Hypertext requires a different approach to writing because of its emphasis on multiple paths through its structural design rather than the linear transmittal of information (Shirk, 1991, p. 194).
Two opposing viewpoints suggest ways of rethinking the traditional notions of transitional, linear writing:
Abandon transitional words, phrases, and sentences.
In print documents, transitional words, phrases, and sentences serve as the glue and provide paragraph flow. They are required for good writing. Henrietta N. Shirk (1991) argues that transitions in hypertext documents are unnecessary since the idea of "text as a singular flow" is abandoned (p. 194). They merely clutter your text and slow down the reader.
In a sense, links serve the function of connecting information by enabling readers to create their own transitions (Shirk, 1991).
Provide more transitional devices to provide additional context.
Transitional devices make the text flow better and be more easily understood by showing the relationship among ideas.
Hypertext writing requires more of these devices to help readers remain sufficiently oriented. For instance, transitions can offer contextual cues to help readers understand where the information they just linked to belongs within the larger structure of the document.
Especially if a sequential order is important, readers need a sense of what comes before and after a topic or chunk of information. Transitional phrases and sentences can provide this additional context.
Tips to accommodate nonlinear writing
Since writers cannot predict the order in which hypertext documents are read, their writing style "must accommodate jumpy searching as well as complete perusal" (Horton, 1994, p. 273). To accommodate these characteristics of hypertext:
Emphasize the new, the unexpected.
Never bury important information in the middle of a paragraph. Highlight it or place it at beginning of a paragraph. Alternatively, make a separate paragraph that contains this information.
Avoid the "as-shown-above" problem.
This problem concerns the tendency to write as if the reader were reading from beginning to end. Instead, use "next" or "previous" if the information is contained on the same page, name the item under discussion, or link to the information.
Reduce the use of pronouns such as "this" or "it."
Make references explicit since the thing "this" or "it" refers to might have scrolled off the screen. Beware of forward references for the same reason (Horton, 1994).
Before and After example: Making references explicit
Before: Using "this" alone
The festival’s retreat-like atmosphere provides an intellectually charged environment for filmmakers, artists, industry executives, journalists and film enthusiasts to network and share information and ideas. The exciting backdrop of Acapulco makes this a week you do not want to miss. So if you want to know what’s going on and coming up in Black cinema, register now!
After: Making the reference explicit (and splitting into two paragraphs)
The festival’s retreat-like atmosphere provides an intellectually charged environment for filmmakers, artists, industry executives, journalists and film enthusiasts to network and share information and ideas.
The exciting backdrop of Acapulco makes this week a special one that you do not want to miss. So if you want to know what’s going on and coming up in Black cinema, register now!
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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.