Ranly On Writing: One-Day Program with Critiques
Reinventing Print
Let's pretend - that we are at a cyberspace convention and someone has invented a thing called print and a way to package it on a thing called paper. Why and how would we use it? How would we use what we have learned from the computer and the Internet?
We will discuss how to:
- Target readers (mass customization)
- Use menus, give readers more choices
- Become more visual, use icons
- Become more accessible and user-friendly
Writing Right, Tight and Bright
There are no dull subjects, only dull writers. You can't write about everything lightly, but you can write about it brightly. Learn to stretch the limits of your creativity within the boundaries of credibility.
We will discuss how to:
- Be more credible by being correct and consistent
- Be more clear, more concise, more coherent
- Grab readers and hold interest by being concrete
- Be more creative without losing credibility
Selling the Copy: Writing Headlines, Captions and Blurbs that Grab Attention
Today's readers are better described as skimmers and scanners. The story is the last thing and least-read thing on the page. Make headlines, captions and blurbs an integral part of the writing and editing process.
We will discuss ways to write:
- Brighter, more attractive heads
- Summary blurbs that give readers the benefit
- Internal blurbs that tease and coax
- Captions that complement and inform
Service Journalism: Presenting Useful Information in the Most Usable Way
In today's microwave world, in-a-hurry-readers want practical information presented in the most efficient, handy way. Learn the techniques of "refrigerator journalism" - present information your readers will clip and stick on their refrigerators or bulletin boards.
We will discuss how to:
- give information a useful slant
- present information in the most usable way
- save readers time, effort and money
- become more visual, engaging and interactive
Critique of Participants' Work