Ask HN: Past submission about the importance of the introduction to an article

1 points by shakil 6y ago ↗ HN

I recall reading a post that showed how the introduction to an article or proposal, even though very generic and bland, was key to ensuring the reader agreed with the conclusion of the article or approved whatever was being proposed. Cant seem to find that submission anymore.

Does anyone else remember reading something like this? Appreciate if you could share the link

3 comments

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goohex 6y ago ↗

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inverted_pyramid_(journalism)

shakil 6y ago ↗

Thanks, but not the one I'm looking for. Its from a few years ago, made it to the top of HN and had lots of comments to go with it.

The reason I remember it is because there was an implication of influencing the subconscious somehow. The first few lines didn't seem to be very pointed or hard hitting or driving a conclusion, but were terribly important in influencing the outcome for the person reading the article.

shakil 6y ago ↗

Ok found it. Its from 2013 so no wonder cannot find it anymore, its gone from the internet but still available on the Internet Archive. The title is "How to write an opening sentence"

https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=5060076 https://web.archive.org/web/20130116141857/http://asserttrue...