How is writing for the Web different from paper-based media

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Written By JohnBarnes

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Writing for the web has a difference with paper-based media in these ways.

Length

Print writing can have many pages because the readers they target do not mind reading long pieces.  Reading multiple pages in print is exciting. Print work writers can still get published on the web but only on outlets that have been handling print outlets. Web content is different because readers spend much time on the computer, but they barely focus one article for more than two minutes. Some will only read for one minute. Online content buyers and writer no longer find it cost-effective to write long write contents as much reader will not focus. It requires writing content that keeps up with the nature of best book review writing services online readers which is to keep up with the latest.

Hooks

Online articles contain links to others that have a similar appeal. It is likely that the readers will click the link before completing reading the first work.  Digital editors address the issue by insisting on fewer words that inform the audience from the beginning.

  A traditional newspaper or magazine readers will not mind a piece that unfolds gradually and takes longer to make all the points because they have made a significant investment in time, money and effort to choose an article. A magazine article might take have many paragraphs but it unlikely that the reader will flip the page or move to another story before completing the current as it happens with online content.

Sourcing

Sourcing requirement for print work is stringent because it requires writers to quote professionals and experts in the subject.     Online writing is not strict on citing authorities and writers know their audience or editors expect them to be an authority. Due to the self-publishing nature of the web, you can use the status of an amateur writer to write from a novice perspective where everything does not need backing with evidence.

 The acceptance that online writing does not have to be full of quotes comes from the notion that it has to fulfill speed expectations. The difference in sourcing standards from print even allows an author to hyperlink to the source material rather than an explicit attribution and fact-checking the information.

 Pitching

 Editors for publication materials expect authors to work on their stories for a long time and ultimately refine the ideas before submitting a pitch. Although it might not happen with all publications, it shows that print work comes with high expectations and requires well-evaluated ideas.

 It is simpler for new writers to impress editors because web writing requires short pitches.  A few paragraphs or sentences are enough to test the writing ability, and the next question could be inquiring about the number of articles a writer can complete in a day or week.  Sometimes writers decide the content they consider to be compelling for their audience and the editor will publish them. They do not spend much time researching for ideas to pitch thus can write more.

Print writing is not an interactive as it does not have links and multimedia form of interaction. It suits long and formal writing. It takes longer to get published because you must impress the editors. Print writing fits those who are excellent writers in a specific field and do not fear criticism.

Web-based media simplifies publishing, and you can write even with minimal knowledge on an area. For instance, you can start a blog and write everything in your mind. You can get your content on websites and other places if you learn the publishing models and functioning of the software.