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This is the problem with a lot of longform essay writing. It takes so long to get to the point that unless you wholeheartedly agree from the start you end up skimming. This is why the abstract was invented. I didn't read this article because there is no abstract, and the introduction is obtuse. I have better things to do with my time and brainpower

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I agree. This is very frustrating and shows a lack of respect for the reader (not picking on this article, there are many worse examples). I'm not sure it's a necessary part of "longform" medium. One just needs to put their damn point in the first paragraph.

I upvoted purely because you used the term "abstract", like an adult. Rare form around here.

I don't see that term being abused very much. Is there an endemic of people using the term "abstract" like a child that I'm unaware of?

I suspect that there is a tendency for people to use the term "tl;dr" when what they're looking for is "abstract". But I don't know if that's what EliRivers had in mind.

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