How do you get to write so well in HN? • Hacker News Board

Re: How do you get to write so well in HN?

#11

Post by izolate » Thu, Oct 30, 2014, 4:16 PM UTC

I'm glad I'm not alone in noticing this. The level of discourse on HN is step beyond any other site I frequent. I don't go a single day without being impressed by somebody's diction.

Some of you have a knack for articulating my inner thoughts with far more eloquence than I ever could.

Re: How do you get to write so well in HN?

#12

Post by spindritf » Thu, Oct 30, 2014, 4:18 PM UTC

English is my second language and posting a comment on HN takes me five rewrites before clicking "add comment" and two+ edits after. Even then they don't necessarily come out all that clear judging by some of the responses I get.

Maybe start a blog in English or hang out in IRC channels related to your interests?

Re: How do you get to write so well in HN?

#13

Post by baby » Thu, Oct 30, 2014, 4:19 PM UTC

Try to write more. I think I have the same struggle as you and I've seen improvements when I started writing everyday. There is an application for that: 750words.com (which only gives you a 30days trial but it's a good way to start! I've made my own application like this (3pages.fr) it's free but it's in french :))

Re: How do you get to write so well in HN?

#14

Post by zaphar » Thu, Oct 30, 2014, 4:21 PM UTC

There are two things that helped me when getting better at writing.

1. Reading other good writing. 2. Practicing writing.

The first one is pretty self explanatory. Just read good writing and analyze the patterns they use to express themselves.

The second involves practicing the art of writing. When I write, even on a site like HN, I take my time.

The first draft is a throwaway. I just dump what's in my head on the screen or paper.

Then I "refactor" it. I add organization to the thoughts and concepts and then I ruthlessly cut anything not crucial to what I want to express.

I have a last step I use when It's a blog post or article. I use an "editor" usually my wife who looks it over misspellings, grammar, or confusing content. I don't usually do that for HN though since it's a more informal medium.

Re: How do you get to write so well in HN?

#15

Post by tomc1985 » Thu, Oct 30, 2014, 4:23 PM UTC

I've found that reading everything I can, and then writing lots of random things, helped my writing the most

Re: How do you get to write so well in HN?

#16

Post by tokenadult » Thu, Oct 30, 2014, 4:24 PM UTC

toomuchtodo wrote: post #8

tokenadult wrote: post #2

In reply, I say bravo for trying to become a better writer. And if English is not your native language, don't become discouraged too soon if your progress seems slow at first. I've been very impressed by the English writing here of some people who plainly grew up speaking some other language in a non-English-speaking country. Keep practicing, and you will become better. For specific writing advice, I recommend the ne…

This is a phenomenal reply tokenadult. Would you be willing to reply to the same question if I post it in http://writers.stackexchange.com/ ?

I'd have to register an account over there, but I could get ready for that while you post the question. Thanks for the suggestion.

AFTER EDIT: I'm registered on Stack Exchange now. I refer in my user profile there to my Hacker News user I.D.

Re: How do you get to write so well in HN?

#17

Post by Igglyboo » Thu, Oct 30, 2014, 4:24 PM UTC

Native english speaker here, I have the same problem. I can express my ideas clearly in my head and when talking to people but my writing is just terrible IMO. I feel like I'm not taken seriously some of the time because my writing is bad even though my content is not.

Re: How do you get to write so well in HN?

#18

Post by tokenadult » Thu, Oct 30, 2014, 4:26 PM UTC

spindritf wrote: post #12

English is my second language and posting a comment on HN takes me five rewrites before clicking "add comment" and two+ edits after. Even then they don't necessarily come out all that clear judging by some of the responses I get. Maybe start a blog in English or hang out in IRC channels related to your interests?

I had no idea that English is your second language. I am impressed. I've upvoted a lot of your comments since I first started seeing them, so your writing method seems to work.

Re: How do you get to write so well in HN?

#19

Post by minimaxir » Thu, Oct 30, 2014, 4:31 PM UTC

izolate wrote: post #11

I'm glad I'm not alone in noticing this. The level of discourse on HN is step beyond any other site I frequent. I don't go a single day without being impressed by somebody's diction. Some of you have a knack for articulating my inner thoughts with far more eloquence than I ever could.

It's also worth noting that the level of discourse is higher because low-quality content (e.g. Reddit-level puns) is appropriately dismissed.

Re: How do you get to write so well in HN?

#20

Post by danso » Thu, Oct 30, 2014, 4:31 PM UTC

My main profession has been a writer...and since joining HN, I've probably written 10x more words on these comment boards than for any other forum or published medium. I can't say that I'm actively trying to practice...but discussion here is (usually) so enjoyable that it's easy to get in the habit...just like playing recreational soccer for fun can often be a better way to get in shape than a dedicated running regimen.

If English and writing is not something you've been able to devote yourself to, I would recommend something in addition to frequent commenting: pick up a copy of "The Elements of Style" (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Elements_of_Style) and as you write comments on HN (or blog posts)...pick a rule in Elements of Style and focus on the technique mentioned. For example, rule 12, Prefer the specific to the general, the definite to the vague, the concrete to the abstract.

e.g. "He showed satisfaction as he took possession of his well-earned reward" versus "He grinned as he pocketed the coin".

Look over your comment and revise it according to the technique. Rinse, repeat, etc.

Elements of Style is an old book, but I still find it to be great advice. I've thought about making such a book for programming in a high level language (I know such a book exists for C/C++)...because good style can really influence good function.

Also, assuming that you're using a throwaway profile for this comment, make a profile with your real name and identity. This has been discussed on HN before, but being accountable to your identity is a nice push to make you even more attentive to your quality of writing.