You have the 10 best of this, the five most important of that, the 25 essentials of the other thing.

I understand why there are so many lists out there. They’re easy to create and share. They offer fast insights at a glance. They’re actionable and can drive traffic. They’re good for SEO.

I get all that.

But lately, I’ve found there’s an overabundance of lists for those very reasons noted above.

Some are really good and offer value. But like infographics, the general quality of lists seems to be decreasing in direct proportion to the volume produced. 

Or maybe my standards are just getting higher.

So at the risk of adding to the clutter, here’s one more list from me – listing the reasons I’m getting tired of lists:

1. Too many are dashed off without enough research, work and forethought (and yes, this might be an example 🙂 ).

2. They could use more curation. When I see 30 of something, I wonder why people don’t use their editorial skills and make some tough choices.

3. They’re too disposable – the junk food of content. A half-hour after you’ve consumed one, you’re hungry for another.

4. They should be done by five suggestions (or at most a Letterman-style top 10). That’s why I’m stopping at four.

I’m not giving up on lists completely and certainly not my to do or wish lists. But it’s going to take more than a zippily numbered headline to make me pay attention and share.

What do you think? Feel free to start another list pro or con in the comments.

 

About Martin Waxman


Martin Waxman, MCM, is a digital communications strategist. He conducts AI research, leads digital and social media training workshops and speaks at events across North America. He's co-founder of two PR agencies, president of a consultancy and has worked in the industry for nearly 30 years. Martin is a LinkedIn Learning instructor, teaches digital strategy and social media at McMaster University, the Schulich School of Business, University of Toronto SCS and Seneca College. He's a member of the Institute for Public Relations Digital Media Research Center and a past-chair of PRSA Counselors Academy. He has a Master of Communications Management (MCM) from McMaster-Syracuse Universities.