The Future of Good Writing

The essence of good writing lies not in its form but in how well it serves its intended purpose.

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The definition of good writing has always been subjective, shifting with cultural norms, technological advances, and the purpose of the medium. In today’s online landscape, the rise of platforms like Medium often promotes the idea that good writing must be experiential and unique, offering fresh perspectives born out of personal narratives. While this ideal is appealing, it fails to encompass the full spectrum of writing that exists across academic, technical, and knowledge-based domains.

For instance, academic writing, bound by conventions of clarity and rigor, often avoids personal anecdotes or novel stylistic flourishes. Its primary objective is not self-expression but the precise communication of ideas, often relying on established knowledge. Similarly, knowledge-based pieces, such as manuals, research summaries, or explanatory articles, may not present groundbreaking perspectives but are invaluable for their ability to articulate complex information in an accessible manner.

On the other hand, personal writing — be it essays or even diaries — thrives on experience and introspection. Yet not all personal…