Primer for electronic scribblers
Two purposes: test bed for web research and general interest science magazine.
Strategy: drag readers in based on their curiosity about the news.
Point of view: Science is cool, you can understand it.
Here's what it looks like.
Advice
First commandment: Thou Shalt Surf.
Clash between computer and journalistic cultures. Between "content" and whiz-bang.
Tour our latest story.
Where's web going? How complex is too complex?
Not every reader has a high-class connection.
The web is entertainment, but audience is not in an easy chair.
Audience
Don't talk down -- readers range from 5th graders to teachers to bench scientists.
Inevitable know-your-audience problem.
When you see the web, don't forget journalistic standards.
Why Files dog and pony show
Simple drawings to disenjargonate the story.
Use humor.
Use dumb video.
Keep the reader up-to-date on the future.
Print -- with permission -- letters from experts who can write.
Use a provocative tone to keep the reader awake.
Have a scavenger hunt.
Repeat yourself for readers who entered late. (See "we quoted.." at bottom).
List and evaluate web resources.
Tickle the ears.
More humble web-writing advice.
Or our latest press release.