Write for the web

Writing for the web has different requirements than writing for print. The main reason seems to be that it is more difficult to read from a screen... and most people don't read the web– they scan it.

In brief, some recommendations:

• make text 50% as long as comparable print material
• use short paragraphs
• use headings
• use boldface type for key points
• use lists
• use the journalist's "inverted pyramid": key information goes at the top, details later.
• let visitors know where they can find out more if they're interested

For more information and an example of what we mean, see the Sun Microsystems Style Guide by web usability guru Jakob Nielsen.