometimes a pain. I set out to read them quick and end up reading them twice. I think you have made me late before;-)

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         The-Quietwarriorposted 11 years agoin reply to this

         Yep.. I've made myself late writing them too. Even so, as the writer, I felt good knowing I had gotten my point across to those who have the time to read them. I'm actually a freelance ghostwriter and I have to admit that "embellishment" may not be the right thing on here. Didn't mean to be a pain Ericdierker, just being me.

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            Ericdierkerposted 11 years agoin reply to this

            What a wonderful life, to be able to whine over such matters. As my daughter says, "I should get a little cheese to go with that whine". Thanks Quietwarrior.

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               The-Quietwarriorposted 11 years agoin reply to this

               I thought it was just an opinion..same as yours.. Sorry.. no problem from me..

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                  Ericdierkerposted 11 years agoin reply to this

                  Definitely it was I who whined :-)

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      Millionaire Tipsposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      I agree that hubs should convey the answers and then stop. I don't worry about word length, since it will differ depending on the topic. 
      
      However, most of my hubs are more than 500 words.  I figure that anything less would require some brilliant insight that isn't  elsewhere on the internet and would be copied quickly even then.  Otherwise, something that is that quick to explain has probably been explained a million times on the web.

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   petertebinposted 11 years ago

   Honestly it really depends on what you are writing about some times it might take more to get your point across while some points only need a few words. I try to keep most of mine between 400-800 long but I have gotten some that might be more but broken down in to sections. I am new at this and trying to make better hubs as I go!

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      Ericdierkerposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Thanks guy, I think that is just where I am at.

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   Dame Scribeposted 11 years ago

   I do my utmost best to keep mine short yet informative. I think a lot are in the 500 word range. I write down key points then put those into paragraphs. I realize that I struggle with putting it into 'story' format so busy with the facts I sometimes forget to add some fun

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      Ericdierkerposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      I think this is a great comment. All I can really say to it is "me too"

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