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Journalism Quote by Eric S. Raymond

“One thing I understood from the beginning is that the press almost completely tunes out abstractions. They won’t write about ideas without larger-than-life personalities fronting them. Everything has to be story, drama, conflict, sound bites. Otherwise, most reporters will simply go to sleep — and…” quote by Eric S. Raymond
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““One thing I understood from the beginning is that the press almost completely tunes out abstractions. They won’t write about ideas without larger-than-life personalities fronting them. Everything has to be story, drama, conflict, sound bites. Otherwise, most reporters will simply go to sleep — and even if they don’t, their editors will.””

Eric S. Raymond

About This Quote

Source Interview: The Cathedral and the Bazaar, 1999

The press prefers vivid personalities and drama over abstract ideas, so pure concepts rarely get coverage.

In simple terms: Media favors stories over ideas.

Key Takeaway

Make ideas compelling with narratives.

Themes

media communication storytelling

Mood

critical analytical

Type

observational commentary

When to use this quote

  • press releases
  • policy briefs
  • academic outreach
  • marketing campaigns

Key Concepts

journalism abstraction attention span

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can abstract concepts be framed as stories?
  • What narrative techniques engage journalists?
A Different Perspective

Complex ideas may still be ignored without sensational hooks.

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