Blogging Can Just Be Stating The Obvious
Jim Nielsen argues that some of the most valuable blog posts simply articulate obvious truths that widespread practice has ignored. Naming an everyday frustration—and backing it with examples—can validate what others notice but have not voiced.
Blogging Can Just Be Stating The Obvious
Author: Jim Nielsen | Published: 2026-06-24 | Generated: 2026-06-25 | Domain: blog.jim-nielsen.com
Tags: ‘#blogging’ ‘#writing’ ‘#web’ ‘#ux’ ‘#commentary’
TLDR
Jim Nielsen says blogging does not need to deliver novel or profound ideas: it can be as simple as clearly stating an obvious problem that everyone has normalized. Drawing on John Gruber’s criticism of intrusive web popups, he argues that posts about overlooked, frustrating patterns can be especially useful because they give shared but unspoken observations a public voice. When someone has already made the point, amplifying it with an enthusiastic link is valuable too.
Key Takeaways
- Obvious observations have value: A writer may feel a point is too self-evident to publish, but widespread real-world examples can show that the issue still needs to be named.
- User-hostile web patterns are normalized: Nielsen highlights John Gruber’s argument that a webpage should display its content rather than obstruct it with newsletter prompts or cookie-consent overlays.
- Blogging can validate shared experiences: Writing “is anyone else seeing this?” posts helps surface frustrations that readers recognize but may not have articulated.
- Evidence strengthens simple claims: Linking examples and “bringing receipts” turns an apparently obvious complaint into a persuasive, useful post.
- Amplification is also participation: If another writer has already expressed the idea well, linking to it and endorsing it contributes to the conversation.
Images & Media
None present in article.
Referenced Links
- John Gruber’s post on intrusive popups — The post that prompted Nielsen’s reflection on stating obvious truths.
- The Emperor’s New Clothes — Metaphor for publicly voicing what others can see but do not say.
- Icons in menus — Nielsen’s example of publishing an observation about a familiar design pattern.
- Mac app flea market — Another example of documenting a visible but under-discussed experience.
- Hacker News discussion — Discussion thread with 466 points and 132 comments at the time cited.