Writing (for the Web)

A List Apart features articles for web site developers. As such, it occasionally addresses the subject of good writing, most recently in Gentle Reader, Stay Awhile; I Will Be Faithful by Amber Simmons.

As it happens, advice on good writing works regardless of the medium--web, personal letters, freshman comp essays, or your grocery list. Here are Simmons's key points:

• Write for a single reader rather than an audience. Speak to him in an appropriate tone, and treat him as a real person.
• Tell your reader what he wants to know, even if it bores you to tell him.
• Provide as much context as possible.
• Anticipate and answer your reader’s questions.
• Take your reader on an interesting and well-considered journey into the web.
• Respect the time your reader chooses to spend with you. Treat him fairly.

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Flickr photo How well I could write if I were not here! originally uploaded by Esther_G.