This example suggests that there are two perspectives when determining the presence of a conjugated pi system. From a strict resonance point of view, the compound cannot adopt a resonance form where all atoms can be calculated as sp -hybridized under the inclusive approach and, as a result, would not have a conjugated pi system. On the other hand, from a technical perspective regarding hybridization of the nitrogens, they can be considered sp 2 -hybridized (as supported by our non-inclusive steric number calculation) and support the presence of a conjugated pi system and ultimately aromaticity. Based on Klein's determination of the compound as aromatic, the technical perspective appears to have precedence over the resonance argument, which supports our steric number method as it is applied to this specific structure and other structures similar to it. Subsequently, our inclusive vs. non-inclusive steric number calculation as it applies to this specific compound emphasizes the importance of factoring in the delocalization of lone pairs (non-inclusive steric number approach) to reveal a hybridized state of an atom that can lead to a more stable aromatic configuration, which would not be revealed by adhering to a strict resonance perspective where the inclusive approach is solely utilized.