Web vs Print Writing

Seven Key Elements to Web Writing (according to Judy Gregory)

1. Structure and design are concerns for web writers
2. Write no more than 50% of what you would write for print
3. Write for scannability
4. The Web encourages restless reading
5. Split information into coherent chunks
6. Web writers can't predict where their readers will start
7. Readers "pull" the information they need from the Web

Gregory's article shared the guidelines of writing for Web and print. Instead of basing the guidelines on the specific medium, she talks about focusing on the audience and shaping the material to fit their needs. While Web writing and print writing have differences, they aren't entirely different. Print writing has some aspects of the web writing and vice versa.

The reason that these two writings have to be different is because of the audience. Readers of Web writing are usually hurried and want to find specific information. Most print readers are reading for leisure and want to enjoy what they are reading. Web writing is more strenuous so writers want to make the process quick.

The one point I found most interesting was that reading online is anywhere from 20-30% slower than print. I actually prefer reading online sometimes. I believe that I read quicker from the Web than from print. I do, however, get bored after reading long chunks of text like the text said.