Top Ten Reason’s “Top 10 Lists” Suck.

Posted by on August 25, 2008 at 9:23 am.

The Top Ten Reason’s “Top 10 Lists” Suck.

10.) They are usually numbered in ascending rather than descending order.
9.) There is a misconception that a Top 10 list is backed by research, or is written by someone who is an authority on the subject.
8.) 74% of all lists utilize fabricated or false statistical statements.
7.) They lend themselves to irritating mutant variations like: “The Top 14 reasons to…”
6.) People create Top 10 lists thinking it will drive visitor traffic to their site.
5.) More often than not, there are only 2-3 good items surrounded by 7 other “filler” ones.
4.) They lack cynical sarcasm and/or dark humor.
3.) Most are written by people who are too lazy to write good content.
2.) People use them as self-serving, promotional tools.
1.) They clearly infringe upon my patent-pending 5-point Commenting System found at www.junkdrawerblog.com

  • http://maniaravings.com Jaffer

    5.) I love top ten lists – they are fun to read. Research says so !
    4.) I like five-point commenting as well – there are 5 other reasons why get right to the point.
    3.) You and I became friends by fighting over rights to the 5 point commenting on Kathy's blog.
    4.) You won.
    5.)I forgot what in order this list was supposed to start.

  • http://growthumbles.blogspot.com Curtis

    Thats a good Top Ten List there! :) I like #3 and use it alot.

  • http://www.geakz.com Geakz

    Hi Curtis and Jaffer. Sorry for the delay in my response…Disqus is now blocked at work, so I can't catch up on replies until I'm home.
    I think Jaffer is in a time continuum warp with his numbering. Tis true, Jaffer and I are now inseparable due to comment organizational standards I imposed upon myself at Kathy's blog. Curtis, thanks for the words. I hope you look at Top 10 Lists in a different light now.

  • http://www.junkdrawerblog.com Kathy

    I do like me a good Top 10 list and they're harder to write well than most people think. It's because of #5. But I guess a Top 3 List doesn't sound so enticing, does it?

    How's that patent coming along?

    • http://www.geakz.com Geakz

      Top 3 list? Do I smell… PATENT??

  • http://thesnackhound.com TheSnackHound

    I like “Top 2″ lists. It is more of a couplet than a real list, and indecisive people to have an inner wrestling match. You just don't get that with a top 10 list.

    But seriously, because of Letterman, people expect the #1 in the list to be sort of lame and the #2 or #3 really being the best reason

    • http://www.geakz.com Geakz

      Hey Snackster! Thanks for dropping a comment in the bucket. I like the Top 2 idea. Maybe a top 1 list? Minimalism at its best. I thought Letterman invented the top 10 list. But I could be wrong. Blog on!

  • http://www.furiousfrank.com/ Frank N. Stein

    Lol. Guilty of #3 myself. I'm a horrible writer so I rely on things like Top X lists to relay my otherwise undecipherable messages.

  • http://www.geakz.com Geakz

    Hey Furious, I like your honesty! Thanks for dropping in again.