In which case it’s like aiming to walk 26 miles whilst wheezing asthmatically, and then expressing doubt that you can manage it!

That’s closer to the mark. What of it?

I understand the motive – humans love to try to hit targets plucked from the sky, whether they relate to bicycles or novels, and especially if they’re quantifiable – what I still don’t understand is the point.

What’s the difference between a motive and a point? Isn’t “being motivated to do so” a point?

It seems a shame when the time could be better spent writing quality words.

But without the challenge, do you think that they would?

…with unquantifiable potential…

Isn’t that true of everything written by anybody, regardless of motive or ‘point’?

And, on a side note, enough of the condescension and personal insults in this debate, already!

No condescension. Certainly no personal insults (correct me if I’m wrong). Debate is debatable. =o)