Writing for the web

03 Dec 2010 Leave a Comment

by jilliansavage in College Related

Basically, think of all the different types of words and symbols a person encounters each and every day. It isn’t even the same types of fonts, for instance the ads you see driving are vastly different from those you read in a newspaper. Or Game informer magazine isn’t going to be the same as a American Girl magazine. The information is different, and the content, along with images, also causes differences. It isn’t something I was consciously aware of but now that I sit down and look through a few things I have come to realize how many different things feed my brain each day.

Magazines – When I read a magazine it is usually when I am waiting for an appointment in an office or reading my Game Informer, which is the only magazine I read front to back. I am interested in the next video game that is set to come out or reading reviews from the editors. I do not sit there and read forever, usually I sit for about 30 minutes, put it down and come back to it later.

Websites – When I go online I am usually not looking for vast information. I visit certain sites and then find a good story to read. I can spend hours reading fanfiction, fiction, poetry and looking for new and interesting quotes. On the off chance that I go anywhere for information is it usually to look up a good cheat for a game or a walkthrough because I’m stuck. Most of my day can be spent on the internet but it is easy enough to put it down and do other things.

Brochures – I vary rarely look at these. The only information I usually want when I do pick one up is for two things. One, for coupons. And two, for information. Mainly directions or for what may be going on. This only happens when I am traveling and have nothing else to occupy my time.

Billboards – A billboard needs to tell me certain things. Mainly, where is a good place to stop for a restroom break and where to get some good food. Or if you traveling with my parents, where the closest Bob Evans is. Usually I look at them because I am bored, but ones that catch my eye usually have very few words or bright pictures.

Books -  I read so many books there is no room on all three of my book shelves to stack them. I have all my childhood books in storage and that equals around five crates in the basement. Books, to catch my attention, must have an eye catching cover or really interesting font on their spines. It also helps when their titles are embossed, so when I run my hand along the shelves one just jumps out at me.

I cannot stand really cheesy adds, be it on television or on a poster. If you have a horrible image and terrible font faces then I am turned away. I know some people go for the “catch your interest” take but if my interest is caught and I don’t like what I see then there is a problem. I haven’t gone to movies because the posters look hideous. Don’t get me started on annoying “it’s my money and I need it now” ads.

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