Writing online

[andrewducker]

Some of you may have noticed that when I'm writing here I tend to write in short paragraphs. Two sentences at most, if I remember. Heck, if I really want people's attention then each sentence gets its own line.

It's nice to be validated sometimes - which is why I was fascinated by this article on how we read online, and how to get people to pay attention. I'm not about to start bolding text, or putting in vast swathes of links, but it is interesting to see what works - and to notice it working on me.

Comments

[sterlingspider.livejournal.com]

I try to do a lot of the same things, though for me most of the theory comes from a Jr HS journalism class.

In newspaper articles you top-load the information as much as possible so that even if the reader goes no farther then the first sentence they still have at least the most basic facts of the article. A good writer/editor will do this with the title.

The further you read the more detail (and typically less direct consequence) the information should have to the understanding of the story.

As much as possible I use the same theory when addressing groups out loud.