Writers making the transition from print to online media are finding online authoring to be vastly different. According to William Horton (1994), "For many writers, it is not just a change of technique but of professional and personal identity as they must learn new skills, take on new roles, and redefine careers" (p. 400).
If you are making this transition from print to online media, this paper is for you. All too often, we are asked to create a Web site but are given little or no instruction as to how hypertext can be best implemented. This paper can help you get up to speed quickly without needing to read a broad range of material on the subject, which can be very time consuming.
To help you successfully make the transition from print to online writing, this paper:
Focuses on one new skill, that of composing effective hypertext
Specifically, I address nonfiction hypertext and the elements that comprise effective writing in this genre. In addition, I concentrate on the textual component of hypertext, since hypertext consists of text and at the very least, simple graphics.
Offers the synthesized advice of both hypertext practitioners
and theorists
Theory and practice should inform each other, not exist as mutually exclusive entities, which sometimes happens in academia and business.
Attempts to demonstrate the principles of effective hypertext
I apply these principles by presenting this paper in a hypertext structure called a cross-referenced hierarchy. I also break up my text into bulleted lists wherever possible and craft short paragraphs and sentences.
Provides both good and bad examples of hypertext writing
Jakob Nielsen (1995) says that students might someday learn how to write effective hypertext just as they do linear essays. For now, he suggests, they should study the authoring principles in other writers' hypertexts and emulate those they like.
The authoring principles and style guidelines I prefer are presented in this paper. Keep in mind that online writing is an emerging field. These principles and guidelines will evolve as we learn more.
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Last Updated: May 2, 2001
(c)2000 by Alysson Troffer. All rights reserved. Do not reproduce or redistribute any material from this document, in whole or in part, without written permission.