I like a medium description because it doesn't take too long to read and it gives you all the information you need without skimping. It's more realistic, because when I look at somebody I don't spend minutes looking at them like with detailed descriptions, but I also don't quickly glance at them for one second like with shorter descriptions. I usually look for long enough to internalize basic details, usually five or ten seconds. And I feel the amount of information I get from that look is about as much as fits in a medium length description. Now when I'm talking to someone, I look at them longer. In my imaginary MUD world, I think there should be two descriptions. A medium one for idle glances and a long one for real interaction.
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