Writing for the World Wide Web

1. Writing for the World Wide Web

2. Differences between Printed Essays and Web Pages • Size and diversity of the potential audience • Possibilities of hypertext

3. Writing for a World-Wide Audience • Make your Website attract readers • Provide all necessary information so readers understand your content.

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

5. 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.

6. Characteristics of Hypertext • Hypertext also allows writers to incorporate: • color • graphics • multimedia sound and video clips • animations

7. A Traditional Linear Organizational Pattern Introduction Body Conclusion

8. A Hypertextual Webbed Organizational Pattern Linked Page Linked Page Home Page Linked Page Linked Page Links Links

9. Possible Disadvantages of Hypertextual Reading • Non-linear format may create confusion or misunderstanding. • May discourage close-reading in favor of skimming. • May weaken understanding.

10. 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

11. Inverted Pyramid Organizational Pattern • Begin by stating your conclusion • Continue by developing your most important support material • End by providing background information

12. 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.

13. Factors to consider when writing for the Web: • What is my specific purpose for writing? • Who is my target audience?

14. A Web-WritingStyle Sheet

15. Four Factors You Must Consider as a Writer for the Web • Content • Navigation • Graphics • Style (Presentation)

16. Content • Carefully plan content by designing a storyboard. • Use an Inverted Pyramidorganizational pattern • Reduce your overall content by at least 50% • Develop only one idea per paragraph • Break long paragraphs into bulleted lists

17. More about Content • Avoid long, multi-clause sentences. • Use vivid verbs in the active voice. • Avoid jargonwhich may not be understandable to non-local readers. • Print out your pages and proofread carefully before uploading to the web.

18. 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!

19. Graphics • Graphics 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.

20. Stylistic Errors to Avoid • Avoid bleeding edge technology. • Avoid “eye-candy.” • Avoid clutter. • Avoid overusing frames.