NancyLebovitz comments on Home Economics - Less Wrong

11 Post author: Ritalin 07 July 2013 09:30PM

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Comment author: NancyLebovitz 09 July 2013 03:42:28PM 0 points [-]

Ok, it isn't a perfect proof. However, what are the odds (considering how many people are writing compared to any specific reader) that increasing reading speed will enable writers to research, proofread, copy edit, and revise faster?

I leave the possibility open that proofreading and copy editing will be neglected, but I think research and revising are enough to matter.

Comment author: wedrifid 09 July 2013 04:21:11PM *  0 points [-]

Ok, it isn't a perfect proof. However, what are the odds (considering how many people are writing compared to any specific reader) that increasing reading speed will enable writers to research, proofread, copy edit, and revise faster?

Nearly certain, but the point is that even outright assuming certainty doesn't lead to the conclusion. Odds aren't the issue, relative degree of improvement is. For example if writing_time is equal to some multiple of reading_time plus a 'creative effort' constant and reading speed improves sufficiently then someone will be able to read all of the books despite a drastically and ongoing increase in books written.