Placeholder phrases, visually resembling lengthy, skinny, and wavy objects, are sometimes employed in drafts or outlines to indicate areas the place extra detailed data or particular wording is required. As an example, a sentence may learn, “The chef expertly mixed the [long, thin, wavy object] with a savory sauce.” This permits writers to keep up the move of their work with out getting slowed down to find the proper phrasing at each step.
This method facilitates thought technology and group by enabling writers to give attention to the general construction and argument earlier than addressing particular particulars. It permits for versatile revisions and changes later within the writing course of. Related placeholder practices have seemingly been used informally for hundreds of years, although the precise terminology could fluctuate. Such methods contribute considerably to environment friendly and efficient writing practices throughout varied disciplines.
Understanding the operate and worth of those placeholders clarifies their function in content material creation and prepares the reader for a extra in-depth exploration of associated subjects, similar to outlining, drafting, and revision methods.
1. Short-term Placeholders
Short-term placeholders function the foundational idea behind phrases like “n o o d l e phrases.” The connection is one among operate and software. Placeholder phrases characterize the sensible implementation of the momentary placeholder idea inside a textual content. This idea hinges on the necessity to keep momentum in the course of the artistic course of. Inserting a placeholder permits writers to bypass the instant problem of discovering the exact wording, thereby preserving the move of concepts. For instance, in technical writing, one may use a placeholder like “[technical term]” to defer the insertion of complicated jargon till a later revision stage. This permits the author to give attention to explaining the idea clearly earlier than getting slowed down in technicalities. The placeholder acts as a reminder to revisit and refine the textual content later.
The good thing about utilizing momentary placeholders extends past particular person phrase selection. They’ll characterize complete sections of textual content, complicated concepts, and even narrative arcs. Think about a screenwriter outlining a movie: “[Action sequence]” serves as a placeholder, permitting them to construction the plot with out instantly choreographing each element. This method is particularly invaluable in collaborative writing environments, permitting a number of contributors to work concurrently with out hindering one another’s progress. Moreover, placeholders facilitate iterative improvement, as they are often revisited, refined, and changed because the challenge evolves. This flexibility proves invaluable for adapting to suggestions or new data.
Understanding the importance of momentary placeholders permits for a extra nuanced method to content material creation. The flexibility to defer particulars with out dropping sight of the bigger construction contributes considerably to effectivity and readability. Whereas challenges stay, similar to making certain placeholder decision and avoiding ambiguity, the general advantages of this system outweigh the potential drawbacks. This basic understanding is relevant throughout various writing disciplines, from technical documentation to artistic fiction, emphasizing its sensible worth.
2. Facilitate Concept Circulate
The idea of facilitating thought move is central to the utility of placeholder phrases like “n o o d l e phrases.” These phrases act as momentary substitutes for extra exact wording, permitting thought processes to proceed uninterrupted. This facilitation is essential for sustaining momentum throughout brainstorming, drafting, and outlining, stopping interruptions brought on by the seek for particular vocabulary.
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Lowered Cognitive Load
The first advantage of utilizing placeholders is the discount of cognitive load. As an alternative of diverting psychological sources to search out the proper phrase or phrase, writers can keep give attention to the general construction and improvement of their concepts. That is analogous to constructing a home body earlier than including the detailed finishes. The body represents the core construction, whereas placeholders characterize the areas designated for future refinement. This separation of duties permits for extra environment friendly use of cognitive sources.
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Enhanced Concept Technology
By lowering the stress to articulate concepts completely from the outset, placeholders encourage extra free-flowing thought. This creates an atmosphere conducive to exploration and experimentation. Writers can rapidly seize nascent ideas with out interrupting their prepare of thought. This speedy seize can result in a larger amount and variety of concepts, which may be refined and developed later. For instance, a novelist may jot down “[dramatic event]” as a placeholder, permitting them to proceed outlining the plot earlier than deciding on the precise occasion.
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Improved Continuity and Coherence
Placeholders contribute to sustaining continuity and coherence in writing. By permitting writers to bypass momentary blocks in vocabulary, they guarantee the general move of the textual content stays clean. This prevents the author from dropping observe of the central argument or narrative thread. That is significantly necessary in longer items of writing, the place sustaining focus over prolonged intervals is crucial. Think about a researcher outlining a scientific paper: “[supporting evidence]” acts as a placeholder, preserving the logical move of the argument whereas permitting for detailed analysis to be carried out later.
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Flexibility and Iterative Growth
The momentary nature of placeholders permits for flexibility and iterative improvement. Because the writing course of progresses, these placeholders may be revisited and changed with extra exact language. This permits for refinement and enchancment based mostly on additional analysis, reflection, or suggestions. This iterative method is essential for producing high-quality work, because it permits for steady enchancment all through the writing course of. This flexibility additionally advantages collaborative tasks, enabling changes based mostly on enter from a number of contributors.
These sides of facilitating thought move underscore the numerous contribution of placeholder phrases like “n o o d l e phrases” to efficient writing. By lowering cognitive load, enhancing thought technology, bettering continuity, and enabling flexibility, these phrases empower writers to give attention to the substance of their work, resulting in clearer, extra coherent, and finally extra impactful communication.
3. Streamline Drafting
Streamlining the drafting course of is a key advantage of utilizing placeholder phrases like “n o o d l e phrases.” This method permits writers to bypass the often-time-consuming seek for exact wording throughout preliminary drafts. This bypass creates a extra environment friendly workflow, enabling writers to keep up momentum and give attention to the general construction and move of their work. Contemplate a journalist drafting a information article: inserting “[relevant statistic]” permits them to finish the narrative with out interrupting their move to seek for the precise knowledge. This placeholder acts as a reminder to insert the information later, streamlining the preliminary drafting course of.
The effectivity gained by way of streamlining drafting contributes considerably to general productiveness. By deferring detailed phrase decisions, writers can produce preliminary drafts extra rapidly, liberating up time for subsequent revisions and refinements. That is significantly invaluable in deadline-driven environments, the place time administration is essential. Think about a software program developer writing documentation: utilizing “[function name]” as a placeholder permits them to clarify the general course of with out repeatedly trying up the exact operate identify. This considerably hurries up the documentation course of, permitting the developer to give attention to readability and accuracy.
In conclusion, streamlining drafting by way of using placeholder phrases like “n o o d l e phrases” is a invaluable method for enhancing writing effectivity. This method facilitates quicker preliminary draft creation, enabling writers to give attention to construction and move earlier than addressing particular wording. The resultant time financial savings permit for extra centered revisions, finally contributing to a extra productive and efficient writing course of. This method is especially helpful in fast-paced environments, the place assembly deadlines and sustaining momentum are essential. Whereas potential challenges exist, similar to making certain clear placeholder definitions and avoiding ambiguity, the general advantages of streamlining drafting by way of placeholders contribute considerably to improved writing practices.
4. Allow Versatile Revision
Versatile revision is intrinsically linked to using placeholder phrases like “n o o d l e phrases.” These phrases, by their momentary nature, facilitate adaptability all through the writing course of. This inherent flexibility stems from the convenience with which placeholders may be changed, refined, or eliminated with out disrupting the general construction of the textual content. Contemplate a authorized skilled drafting a contract: utilizing “[specific legal clause]” permits for changes based mostly on evolving negotiations with out requiring vital rewriting of surrounding sections. This adaptable method is essential for managing complicated paperwork with evolving necessities.
The flexibility to revise flexibly contributes considerably to the iterative nature of writing. Placeholders permit writers to experiment with totally different phrasing, discover different concepts, and incorporate suggestions extra successfully. For instance, an instructional writing a analysis paper may use “[citation needed]” as a placeholder, permitting them to give attention to growing the argument earlier than meticulously sourcing every reference. This separation of duties promotes a extra environment friendly workflow and permits for extra centered revisions. This iterative method, facilitated by placeholders, ends in extra polished and well-supported ultimate merchandise.
In abstract, placeholder phrases like “n o o d l e phrases” play an important function in enabling versatile revision. Their momentary nature facilitates adaptability and helps an iterative writing course of. This flexibility contributes to extra environment friendly workflows, permitting writers to experiment, refine, and incorporate suggestions successfully. Whereas potential challenges exist, similar to making certain constant placeholder utilization and avoiding ambiguity, the general advantage of enhanced flexibility considerably strengthens the argument for incorporating placeholder phrases into varied writing practices. This understanding promotes a extra dynamic and adaptable method to writing, finally resulting in increased high quality outcomes.
5. Help Structural Group
Structural group in writing advantages considerably from the strategic use of placeholder phrases like “n o o d l e phrases.” These phrases act as momentary markers, permitting writers to determine a framework earlier than populating it with particular particulars. This method facilitates a extra environment friendly and adaptable writing course of, significantly useful for complicated tasks or collaborative efforts. Understanding the connection between these placeholders and structural group is essential to maximizing their effectiveness.
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Framework Institution
Placeholders allow writers to determine a transparent framework or skeleton for his or her work earlier than delving into particular particulars. That is analogous to an architect designing the blueprint of a constructing earlier than specifying the supplies or inside design. For instance, in a analysis paper, utilizing “[research findings]” permits the author to construction the argument and supporting factors earlier than finishing the information evaluation. This separation of duties promotes a extra organized and logical move.
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Hierarchical Group
Placeholders facilitate hierarchical group inside a doc. Through the use of differing types or variations of placeholders, writers can denote totally different ranges of element or significance. As an example, “[main argument]” may characterize a main level, whereas “[supporting example]” signifies a subordinate component. This hierarchical construction enhances readability and navigation, significantly in longer paperwork.
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Adaptive Outlining
Placeholders allow adaptive outlining, permitting for flexibility in the course of the planning and drafting phases. Writers can simply rearrange sections, add new parts, or take away pointless elements with out vital rewriting. This adaptability is invaluable when incorporating suggestions or responding to evolving challenge necessities. For instance, a challenge supervisor making a proposal may use “[budget details]” as a placeholder, permitting for changes based mostly on consumer negotiations with out restructuring your complete proposal.
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Collaborative Writing
In collaborative writing environments, placeholders streamline workflows by enabling parallel improvement. A number of writers can work on totally different sections concurrently, utilizing placeholders to characterize sections but to be accomplished by others. This method improves effectivity and reduces dependencies, fostering a extra productive collaborative course of. For instance, a crew of software program builders writing code can use placeholders for features not but applied, permitting different crew members to proceed with their very own coding duties with out interruption.
These sides reveal the integral function placeholder phrases like “n o o d l e phrases” play in aiding structural group. By facilitating framework institution, hierarchical group, adaptive outlining, and collaborative writing, these phrases empower writers to method tasks with larger readability, effectivity, and flexibility. This organized method finally results in extra cohesive and impactful written communication.
6. Promote Environment friendly Writing
Environment friendly writing hinges on maximizing impression whereas minimizing effort. Placeholder phrases, exemplified by “n o o d l e phrases,” contribute considerably to this effectivity by streamlining varied phases of the writing course of. Their strategic use reduces cognitive load, improves focus, and facilitates a extra iterative and adaptable workflow. Understanding this connection is essential for optimizing writing practices and attaining optimum productiveness.
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Lowered Time Spent on Phrase Looking
Placeholder phrases alleviate the stress to search out the proper phrase or phrase throughout preliminary drafting. This permits writers to keep up momentum and give attention to the general construction and move of their work, moderately than getting slowed down in semantics. This discount in time spent looking for particular vocabulary interprets on to elevated writing effectivity. Contemplate a technical author documenting a fancy course of: utilizing “[parameter name]” as a placeholder permits them to clarify the steps with out interrupting their move to search for the precise parameter identify, thus saving invaluable time.
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Improved Deal with Content material Growth
By deferring detailed phrase decisions, writers can keep the next degree of give attention to content material improvement. This enhanced focus facilitates clearer articulation of complicated concepts and ensures the general message stays coherent. For instance, a novelist outlining a plot can use “[character motivation]” as a placeholder, permitting them to focus on the narrative arc earlier than delving into the precise motivations of every character. This separation of duties permits for a extra centered and environment friendly method to content material creation.
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Facilitated Iterative Refinement
The momentary nature of placeholders fosters an iterative method to writing. Writers can simply revisit and refine these placeholders as their understanding evolves or as they obtain suggestions. This flexibility promotes a extra dynamic writing course of and ends in increased high quality outputs. Think about a advertising and marketing crew drafting a marketing campaign slogan: utilizing “[target audience]” as a placeholder permits them to check totally different variations tailor-made to particular demographics with out rewriting your complete slogan every time. This iterative refinement course of, facilitated by placeholders, contributes considerably to writing effectivity.
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Enhanced Collaboration and Workflow
In collaborative writing situations, placeholders streamline workflows by enabling parallel improvement. Group members can work concurrently on totally different sections, utilizing placeholders to characterize incomplete components. This reduces dependencies and promotes a extra environment friendly collaborative course of. Contemplate a crew of researchers co-authoring a scientific paper: utilizing “[data analysis]” as a placeholder permits one researcher to put in writing the introduction whereas one other analyzes the information, thus selling a extra parallel and environment friendly workflow.
These sides reveal the clear connection between environment friendly writing practices and the strategic use of placeholder phrases. By lowering time spent on phrase looking out, bettering give attention to content material improvement, facilitating iterative refinement, and enhancing collaboration, these phrases contribute considerably to general writing effectivity. This understanding underscores the worth of incorporating such methods into various writing disciplines, from technical documentation to artistic writing, finally resulting in extra impactful and effectively produced written communication.
7. Much like Metasyntactic Variables
The idea of “n o o d l e phrases” in writing shares a placing resemblance to using metasyntactic variables in pc programming. Metasyntactic variables, similar to “foo” or “bar,” function placeholder names for variables or features, permitting programmers to give attention to construction and logic earlier than assigning particular values or functionalities. This parallel illuminates the underlying precept of abstraction and its software in each writing and coding. Inspecting this connection gives invaluable insights into the sensible advantages and broader implications of utilizing placeholder phrases in varied artistic and technical contexts.
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Shared Precept of Abstraction
Each “n o o d l e phrases” and metasyntactic variables embody the precept of abstraction. They characterize generalized ideas or placeholders for particular content material, permitting creators to work at the next degree of abstraction with out getting slowed down in particulars. This shared precept facilitates a extra environment friendly and iterative workflow, enabling each writers and programmers to give attention to the general construction and logic earlier than addressing particular parts. For instance, a author utilizing “[key concept]” is akin to a programmer utilizing “foo” as a variable identify; each characterize a placeholder for particular content material to be outlined later.
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Facilitating Structural Growth
Each methods facilitate structural improvement by enabling creators to determine a framework earlier than populating it with content material. In writing, “n o o d l e phrases” permit for outlining and structuring arguments earlier than selecting exact vocabulary. In programming, metasyntactic variables permit for outlining operate calls and relationships earlier than writing the precise code inside these features. This parallel method promotes a extra organized and environment friendly workflow in each domains. Contemplate a programmer defining a operate “process_data(foo, bar)”: the metasyntactic variables “foo” and “bar” characterize knowledge inputs, permitting the programmer to outline the operate’s construction earlier than specifying the precise knowledge to be processed.
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Enabling Iterative Refinement
Each “n o o d l e phrases” and metasyntactic variables assist iterative refinement. Writers can substitute “n o o d l e phrases” with extra exact language as their understanding evolves. Programmers can substitute metasyntactic variables with precise values or functionalities because the code develops. This iterative course of permits for flexibility and adaptation, enabling creators to refine their work incrementally. For instance, a programmer may initially use “foo” as a placeholder for an information construction, later changing it with a selected array or checklist as this system’s necessities grow to be clearer.
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Bettering Communication and Readability
Whereas seemingly easy, each methods contribute to improved communication and readability. In writing, “n o o d l e phrases” forestall writers from getting sidetracked by phrase selection throughout early drafts, permitting for a clearer presentation of the core message. In programming, metasyntactic variables present a constant and simply recognizable technique to characterize placeholder values, bettering code readability and lowering ambiguity. As an example, utilizing “foobar” persistently all through a codebase to characterize check knowledge enhances readability for anybody studying or sustaining that code.
The parallels between “n o o d l e phrases” and metasyntactic variables spotlight the significance of abstraction and placeholder methods in each writing and programming. These methods promote environment friendly workflows, facilitate structural improvement, allow iterative refinement, and finally contribute to clearer and simpler communication of their respective domains. Recognizing this shared precept gives invaluable insights into the broader applicability of placeholder methods throughout varied artistic and technical disciplines.
8. Improve Content material Creation
Placeholder phrases, like “n o o d l e phrases,” considerably improve content material creation by facilitating a extra fluid and environment friendly writing course of. This enhancement stems from their means to streamline thought technology, group, and refinement. By performing as momentary substitutes for extra exact wording, these placeholders free writers from the instant constraint of discovering the proper expression, permitting them to keep up momentum and give attention to the general construction and move of their work. That is analogous to a sculptor making a wireframe earlier than including clay; the wireframe represents the core construction, whereas placeholders characterize areas designated for future refinement. This separation of duties contributes to a extra centered and environment friendly content material creation course of. As an example, a journalist drafting a fancy article may use “[expert quote]” as a placeholder, enabling them to construction the narrative earlier than securing particular quotes from related consultants. This streamlines the preliminary drafting course of and permits for extra centered analysis later.
This method fosters a extra iterative and adaptable content material creation course of. The momentary nature of placeholders permits writers to experiment with totally different phrasing, rearrange sections, and incorporate suggestions extra successfully. This flexibility is essential for growing complicated arguments or narratives, the place a number of revisions and refinements are sometimes vital. Moreover, placeholders can enhance collaboration in team-based writing tasks. Through the use of placeholders for sections assigned to totally different crew members, writers can work concurrently with out hindering one another’s progress. This parallel workflow, enabled by placeholders, considerably enhances content material creation effectivity. Contemplate a crew of textbook authors: utilizing “[chapter 3]” as a placeholder permits different authors to reference and hyperlink to that chapter earlier than its completion, fostering a extra collaborative and environment friendly writing course of.
In conclusion, the strategic use of placeholder phrases like “n o o d l e phrases” demonstrably enhances content material creation. By facilitating a extra fluid, iterative, and collaborative workflow, these placeholders contribute to elevated effectivity and improved high quality within the writing course of. Whereas potential challenges exist, similar to making certain clear placeholder definitions and managing their decision, the general advantages of this system considerably outweigh the drawbacks. This understanding highlights the sensible significance of integrating placeholder methods into various writing disciplines, finally empowering writers to create simpler and impactful content material.
Continuously Requested Questions
This part addresses widespread inquiries relating to using placeholder phrases in writing, clarifying their function, advantages, and potential challenges.
Query 1: Do placeholder phrases hinder readability in the course of the writing course of?
Whereas extreme or unclear placeholders can create confusion, even handed use enhances readability by permitting writers to give attention to construction and move earlier than addressing particular wording. This separation of duties finally contributes to a extra coherent ultimate product.
Query 2: Are placeholder phrases appropriate for every type of writing?
Their adaptability makes them invaluable throughout various writing genres, from technical documentation to artistic fiction. The precise terminology may fluctuate, however the underlying precept of utilizing momentary placeholders stays efficient.
Query 3: How does one guarantee placeholders are successfully resolved in the course of the revision course of?
Establishing a transparent system for monitoring and resolving placeholders is essential. This may contain utilizing a selected notation, similar to brackets or highlighting, mixed with a scientific assessment course of to make sure all placeholders are addressed earlier than finalizing the doc.
Query 4: Can overuse of placeholders grow to be counterproductive?
Extreme reliance on placeholders can result in a fragmented and incomplete draft, hindering the general move and coherence. A balanced method, utilizing placeholders strategically for particular functions, is really helpful.
Query 5: How do placeholder phrases differ from merely leaving sections clean?
Placeholders function energetic reminders of meant content material, guiding subsequent revisions. Leaving sections clean gives no such steerage and may simply be neglected. Placeholders actively contribute to the structural group and planning of the writing course of.
Query 6: Are there particular software program instruments or methods that facilitate placeholder administration?
Numerous writing software program and challenge administration instruments supply options for monitoring and managing feedback or annotations, which may be tailored for placeholder administration. Moreover, particular notation conventions and systematic assessment processes contribute considerably to efficient placeholder decision.
Placeholder phrases supply vital advantages for writers throughout varied disciplines. Understanding their function, software, and potential challenges is essential for maximizing their effectiveness and selling environment friendly and impactful writing practices.
The next part will delve into sensible examples and case research illustrating the efficient implementation of placeholder phrases in various writing situations.
Sensible Suggestions for Using Placeholder Phrases
This part presents sensible steerage on successfully integrating placeholder phrases into the writing course of. The following pointers purpose to maximise the advantages of placeholders whereas mitigating potential drawbacks.
Tip 1: Outline a Clear Placeholder Conference: Set up a constant notation for placeholders, similar to brackets (e.g., “[research data]”), distinctive symbols (e.g., “placeholder”), or descriptive key phrases (e.g., “TK – insert picture”). Consistency aids recognition and administration.
Tip 2: Categorize Placeholders for Particular Functions: Differentiate placeholders based mostly on their meant content material. For instance, “[citation needed]” for lacking references, “[further explanation]” for sections requiring elaboration, and “[data analysis]” for pending analysis outcomes. Categorization improves group and facilitates focused revisions.
Tip 3: Combine Placeholders into Outlining and Drafting: Incorporate placeholders from the preliminary outlining stage. This establishes a transparent construction and permits for centered content material improvement with out interrupting the move to seek for particular particulars.
Tip 4: Make the most of Placeholder Administration Instruments: Leverage options in writing software program or challenge administration instruments to trace and handle placeholders. Feedback, annotations, or specialised plugins can facilitate environment friendly placeholder decision.
Tip 5: Conduct Systematic Placeholder Critiques: Implement a scientific assessment course of to make sure all placeholders are addressed earlier than finalizing the doc. This may contain devoted assessment periods or checklist-driven revisions.
Tip 6: Keep away from Overuse and Ambiguity: Use placeholders strategically. Extreme use can result in a fragmented and incomplete draft. Guarantee placeholder meanings are clear to keep away from confusion throughout later revisions.
Tip 7: Adapt Placeholder Methods to Particular Writing Contexts: Tailor placeholder conventions and administration methods to the precise writing job. The optimum method could fluctuate relying on the complexity, size, and collaborative nature of the challenge.
By adhering to those sensible ideas, writers can harness the complete potential of placeholder phrases, enhancing effectivity, group, and finally, the standard of their written work.
The next conclusion will synthesize the important thing takeaways and underscore the sensible significance of integrating placeholder phrases into various writing practices.
Conclusion
Placeholder phrases, visually represented by the instance “n o o d l e phrases,” function invaluable instruments inside the writing course of. Evaluation reveals their operate as momentary markers for future content material, facilitating thought move, streamlining drafting, enabling versatile revision, aiding structural group, and selling environment friendly writing. The parallels drawn between these phrases and metasyntactic variables in programming spotlight the shared precept of abstraction and its software throughout various artistic and technical fields. The exploration of advantages underscores their contribution to enhanced content material creation by way of improved workflow, iterative refinement, and collaborative writing practices.
The strategic implementation of placeholder phrases presents vital potential for enhancing writing practices throughout varied disciplines. Writers are inspired to discover and adapt these methods to optimize their particular person writing processes, fostering larger effectivity, readability, and general impression of their written communication. Additional analysis into the cognitive advantages and sensible purposes of placeholder phrases guarantees to refine understanding and unlock extra potential for optimizing written communication methods.
