Writing for the Web

Studies of how users read on the Web found they do not actually read: instead, they scan the text. A study of five different writing styles found that a sample Web site scored 58% higher in measured usability when it was written concisely, 47% higher when the text was scannable, and 27% higher when it was written in an objective style instead of the promotional style used in control condition and many current Web pages. Combining these three changes into a single site that was concise, scannable, and objective at the same time resulted in a 124% higher measured usability.

My goal has always been to become a web interface designer or web developer once I graduate JMU. As a graduate student, I have tried to create my own path throughout the program to better my Web skills, through programming, graphics, and interface design. One of the only areas I have not had the pleasure of experimenting or researching with is Web writing. As an undergraduate, I was taught that it was different from academic writing mostly because of its purpose. Like the first paragraph states, users normally aren't going to a website to spend a lot of time. We are busy individuals and don't always have the time to read each and every word. Therefore, we scan.

For my final, I want to take a closer look of the differences between academic writing and Web writing. Is there a format to Web writing, besides the obvious ingredients of audience and purpose? Some individuals scan print writing as well; what is the difference between the two? These are only a few questions that I hope to explore. Mostly, in the end, I hope to learn and produce another piece that I can show for not only the comprehensive exam in the Fall, but also to future employers my vast experience with the Web.