For a professional paper a figure of merit is defined on the basis of an assumed Markov chain of “yes!” and “no!” responses from the individual reader. With one initial probability (for the response to the title of the paper) and two constant transition probabilities, the average figure of merit for a reader population is calculated. For an “active” reader population—readers appreciating the inverse order, at sentence level, of conclusion before reasoning—the model suggests to maximize the initial probability. A triple title composed of spatially distributed answers to what-instrument, what-construction, and why-performance questions is recommended. Triple title and “inverse writing” together induce a constant level of appreciation during reading, at a maximum average figure of merit. Illustrative examples of a triple title and inverse writing are given.

A scientist working on a research project of planned duration T—which includes a publication at the end—benefits from describing his work in an interim report. To obtain maximum verbal self-stimulation from his writing act, he should choose a time at approx 0.4T after the start of the project. A mathematical model of the situation leads to this rule of thumb. The description involves an assumed two-stage nature of research (stage I: defining the problem; stage II: solving it). The stages consist of random (Poisson) time sequences of thought flashes—“why-pulses” and “therefore-pulses.” The model fits a problem in nuclear physics, whose solution when translated back produces the timing fraction 0.4. The assumed statistical nature of brain activity is supported by evidence from other fields.