Module 3 - (optional) Standards task

Raising the bar...

A summary of my 5 most important online writing rules:

1. Place most important content at top of pages and start of sentences.

2. Be concise.

3. Make your text ‘scannable’.

4. Use bulleted lists.

5. Write for your audience and remember;

• accessibility
• literacy rates
• attention spans, etc.

I have subscribed to Jakob Nielsen's ‘Alertbox’ for many years, so I was delighted to see him being used as a source. I am bound by a style directive at work it is (at times highly prescriptive) and much of his writing is referenced there.

Mr Nielsen is still right after all these years (in my humble opinion), but he does go back and edit his own writings as he finds more as does Dennis Jerz, both of which set good examples, so in this way keeps his advice current.

The 'Newbie Web Author Checklist' appears to be largely common sense (eg
Do all your links actually work?) but still useful. It complements the works of authors such as Jakobs.

By adhering to standards, writers for the web can ensure that the many levels of users are catered in a consistent manner, so, as these users become more familiar or experienced with the web, they will find it easier to use and navigate the web.

References

Jerz, D.G. (2007). Top 5 Web Conventions (Writing and Design). Retrieved July 20, 2008, from http://jerz.setonhill.edu/writing/e-text/conventions.htm

Jerz, D.G. (2007). Newbie Web Author Checklist: Before you publish that project... Retrieved July 20, 2008, from http://jerz.setonhill.edu/writing/e-text/checklist.htm

Nielsen, J. (1997). How Users Read on the Web
Retrieved July 20, 2008, from http://www.useit.com/alertbox/9710a.html

Nielsen, J. (2007). Blah-Blah Text: Keep, Cut, or Kill?
Retrieved July 20, 2008, from http://www.useit.com/alertbox/intro-text.html