How to write a thought worth reading

Choose your kind of thought

Each kind has its own structure. Open one for a step-by-step outline, common mistakes and starter headlines.

Eight habits of thoughts that get read

Pick the right kind — and say it.
The label is the first promise you make to the reader.
Lead with the claim or the question.
Put the point in the first two sentences, not the last two.
Write a headline that says something.
8–160 characters. “Cities need a measurement standard before a climate plan” beats “Thoughts on cities”.
Show your evidence.
Link up to eight sources. Say how you know, not only what you think.
Say what you do not know.
Naming your uncertainty makes the rest more believable, not less.
Meet the best objection.
Answer the strongest argument against you, not the weakest.
Be as long as it needs to be.
Strong thoughts often run 300–1,200 words. The limit is 12,000 characters.
Add tags — and a horizon for forecasts.
Tags help people find it. A time horizon lets people judge it.