Upload
ferdinand-sims
View
217
Download
0
Tags:
Embed Size (px)
Citation preview
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.