satisfaction index

When I worked at FOX 11, we wanted to own the image for "severe weather." In an effort to symbolically reflect the brand, the weather team came up with the "Severe Weather Index" -- a recognizable, almost iconic, visual representation of severe weather risk.

High. Moderate. Low.

It occurred to me that storytelling subscribes to a similar kind of index: a satisfaction index.

I have observed in myself and others that we are most "satisfied" by stories (whatever the format or platform) that answer our need for pattern, especially repetition, symmetry and arc.

And the best kind of writing fulfills a desire in us, whether it's nostalgia, adventure, comedy or poetic justice.