Why Do TLDRs Belong at the Bottom of Long Texts?

TLDR: TLDR, an acronym for Too Long Didn’t Read, is an Internet slang used to alert readers that a piece of text or a post is too lengthy and may not be worth their time. It's commonly placed at the bottom of long texts to give readers a quick summary. This practice is particularly useful for content optimization and improving user engagement.

The Purpose and Usage of TLDR

TLDR is an Internet slang or idomatic signifier designed to inform other users about the content's readability. Unlike an abstract or summary, a TLDR serves a more direct purpose: it lets users know the gist of a long text in a concise manner. Typically, a TLDR is placed at the top of a post or message to spare readers from having to sift through a lengthy piece of text. This practice is especially useful when you want to provide a quick summary of a post, article, or discussion.

How TLDRs Function as Summaries

TLDRs are similar to abstracts in academic writings, providing a brief overview of the longer text or its hyperlink. For example:

Actual text is here: Magna Carta - Wikipedia

TLDR: This is the gist of it:

Magna Carta 1215 was a peace treaty and not a charter of rights for everybody. It sets out stratified rights for various classes of people in society at the time. It was repudiated by both signatory parties just 10 weeks after signing.

This format helps readers decide whether they want to invest their time in reading the full text or move on to another piece of content. Placing the TLDR at the bottom of a text can be particularly effective because it ensures that readers are aware of the summary after they have fully read the content.

Reasons for Placing TLDRs at the Bottom

Several reasons explain why TLDRs are often placed at the bottom of long texts:

Intimidation: A wall of text can be intimidating for readers, and a TLDR at the top can help alleviate this issue. Time Management: Many users have limited time and may only want a quick summary rather than the full text. Attention Span: Modern readers often have short attention spans, and a TLDR can help capture their interest and decide if the full text is worth their time. Sites Like Quora: On platforms like Quora, long posts are discouraged, and TLDRs are often used to summarize the key points in a concise manner. This practice aligns with the platform's content policies and user expectations.

SEO Optimization and TLDR

From an SEO optimization standpoint, placing a TLDR at the bottom of a long text can be beneficial. It helps search engines understand the content of a page more efficiently and can improve the overall readability of the text for users. Search engines often prioritize quick, easily digestible information, and a TLDR can serve as a summary that meets this requirement.

Additionally, a well-placed TLDR can increase the likelihood of a user staying on the page longer, which can positively impact the page's bounce rate and dwell time. Both of these metrics are important for SEO, as they are used by search engines to determine the quality and relevance of a website's content.

Conclusion

TLDRs are a useful tool for content creators, especially when dealing with long texts. By placing a TLDR at the bottom of a text, you can ensure that readers are aware of the summary and can decide whether to invest their time in reading the full content. This practice not only improves user engagement but also enhances SEO optimization, making it a win-win strategy for both content creators and readers.