| The
internet is a very different publishing medium from standard print.
Less time is spent reading on the web and people have no patience
to pause and re-read your work. This means that you must make reviews
short, simple and clear.
Web
design gurus reckon you should write 50% less for the web and we
think that means a normal review should be about 300 words.
Some
key points
- Use
simple sentences (One subject and one verb).
- Make
it concise.
- Try
to make each paragraph one short chunk of information.
- Avoid
drop intros and complex writing structures (keep it linear).
- Use
strong verbs like "decide" as apposed to "make
a decision".
- Don't
use clever words that might make people pause.
Also
think about the layout. Can you break up the text with bullets,
quote boxes or subheadings?
Use
active sentences
Passive:
Thirty three pigs were tested for foot and mouth by vets from the
ministry of agriculture. (This is passive because the subject comes
first)
Active:
Ministry of Agriculture vets tested 33 pigs for food and mouth.
The
trick to good writing on the web is to be clever in the text without
being clever with the style.
How
it works
If
you think you'd be interested in writing for us email oxford.online@bbc.co.uk
and we'll send you extra information.
We
generally arrange free tickets for you plus 1 guest which you pick
up at the box office of the relevant venue.
The
sooner you get the review back to us the better. The following day
really but we realise this isn't always possible.
It
can be a great experience. You'll get your name in print and enjoy
some interesting shows.
|
