Why is writing for the web different than writing for print? Cite at least 5 specific examples and tips on how you should write for a website vs. print.

Writing for the web is different than writing for print because the web users want to get their information quickly with no “fillers” like there is in print.  Print is more of a “storytelling” with supporting examples for each story making a longer process of reading (and most the time enjoyable) than it is in the web.  Also, Web users want to make their own storytelling by gathering all the information they need on a much faster rate; thus making the web content “user-driven” narrative.  Making writing for print extremely different from writing for the web; for print is an “author-driven” narrative.     Because of this, Web pages have to utilize scannable text in which includes: highlighted keywords, with hypertext links, bulleted lists. Also writing for the web there is the one idea per paragraph in which users have to be captivated by the first few words to continue reading and the inverted pyramid style which begins with the conclusion. 

Here are other examples and tips on how writing is done for a website vs. print:

·        Linear vs. Non-linear.

  In print the content is linear in which readers are in a relaxed and comfortable setting reading.   As for the web is non-linear with the “solution-hunting” like attitude; to acquire the desired information and get out. Web users want actionable content, thus making the non-linear easier and faster to read.

·        Sentences vs. Fragments.

In print the content is a well- thought -out process with complete sentences.  Because the web is solely based on direct to the point information there is the usage of fragments.   Giving the much needed information upfront and cutting out unwanted “fillers” is one of the ways web writing works.

·        Anecdotal examples vs. comprehensive data. 

In print storytelling is more of a journey than it is on the web.  There are more anecdotal examples to support the articles or a story that the author wants to tell.  In web that would not work because it lacks the “immediacy” and “utility.”  Web users need comprehensive coverage that is much more specific than in print content.  That is also true when it comes to the headings and sub-headings of an article or story.  In print being clever works, there might be a picture to allure readers to the story, but on the web there should be meaningful and straight to the point titles.