Module 3 Standards Task 1

After reading the articles by Jakob Nielson and Dennis Jerz and from my own experience as an internet user, I would say that the five most important rules for writing online are:

• Credibility - Keep the content credible by using outbound hypertext links, clear and concise writing and good quality graphics. Also incorporate good simple design to enhance the overall look of content. The general look and content quality of a website plays an important role as to whether the reader will stay or go. If the content looks as if it has been produced by an amateur, then I would be unlikey to read any further.

• Scanning - Use scannable text by keeping text short and to the point. Short paragraphs that highlight relevant information. If I am reading online material, I want to be able to see all the relevant points associated with the topic quickly. Being confronted with having to read an endless diatribe means I am less likely to stay.

• Usability - Keep the navigation of the online medium you are publishing on, straightforward and easy to use. Use relevant links and graphics. Make information easy to find. On larger websites where you are reading information, there sometimes can be a tendency to get lost unless it is well set out and logical in it's navigability. Sitemaps for larger sites or indexing with anchors for online articles improves the navigation.

• Priority - By using the 'pyramid style' which incorporates the summaries, conclusions and most relevant information at the beginning of the content, followed by the rest of the details. Keep the main content that contains the most important information at the top of the page to keep the readers interest/attention and avoid them having to scroll down for other relevant information.

• Design - Complement the content by using good simple and effective design to enhance the overall presentation of the written information. Design should be a canvas for the written material by complementing it, it should not detract from the content. Personally, I appreciate good website design and it really does affect my impression as to whether the content is credible.

Although written slightly differently, both articles by Jakob Nielson and Dennis Jerz are equally relevant in that the main points applicable to good online writing are included in both. The Jerz article is more of a summarization whereas Nielson article is more in depth. Having read each, I think most internet users could identify with the various topics covered, in that we have all visited sites where the information has been either poorly or well presented. The contrasts are quite distinct. I feel it makes us more aware of what good writing online should be. We should write and present online from the perspective of being the reader.


Web Resources:

Nielson, Jakob. "Writing for the Web." 1997.http://www.useit.com/papers/webwriting/ (accessed March 29, 2007).

Jerz, Dennis G. "Top 5 Web Conventions (Writing and Design)." April 15, 2003.http://jerz.setonhill.edu/writing/e-text/conventions.htm (accessed March 29, 2007).