Writing for the World Wide Web

Differences between Printed Essays and Web Pages

Size and diversity of the potential audience

Possibilities of hypertext

Writing for a World-Wide Audience

Make your Website attract readers

Provide all necessary information so readers understand your content.

HYPERTEXT

HYPERTEXT is “non-sequential writing--text that branches and allows choices to the reader, best read at an interactive screen.

Theodor H. Nelson

Characteristics of Hypertext

Hypertext allows readers to•Choose their own reading path by linking to other parts of the document

•Connect to other documents by the same and other authors.

Characteristics of Hypertext

Hypertext also allows writers to incorporate:

•color•graphics •multimedia sound and video clips

•animations

A Traditional Linear Organizational Pattern

Introduction Body Conclusion

A Hypertextual Webbed Organizational Pattern

Home Page

Linked Page

Linked Page

Linked Page

Linked Page

LinksLinks

Possible Disadvantages of Hypertextual Reading

Non-linear format may create confusion or misunderstanding.

May discourage close-reading in favor of skimming.

May weaken understanding.

Advantages of Hypertextual Reading

Can liberate readers by allowing them to choose their own reading paths

Encourages readers to engage interactively with the text

Offers new opportunities for writers

Inverted Pyramid Organizational Pattern

Begin by stating your conclusion

Continue by developing your most important support material

End by providing background information

The Inverted Pyramid

The advantage is that even if readers click off of your site and stop reading, they will have read the most important content.

Factors to consider when writing for the Web:

What is my specific purpose for writing?

Who is my target audience?

A Web-WritingStyle Sheet

Four Factors You Must Consider as a Writer for the Web

Content

Navigation

Graphics

Style (Presentation)

Content

Carefully plan content by designing a storyboard.Use an Inverted Pyramid organizational patternReduce your overall content by at least 50%Develop only one idea per paragraphBreak long paragraphs into bulleted lists

More about Content

Avoid long, multi-clause sentences.

Use vivid verbs in the active voice.

Avoid jargon which may not be

understandable to non-local readers.

Print out your pages and proofread

carefully before uploading to the web.

Navigation

Allow your reader as much flexibility as possible in reading your site.Identify links. Make every link destination specific. Make external links relevant.Create internal links which help readers move around within your site.Keep your links current!

GraphicsGraphics must be relevant to the content of your site.Reduce resolution and file size.Use colors in moderation and in visually appealing combinations.Use animated graphics sparingly.

Stylistic Errors to Avoid

Avoid bleeding edge technology.

Avoid “eye-candy.”

Avoid clutter.

Avoid overusing frames.