One Tech Newsletter That Doesn’t Read Like a Jargon Wall
Smart, readable, and built for the way brains actually read
Welcome to a subscriber-only 🔒 edition of WriteSmart.
We explore how to make writing connect with readers, one case study at a time—because different brains, different categories, and different strategies require smarter writing.
Today, we’re diving into a common content trap—tech writing that’s so dense, it reads like it was optimized for robots, not readers.
👉 How do you explain complex topics without losing your audience—or your credibility?
At WriteSmart, we believe something simple:
A clear idea, delivered well, can change everything.
In this edition, we’ll look at how The Pragmatic Engineer turns technical depth into clear, compelling content for a broad audience.
Here’s what we’ll cover:
Why structure is your secret weapon when writing for diverse readers
Three smart techniques to make complex content digestible (without dumbing it down)
An AI-powered prompt to help you test this in your own writing—today
Not a tech expert? Doesn’t matter.
Great writing isn’t just about what you say—it’s about how your reader’s brain receives it.
Tech newsletters often fall into two extremes:
Too complex—a wall of jargon that only hardcore engineers can decipher.
Too shallow—oversimplified to the point where experts tune out.
But The Pragmatic Engineer breaks this cycle.
It tackles in-depth topics without losing readers—by structuring content in a way that appeals to different thinking styles and brain modes.
Let’s break down why this works (and how you can use these tactics in your own writing).
Why Structure Matters in Tech Writing
Online writing isn’t just about delivering information—it’s about delivering it in a way that keeps people engaged.
Most newsletters assume readers will do the work to stay focused.
But high-performing writers know the truth:
Readers stay when the content does the work for them.
The Pragmatic Engineer excels at this, using simple UX principles—and brain-friendly tactics—that make dense topics digestible without dumbing them down.
Let’s see how they pull it off . . .
“We’re thinking ‘great literature’ (or at least ‘product brochure’), while the user’s reality is much closer to ‘billboard going by at 60 miles an hour.’”
— Steve Krug, Don’t Make Me Think
That’s exactly why structure matters.
Readers aren’t evaluating your brilliance—they’re scanning for relevance. Fast.
Spotlight: The Pragmatic Engineer’s Reader-Friendly Approach
Real-World Example: The Pragmatic Engineer by Gergely Orosz
This is what happens when deep tech meets smart structure.
Gergely Orosz, the founder of The Pragmatic Engineer, covers software engineering, startups, and Big Tech. His writing is technical—but it’s also incredibly reader-friendly.
Clear signposting: Every issue starts with a quick summary of what’s inside.
Well-structured deep dives: Logical headers, bullet points, and images create a natural reading flow.
Balanced complexity: He explains advanced topics without assuming deep prior knowledge.
This mix keeps both technical and non-technical readers engaged—which is why it’s one of the highest-paid newsletters on Substack.
3 Things This Tech Newsletter Gets Right About Reader Engagement
1. They Give Readers a Map (Before They Start Reading)
The Mistake Most Writers Make: Dropping readers straight into a 3,000-word deep dive with no preview.
What The Pragmatic Engineer Does Instead:
Each newsletter starts with a 2-line description that sets expectations.
A "Today, we cover" section outlines key topics upfront.
For video/podcast features, timestamps make navigation easy.
Why This Works:
Today’s readers triage content in seconds. If it’s unclear or vague, they’re gone.
This structure gives them just enough context to opt in.
This aligns with your reader’s brain mode: Triage first, deep dive later.
Example: "Today, we cover: How Perplexity and Kagi are taking on Google Search."
👉 How You Can Use This:
Before publishing, ask: Does my reader know what they’re getting in the first 5 seconds?