@matt:

Old forms create stability. Real readers search for instability signals.

Transition story:

“If your paper is about photonic crystals, please do not begin: Since ancient times, humans have been interested in light.”

Key point:

• Background, definitions, and explanations can be useful.
• But they often create stability before creating value.
• Professional readers usually scan for instability signals: what is unstable, why it matters, and what changes.