sum of a story

The sum of any story is the impact of its content plus the quality of the imparting narration.

size that doesn't matter

Monumentality impresses too easily. Take a few steps back to consider whether the impact is real or initial intimidation due to scale.

much greater thing

Almost every artist overestimates the impact and the influence of his/her art.

text takes a backseat

Even the broadside seems to have sacrificed the simple virtues of text to visual impact.

clear, real, true

There are facts that have the impact of poems.

tight spot

Photographs are often cropped for better effect, and likewise poems too should be willing to give up some background in favor of compositional impact.