Some people make lists to ease the stress of shopping. Others list to organize every aspect of their lives. Still others make lists out of an obsessive compulsion. Journalists, it appears, are compiling lists for either or both of two reasons: the bleak prospects of the field have worn some so thin that they have become physically incapable of writing paragraphs; or they have surrendered to the phenomenon of Whore Journalism – the media’s page hit race.

Examples:

5 Tips For GOP Frontrunner Rick Perry To Win Tonight’s Debate

A list written less for the benefit of the public figure in question and more for that of the opposing audience. See also: Anthony Weiner.

7 Sites You Should Be Wasting Time On Right Now

Equipped with Bangable Dudes in History, this list is ratable and interactive.

Top Five Places to Find the Rich and Single

Cleverly arranged statistics. To access articles of substance located to the right of this WSJ piece, one can choose to subscribe.

An Illegal Alien’s Guide to the Top Five Best Places to Live In America

An attention-grabbing headline accompanying a story largely lacking facts.

Top Three Celebrity Food Products

Top three lists always feel the most incomplete.