Create Short, Self-Contained Topics (What style of writing works online?)

Writing Effectively Online: How to Compose Hypertext

Create Short, Self-Contained Topics

Because readers seldom read long passages online, hypertext writers must create short, self-contained topics that do not require any particular sequence to be understood.

To create short, self-contained topics:

Write topics that address only one main idea.

One sign of a clearly focused topic: it answers one question about one subject for one purpose. According to William Horton (1994), "The question may be general or specific, the subject may be concrete or abstract, and the purpose may be global or local–but all are clearly defined" (p. 104).

One way to ensure coherence in a topic is to first write a single question that the topic is meant to answer. Then, judge whether the topic fully answers that question.

Keep length to a minimum.

Horton (1994) warns that readers will not read more than three windows or screens of information to answer a question. Thus, he recommends that each topic contain only one-third to one-fifth of a paper page.

To help keep length to a minimum, you can "cross-reference rather than include" (Horton, 1994). For instance, you need not explain each new term, concept, or acronym where it is introduced. Instead, provide this information via hypertext links.

Write, edit, and review topics in random order.

This strategy helps to ensure that your topics can be read in any order and still be understood.

Use storyboards to create topics.

Kathleen McCabe (1997) recommends using storyboards since the view of a hypertext document is narrowed to a single screen. This practice helps to ensure a suitable and accessible organization for readers.

Repeat contextual information as needed to counter loss of context.

To counter the loss of context, repeat contextual information each place it is needed and provide links to related information. For instance, contextual information can explain where the topic fits within the larger body of information.

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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.


			Writing Effectively Online: How to Compose Hypertext
			Writing Effectively Online: How to Compose Hypertext

	Create Short, Self-Contained Topics
	Because readers seldom read long passages online, hypertext writers must create short, self-contained topics that do not require any particular sequence to be understood. To create short, self-contained topics: Write topics that address only one main idea. One sign of a clearly focused topic: it answers one question about one subject for one purpose. According to William Horton (1994), "The question may be general or specific, the subject may be concrete or abstract, and the purpose may be global or local–but all are clearly defined" (p. 104). One way to ensure coherence in a topic is to first write a single question that the topic is meant to answer. Then, judge whether the topic fully answers that question. Keep length to a minimum. Horton (1994) warns that readers will not read more than three windows or screens of information to answer a question. Thus, he recommends that each topic contain only one-third to one-fifth of a paper page. To help keep length to a minimum, you can "cross-reference rather than include" (Horton, 1994). For instance, you need not explain each new term, concept, or acronym where it is introduced. Instead, provide this information via hypertext links. Write, edit, and review topics in random order. This strategy helps to ensure that your topics can be read in any order and still be understood. Use storyboards to create topics. Kathleen McCabe (1997) recommends using storyboards since the view of a hypertext document is narrowed to a single screen. This practice helps to ensure a suitable and accessible organization for readers. Repeat contextual information as needed to counter loss of context. To counter the loss of context, repeat contextual information each place it is needed and provide links to related information. For instance, contextual information can explain where the topic fits within the larger body of information.
	[Brief TOC] [Expanded TOC] [Printer-Friendly Version] [Webfolio] [Next]: Chunk the Text Comments? Please email me! 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.