Indexical Banana

Something I'm trying to figure out: when writers define niche terms in their prose, rather than just using those terms unapologetically, do they grow their readership or shrink it?

On the one hand, niche terms are shortcuts to higher-level ideas. If you're never willing to take those shortcuts, some readers will find that your writing is too low-density. By using niche terms, you show that you're willing to confuse some readers so that fewer will be bored.

On the other hand, if your readers can't understand you, soon they'll stop coming back for more. By defining your niche terms, or avoiding them altogether, you show that you're willing to bore some readers so that fewer will be confused.

It goes against my core to say this, but I'm coming around to the idea that boring your readers is sometimes a greater sin than confusing them. Especially on the internet. Don't bother trying to teach people your language. Find those who already speak it.https://twitter.com/davidklaing/status/1215785644510703617 …