Writing for the Web
Writing for the Web is not like writing a research paper; rather, it's like
writing for USAToday. Remember: Your users aren't going to spend much time perusing
your copy. Instead, you should:
- Keep your copy short. Web users tend to scan copy.
- Use bulleted lists to make copy "scannable."
- Use simple, easy-to-understand language.
- Avoid using "insider" language (that is, terms that only UVMers
would understand).
- Don't separate users from the information they really need and want. Avoid
using flowery language. Consider that not many people will take the time to
read a lengthy welcome message or other "filler" material; rather,
they will pass it by on their way to the real information, that is, the information
they really want or can use: course listings, faculty and student research information,
forms to do this or that, events listings, phone numbers and e-mail addresses,
etc.
