I think people have different definitions of "reading":

- Skimming: In my day job this is 95% of "reading". I think this is unavoidable, since (even if the material is well written) there's very little chance that two consumers need the same information. In papers I read the abstract, jump to the conclusions, maybe go back to the intro if I'm confused, or check out the methods if that's what matters to me. I get frustrated with any medium where skimming isn't possible, and similar when search isn't possible.

- Reading as in reading a book: this is more for fun or to cool down. Video / podcast seems like a drop-in replacement here. I don't read HN this way. Does anyone?

I think people who create content should be aware of this dichotomy. If you are communicating with experts, make sure your information is well structured. If you are writing literature focus more on the flow.