What they are not, however, is  that is, an anecdote doesn't tell whether it is the only such instance or whether the problem is wide-spread.
The anecdote doesn't mention if the problem is wide spread.
The anecdotes tell if it is just a single instance.
The man is in a blue shirt.
A blond woman and a child are in the same room.
Newsweek never puts any picture except for it's logo on the it's cover.
A person in a yellow shirt is eating a sandwich and watching TV.
Was everyone so sad about Mrs. Ingkethorp's passing?
A small boy is stuffed inside a giant tire and is rolling down a hill.