This document discusses writing for the web. It notes that the web allows for quick research dissemination at no publishing cost and wide reach, helping to create contacts and educate the public. However, the web contains much poor quality work, so professional style and presentation are vital. The document outlines four key elements of good web design: presentation, structure, referencing/illustrations, and writing style. These include factors like visual impact, clear purpose and navigation, proper referencing, and using short blocks of text.

1. www.le.ac.uk/studentdevelopment
Student Development
Writing for the Web
Matthew Mobbs
e: mjm33@le.ac.uk
web: http://www2.le.ac.uk/Members/mjm33
twitter: mjmobbs

2. www.le.ac.uk/studentdevelopment
Session 1: Writing for the web
1. Why the web?
2. What makes a good website?

3. www.le.ac.uk/studentdevelopment
Why the web?
• Quick way to release
latest research
• No publishing cost
• Wide spread
• Create contacts with
similar researchers
• Raise
educational/awareness to
general public
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Sna_large.png

4. www.le.ac.uk/studentdevelopment
A word of warning!
• The web is full of poor quality
unsupported research.
• A professional style and
presentation is vital to make your
research stand out.
How is this
achieved?

5. www.le.ac.uk/studentdevelopment
Four Key Elements of web design
Presentation
• Impact
• First view: what is the ‘home’ page
like?
• Official/academic source?
• Clear headings/colour/text?
• Adverts
Structure
• Contents/abstract
• Clear what the site is about
• Level of knowledge required
• Headings/subheadings
• Ease of navigation
Referencing & Illustrations
• Referencing Materials online:
same rules as published work
• Student Development Guide
• Linking references: Hyperlink or
Bibliography
• How are illustrations used: Disturb
flow or thumbnails?
Writing Style
• Long pages are
difficult to read
• Short blocks of text –
Headings/pages
• Style of prose –
target audience
Main Heading
Sub Heading
• text
Sub Heading 2
• text
Main Heading
Sub Heading
Sub Heading 2

6. www.le.ac.uk/studentdevelopment
Four Key Elements of web design
Presentation
• Impact
• First view: what is the ‘home’ page
like?
• Official/academic source?
• Clear headings/colour/text?
• Adverts
Structure
• Contents/abstract
• Clear what the site is about
• Level of knowledge required
• Headings/subheadings
• Ease of navigation
Referencing & Illustrations
• Referencing Materials online:
same rules as published work
• Student Development Guide
• Linking references: Hyperlink or
Bibliography
• How are illustrations used: Disturb
flow or thumbnails?
Writing Style
• Long pages are
difficult to read
• Short blocks of text –
Headings/pages
• Style of prose –
target audience
Main Heading
Sub Heading
• text
Sub Heading 2
• text
Main Heading
Sub Heading
Sub Heading 2