Writing for print vs. writing for the Web?
Today during an interview, I was asked the question, “How do you target different audiences when you write for print as opposed to writing for a Web site?”
Oddly enough, in the interview for my internship this past summer, I was asked the exact same question. I guess it’s not that odd, though.
After answering both times, I realized that I did not have a clear, definite answer, only a “well i’ve written for both mediums” answer. So naturally, I googled it.
“Print publications contain linear content that’s often consumed in a more relaxed setting and manner than the solution-hunting behavior that characterizes most high-value Web use.
In print, you can spice up linear narrative with anecdotes and individual examples that support a storytelling approach to exposition. On the Web, such content often feels like filler; it slows down users and stands in the way of their getting to the point.
Web content must be brief and get to the point quickly, because users are likely to be on a specific mission. In many cases, they’ve pulled up the page through search. Web users want actionable content; they don’t want to fritter away their time on (otherwise enjoyable) stories that are tangential to their current goals. ” — Source: Jerz’s Literary Weblog
In other words the print vs. online battle is linear vs. non-linear; author-driven vs. reader-driven; storytelling vs. ruthless pursuit of actionable content; anecdotal examples vs. comprehensive data, and sentences vs. fragments.
But, who will win this battle?
