I've rec'd this before. This book isn't about style or strategy. It's a rumination on what makes a strong sentences and instructs through how its written. Genuinely a pleasure to read.
My other rec is to read what you want to write. That is the best teacher.
Related Recs
This may be more than you're looking for. But this is a great book on writing that doesn't read like a book about writing. It teaches by example.
The real rec is to read things in the style you would like to write. Learn through exposure.
Mar 14, 2024
This book resonates with me because of its no-nonsense insights into creativity and perseverance.
Sep 25, 2024
āŖļø
Cute & pithy subversion of āwherever you go, there you areā, the mantra that basically ruled my life for three years. Gave me recognition of agency that I sorely needed when surrendering myself to my circumstances and making peace with everything just wasnāt cutting it.
Happens to be the title of a short essay from All Things Are Too Small by Becca Rothfeld, an essay collection that turned me upside down, held me by the ankle, and shook me until a whole bunch of unquestioned Goods fell right out of my worldview, including (the subject of this essay!!) western meditation and the self control in pursuit of indifference that is its ultimate stated aim.
This essay in particular I think goes on for a little too long but hey!! Excess and indulgence in all things sex and love and thought and beauty and worldly items - each are handled completely separately and thoughtfully and wittily and I canāt blame her for making the words and passages themselves as lush and voluminous as their subjects reportedly ought to be. If you read it (I hope you do!!!) itāll change the way and depth in which you think about Something and it wonāt even be the thing you expect
Aug 8, 2024
Top Recs from @lucius
Alright y'all, standards have gotten a little lax around here and rec quality has taken a dip (I'm including myself in this). Here are some pointers for High Rec Standards.
ANATOMY OF A REC:
TITLEāThis is the rec or recommendations. This is NOT a lead in. Type exactly what you're recommending here. What appears in the Title should finish this sentence, "I recommend _____."
BODYāThis supports the rec and anything goes. Supporting statements, supporting essays, additional recs, you can get silly, you can pontificate. You can do anything you want. Except putting the main rec down here. Where does it go? That's right. In the Title š
IMAGEāNo rules. Add one to preference. It can be relevant or a non sequitur.
LINKāI highly recommend links but it's not as important as the Title or Body. If you are recommending something that has an online presence (music, movies, websites, products, etc.), Piffies want to click on it immediately. Don't make us google. Be kind a leave a link.
EMOJIāNo rules. Express yourself.
ANTI-RECS:
They exist and they are valid recs. "Anti-Rec: _____" clearly communicates this is something best avoided. But a better way format this type of Rec is to use a modifier or verb that flows with "I recommend _____." Ex. I recommend... Not Eating Tacks, Avoiding Area X, Leaving Off the Anchovies, etc.ā(Formatting Anti-Recs this way first recommended by tyler the Creator)
ANATOMY OF AN ASK:
TITLEāThis is the question or topic of the Ask. Asks can solicit advice or start a discussion. You have some flexibility here because the Ask is expected to be expounded upon in the body if it needs more context. Just be clear. Again, this is not a lead in. Be direct and ask the question or state the topic.
BODYāProvide more context. Narrow the recommendation field. Add relevant links. Remember, the Ask goes in the Title š
EMOJIāNo rules. Express yourself.
ANSWERING AN ASKāRecs on Asks can break style as dictated by the Ask. If the Ask is looking for Recs, give Recs following style. If it's asking for opinions, give your opinion. Asking for links? Give links! Respond however you would respond some someone IRL. Asks start a conversation so you can be more conversational. But keep in mind that these Recs will appear in the main feed. So where you can maintain Rec style, do so.
Example: WHATāS YOUR CURRENT LETTERBOXD TOP 4?
A response to this with High Rec Standards would look something like this:
TITLEāLists your current Letterboxd top 4. You are recommending these four movies.
BODYāFree reign here. Drop your Letterboxd @. Talk about the movies. Make a quip. Emoji. Relevant links. Nothing.
IMAGEāOptional. Screenshot of your top four. Frame from a movie. Dealer's choice.
LINKāAdd your Letterboxd profile only if you want to be found.
EMOJIāWhatever. But it'd be nice if it was relevant.
DISCLAIMER:
This is a living community document! These are only my recommendations for a foundation. Debate and Discussion of proper style are Encouraged. Any editions and changes to the PI.FYI STYLE GUIDE will be notated with attribution.
Changelog:
07.26.2024āClarified a Rec is not limited to one recommendation. Recs can recommend multiple things. Thanks to shegoestoanotherschool for identifying the issue. / Added guidance for Anti-Rec format.
02.11.2025āMoved SpongeBob Bubble Blowing Technique video link from the top level into the body ("some pointers") so the embed wouldn't override the High Quality instructional graphic.
Jul 25, 2024
šø
This combo has just been here the whole time?!
Feb 6, 2025
š„Æ
i will eat one every day i do not give a fuck anymore
Jan 30, 2024