“Writing Style for Print vs. Web” By Jakob Nielson
Written: June 9, 2008
Jakob Nielsen. Source: Useit.com
Jakob Nielsen, is a leading web usability consultant. He holds a Ph.D. in human–computer interaction from the Technical University of Denmark in Copenhagen. From 1994 until 1998 Nielsen worked as a Sun Microsystems Distinguished Engineer, where he spent the majority of his time there defining the merging field of web usability. He founded the “discount usability engineering movement” for fast and cheap improvements of user interfaces and has invented several usability methods.
In his article, “Writing Style for Print vs. Web”, Nielsen discusses the differences of content style between online Web articles and print articles. He stresses how important it is for Web articles to have eye-catching titles since the first few words are what grab the reader’s attention. Web is more specific, while print tells a narrative. Print, on the other hand, creates a clear picture of what an article is about because the title is usually longer and the article includes a corresponding image.
Web vs. Print. Source: Xangam
The main difference between Web and print is that Web is user-driven, while print is author-driven. The authors of print materials create an experience for the reader, while Web influences people to create their own experiences by piecing information together. People usually utilize the Web with a pre-mediated goal or plan in mind. Books, on the other hand, are used to tell a story and let the reader sit back and relax while the information is provided for them.
This is another difference that both Web and print offer: linear, author-driven narratives are used for educational purposes and learning of new concepts, while the Web perfect for narrow, just-in-time learning.
After reading the article, I found Nielsen’s argument that print is more beneficial than the Web, in terms of learning, to be accurate. I especially agree with his statement:
I continue to believe in the linear, author-driven narrative for educational purposes. I just don’t believe the Web is optimal for delivering this experience. Instead, let’s praise old narrative forms like books and sitting around a flickering campfire — or its modern day counterpart, the PowerPoint projector — which have been around for 500 and 32,000 years, respectively.
The article is a refreshing take on the importance of print, especially in a world that is so Web and technology driven. I strongly agree that print influences people to learn more information about a specific topic. I think the Web is a great tool to search for information in a fast, convenient way, but I think people rely too much on it. While the Web is great for allowing people to construct their own experiences, print teaches people how to be students and how to listen and learn.
Here is an interesting video that interviews people asking them their opinion of whether or not they believe print or the Web is more reliable. Watch to see what they say and their reasons behind their answers!
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0VE7m2MHWtw[/youtube]