Why should we listen to what you have to say?

People want attention. Writers have a pathological need for it. People often listen to those they view as successful or authoritative, but that isn't the only reason. 

Keep your messages simple and you will be heard. Understand your audience and they will listen.

A software developer tweeted me this question earlier in the week while I was searching for a topic. He threw down the gauntlet and not being one to resist an interesting challenge from a stranger on social media, I accepted and s...