Comments on: When Will Online Writing Get The Respect It Deserves?

By: Durant Imboden

Durant Imboden — Sat, 14 Feb 2009 20:41:39 +0000

Good article, but I'd quibble with the traditionalists' argument (which I'm not suggesting is yours) that "websites present less detailed information and lack in-depth analysis." In fact, Web sites can–and sometimes do–provide MORE detailed information than you'd find in traditional media. For example, I've got a Web article about ground transportation from CDG airport to Paris that has dedicated pages about RER trains, buses, and taxis. Few guidebooks could provide that level of detail, and no newspaper or magazine could. (Maybe that's why so few newspaper travel writers have been successful on the Web–they're accustomed to writing 500- to 800-word "My weekend in Widgetville" pieces that may work as newspaper teasers but are nearly useless in a medium where readers are looking for in-depth information when planning trips.)

(Report comment)

By: Alexander Zoltai

Alexander Zoltai — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 23:54:29 +0000

Masterful article !

My online writing *feels* just like the production of “flash” fiction.

Wikipedia says: “Other names for flash fiction include sudden fiction, microfiction, micro-story, postcard fiction, and short short story…”

~ Alex

(Report comment)

By: Turner Wright

Turner Wright — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 02:11:04 +0000

Well said – part of the reason I was forced to reduce my caseload of writing assignments; I could produce the pieces, but not without having them appear as having the quality of an average blog… sorry Tim.

But going back to what you were touching upon at the end – we should take advantage of the features of online writing, maybe design a few scripts to play a sound as we scroll across a particular section of work or something.

(Report comment)

By: Marilyn Terrell

Marilyn Terrell — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 17:54:47 +0000

@Tim: I just meant the NYT has diminished significantly in ad sales, circulation, newsroom staff, and width.

(Report comment)

By: Ian MacKenzie

Ian MacKenzie — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 17:40:13 +0000

I’ve actually been impressed with how the NYTimes has embraced the principles of online information. Along with the BBC, I think they’re the first “big media” to really get what the new web is all about.

(Report comment)

By: Tim Patterson

Tim Patterson — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 16:26:50 +0000

The NYT has fallen? I dunno about that – their travel section isn’t great, apart from Matt Gross anyway, but the news coverage is still solid, the science section has fascinating features, Iraq war coverage has been pretty darn good and Nick Kristof is the best journalist working today, in my humble opinion.

You’re exactly right that Wordhum and PerceptiveTravel are raising the bar, although it’s interesting to note that PT requires contributors to be established in print. I’ve been working with Mike and Jim at Worldhum and am incredibly impressed by their professionalism and attention to detail.

(Report comment)

By: Marilyn Terrell

Marilyn Terrell — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 15:50:18 +0000

So true! Thanks for the links to online ‘zines.
I would add Perceptive Travel:
http://perceptivetravel.com/
and World Hum: http://www.worldhum.com/
They are great examples of top-notch writing for the Internet.

And I think attitudes toward online journalism will continue to improve as print journalism (at least in newspapers) continues to tank. How the mighty New York Times has fallen! Gawker highlighted some ironic T-shirts from Angry Journalist.com to that effect:
http://gawker.com/382491/broke-journalists-turn-to-t+shirt-sales

(Report comment)