Reader survey results

Y'all have strong opinions on fruits

Thank you to all who completed the first Microprinciples reader survey. Because some you were curious about the survey results, I put together this (somewhat longer) post with the data.

For larger versions of the graphs, click “open in browser” above.

You are bananas

Q1: Favorite FRUIT? Don't think too hard about it, write the first one that comes to mind

The most popular choice was banana. Huh.

Banana aren't flashy, sexy, or particularly toothsome. I have been to more than one party celebrating stone fruit season (I once lived in California); similar enthusiasm for bananas seems impossible to imagine.

But they are ubiquitous. Bananas are a staple of smoothies and your parents always have a few in stock. And they're durable. If you miss the window by even four seconds, a plum is ruined. Whereas an overripe banana becomes banana bread. Banana, you're a working class fruit and I thank you for your service.

Next on the list was "mango" which is flatly correct

¹

. A few pedants threw their votes away on technically-fruits like tomato and jackfruit, which I don't hate. To the handful who stan mangosteen, I see you.

You really read this

Q2: How OFTEN do you open the newsletter?

Most people reported reading every issue! Given that there is so much cruft to read out there, I sincerely appreciate you taking the time to open and read this newsletter.

Survey affinity vs author familiarity

Q3. To what degree do you KNOW me in real life?
Q4. Do you like filling out SURVEYS?

Banana Nation, you were asked two subjective questions:

• To what degree do you know me in real life? (0–6)

• Do you like filling out surveys? (Yes, No, Go To Hell, Other)

Most of the Other responses were a variation of "sometimes." Here are the results of both questions plotted on the same chart and some hasty generalizations:

• Most of you don't mind filling out surveys

• Most people who read this newsletter know me in real life

• People who know me in real life have no trouble telling me to "go to hell"

To the sole reader who doesn't me know at all and still chose "go to hell," well played.

Actual newsletter-related questions

Q5–Q8: What TOPICS do you find most compelling?

Microprinciples doesn't really have "topics", but you could roughly break it down into the four things I think the most about:

• Relational/Community

• Writing/Creativity

• Mindset/Psychology

• Business/Work

You were given the options Gimme More, Gimme Less, and Whatever. Here are two charts with the results and two inferences:

#1: More people want more stuff

Simple enough. Blank answers were coded as "whatever," so the broad conclusion is you are OK with more of every topic.

#2: Fewest people care about business/work

For this chart, "whatever" and blank votes were omitted. Business/Work as a topic generated the least interest, which doesn't surprise me.

Long answer question

Q9: Please share any specific feedback/advice/suggestions to make this newsletter better or just share your thoughts.

Open ended questions are my favorite. You shared kind and insightful thoughts here. Because this email is already way too long, here are just few of your thoughts and some quick responses.

I want you to post more on social so I can comment. I often feel like I want to chat with you (or others) about what you've written but then I don't. Maybe even a comment section?

I originally disabled comments because I thought it would be a hassle. Maybe not? I'll turn them on and see what happens. Thanks for the note.

Should've been a 7 point Likert question scale instead.

Nerd.

I would enjoy a V reads option.

Interesting idea! This year I've made the choice to read fewer, better things. I’m reading one book at a time, no more newsfeeds. I’ll think about how to make this interesting. At this exact moment I’m re-reading The Dubliners by James Joyce.

I'm here only for words artfully arranged like devilled eggs on a plate (concentrically circled and shaken with paprika).

How beautifully put. I'm so flattered.

I love all your texts here. They have kept me sane through the time of layoffs, the openAI attack, and too frequent bouts of self-doubt. Thank you 🙏

May I reflect this gratitude back at you. All of you! This newsletter keeps me sane too.

1. One of you even annotated your response with: "Mango: This is the correct answer by the way, it's not subjective."