Think Tank Watch reads through thousands of think tank papers each year so you don't have to, but what about everybody else?
Axios reminds us why so few think tank papers are read:
- Only 5% of readers make it to the end of a typical 800-word piece.
- Over 80% stop reading before they finish the first page.
- 60% to 80% of those who stay will scan - but not read - the information in front of them.
For the record, an 800-word piece is roughly 1.6 pages single-spaced or 3.2 pages double-spaced.
Conclusion: Nobody reads long pieces so keep in short.