Writing for the Web

The internet age has changed the face of publishing. Practical tips on writing for the web.

The ever increasing spread of internet access and usage may provide huge opportunities for the dissemination of research. Technology means research can be shared faster, and with more people than ever before.

However the new electronic channels of dissemination require different approaches to communicating your work. Posting research on the world wide web is one thing - ensuring that people actually read it implies further challenges. Making the most of the opportunities the web can offer means recognising differences, understanding how people use the web and presenting your work accordingly.

In this briefing (prepared by Eldis for GDNet) we examine the differences between on paper and on line communications. We look at how people use the web and consider the implications for the writing and content delivery of research. Whilst much of the work on best practice for web strategies is about commercial sites trying to sell their products, here we provide an introduction to the aspects that are relevant to developing a successful electronic dissemination strategy for your research.

Topics include

Why should I put my research on the Web?
Usability: the key to internet success
Crimes against usability: some basic design issues
How do people read on the web?
Writing for the web
What's wrong with academic writing on the Web? Inverting the pyramid
Applying the inverted pyramid principle to electronic dissemination of research
A wider look at the research to policy process
Technical tools for research generation and dissemination

Each link provided below will open in a new browser window 

Follow this link for the briefing - Writing for the Web

Other resources

Jakob Nielsen has been called:
"the world's most renowned expert on Web usability"
Follow this link for Jakob Nielson's website and books

Charlie Morris has published over 200 articles about the Internet.
Some useful examples are:
Keep your readers informed and Cut it down and open it up