Writing for the Internet

    One of the great things about putting your work out on the internet is that anyone can do it and do it easily. However it doesn't mean that you know how to write for the internet. All semester long I have been attempting to write this blog and I now feel like I have been doing it all wrong. After reading the articles under Yahoo! Style Guide, I realize that putting your writing on the internet requires a lot of thought and planning. 

     You have to use strong short sentences that get to the point. People who read on the internet are looking for quick precise information. When you use deadwood (phrases that can be omitted) the reader has to dig and skim for the information they are looking for and that makes them move to another article. You also has to avoid weak verbs so that each sentence provides a strong subject with strong verbs.

     There is also the obstacle of finding your voice.  Showing  your voice through word choice and organization is key. The most important part of writing on the web it seems is to keep things as simple as possible and to know your audience. You need to know who reads your page to know what type of language and jargon to use and which to avoid.

     With all these rules and tips floating around in my head, I figured no better way to figure out how my writing measures up then with testing it with The Writer's Diet. You enter in your work and it lets you know how fit your writing is, mine definitely leaves something to be desired. The website offers tips and a break down of how to trim up your writing. I probably should have been using this site all along!

      Writing for the internet is definitely different than any other style of writing and will take practice to perfect my online writing style