Not Everyone’s Jam — But This Might Be Yours

Have I got a treat for you. Not just the shortbread cookies in the photo, though it’s festive and tempting. I’m talking about this post. It’s built for the way you actually read.

 

Let me be honest. I find most blog posts are too long. They ramble. They repeat. They bury the good stuff under layers of fluff.

 

You skim. You scroll. You hunt for the payoff.

 

And if it doesn’t come fast enough, you’re gone.

 

That habit shapes how I write and how I connect with readers who value clarity over clutter.

 

 

Short and Sweet vs Long and Deep

There’s a debate in online marketing circles: Should content be brief and punchy, or long and detailed?

 

The truth is, both styles have their place. But I believe the way people read today has changed. We’re not sitting down with a cup of tea and a printed newsletter.

 

We’re checking our phones between errands. We’re scanning for meaning while juggling distractions.

 

Attention comes in bursts. Clarity wins over volume. And purpose matters more than length.

 

 

Why I Lean Short

I keep coming back to short-form content…not because it’s easier, but because it respects the reader’s time.

 

When I write short posts, I’m forced to focus. I have to choose one idea, one decision, one action. That discipline makes the message stick.

 

Short posts are perfect for answering a single question, sparking a reply, or earning a click. They don’t pretend to be encyclopedias.

 

They’re conversation starters, not lectures.

 

And let’s be real: most readers don’t read every word. They scan the intro. They glance at the end.

If something grabs them, they scroll back. That’s how I read too.

 

 

When Long Content Works

Now, I’m not dismissing long-form writing. Some affiliates swear by it…and for good reason.

 

Search engines reward depth. Detailed guides attract backlinks.

 

And if you’ve read any of the sales letters out there, they need space to persuade. Long content shines when the reader arrives hungry for answers. Think tutorials, case studies, or evergreen reference posts. These are the slow-cooked meals of online marketing…rich, layered, and satisfying.

 

But they only work when the reader is ready to invest time. If they’re distracted or overwhelmed, long posts feel like homework.

 

 

The Real Issue Isn’t Length

Here’s the trap: people confuse word count with value.

 

A 3,000-word post can say absolutely nothing. And a 600-word post can shift your perspective. The difference isn’t in the length. It’s in the intent.

 

Good writing serves a purpose. It helps the reader move forward. It doesn’t just fill space.

 

 

My Filter for Choosing Length

When I sit down to write, I ask myself three things:

• Is this about one idea? Then I keep it short.
• Is the reader making one decision? Then I make it clear.
• Is there one action I want them to take? Then I make it obvious.

 

If the message needs more words to help you act, I’ll use them. If not, I won’t.

 

That’s not laziness. It’s respect.

 

 

What This Means for Affiliates

If you’re building an online business, especially as a semi-retired Canadian, you don’t need to copy the big-name marketers with their endless scrolls and fancy funnels.

 

You need to match how your reader reads.

 

Ask yourself:

• Are they learning something new?
• Are they deciding whether to trust you?
• Are they already overwhelmed?

 

Short content lowers friction. It makes the next step feel doable.

 

And in a world full of noise, that matters.

 

 

My Stance

I build trust with clarity.

 

That means short blog posts, focused emails, and straight talk. Long posts have their place, especially when teaching or persuading. And I think that type of content is better delivered over – say a YouTube video – which I also create from time to time.

 

But they’re not my default.

 

I’d rather be the shortbread cookie than the fruitcake.

 

Sweet, simple, and gone before you know it.

 

 

Your Turn

Think about how you read online. Do you devour every word? Or do you scan for meaning?

 

That answer tells you how long your content should be. And if you liked the rhythm of this post…if it felt like a conversation, not a chore ..then you’ll love the kind of emails I send and you should get on my list.

 

They’re short. They’re purposeful. And they’re built for Canadians 50+ who want more freedom, clarity, and joy in semi-retirement.

 

👉 SoapboxBob.com — where the perfect time is now.