Are you making Blow charts? [charting tips]

Here is a simple question you should ask when you set out to make a new chart.

Are you making a BLOW chart?

Blow? what blow.. you may ask. BLOW stands for Blinding Light of Obvious Wisdom. In other words, a blow chart tells nothing. It is there just for the heck of it.

I remember cramming my summer internship report with tons of charts just so that it would look like a heavily analyzed output. There were so many blow charts. But later I realized the mistake and started using charts only when they enable readers to do some analysis or provide some information.

What is your take on blow charts? Have you ever made them or you always avoid them?

PS: while you are at it, check your chart’s underwear as well.