What, pray tell, are the advantages of the Gunning-Fog index, Automated Readability Index, and the Coleman-Liau Index in this new-fangled PRO function?

Am I to infer that the higher your rating in the Gunning-Fog, the less likely you are to be published or read by someone with a basic high school education? I was vexed by this. At first I was pleased my piece pushed into the high elevens… then I was distraught that my readership had been narrowed substantially.

I have no idea what the Coleman-Liau Index does. I read the Wiki spiel but am still blissfully ignorant as to how it effects my writing. Those who can explain it to this self-appointed cretin get a week’s supply of marmalade.

Thanks pretty people.

don’t like marmalade – offer me fudge swirl Ice cream – organic – and we may have a deal.

Sorry…

Oh, go on then. I’ll even throw in a spoon.

Well… then if the spoon is being thrown in… I guess I should attempt to answer.

This was discussed in another thread but this is what was we decided. Now it is not engraved in stone or marmalade but you can take from it as you wish.

The statistics are used to help you judge how “understandable” your piece is to a general audience. The lower the scores, the more basic and simple language (based on syllable count, word size, and other esoteric criteria) your piece is written in, the more people can read it and understand it, and the more “dummied” down it will be.

Our discussion centered on what is considered a “reachable” level. We discussed various “levels”. Reader’s Digest is done at the 9th grade level. That means most of the articles are written with a mix of language that makes it interesting for most people and yet not over challenging for those that read at a lower grade. Therefore more people are able to read it and attain some understanding from the articles.

So, as a writer, If you are seeking to “limit” or “reach” the audience, these stats can indeed be extremely useful.

Hope this helps you.

If it doesn’t do the job right, I will settle for Vanilla.

Thanks, Squarehopper. Your fudge swirl ice cream and spoon is en route. I like this new feature, especially the amusing hybrid names. Don’t make yourself sick now…

Thanks… I will enjoy it!