Writing for Part 1 - (the overviews and issues papers)

Writing for Part 2 - (the roundtable contributions on problems, perspectives and solutions)

Posting comments on the roundtable contributions

Writing for the web - general guidance

Writing for Part 1 - the overviews and issues papers

The papers in Part 1 of Biosensitive Futures are authoritative summaries (1000-3000 words) of the state of knowledge about important ecological and health themes. These papers are written in a style that is readily understood by non-specialists. 

The Part 1 papers provide an overview of the human situation in the biosphere, important ecological and health issues facing societies today and the essential characteristics of biosensitive societies of the future.

Others discuss specific issues and topics.

As well as presenting an account of the state of knowledge, the Part 1 papers also:

• make clear some of the major issues and problems facing society within the topic covered
• are written in a way to stimulate serious consideration and constructive suggestions for dealing with these major issues and problems:

• the Part 1 papers do not themselves, however, suggest solutions to the problems identified

• these suggestions appear as contributions to Part 2, the roundtable

• because the papers are designed to stimulate discussion, some of which will occur in public on this website, authors may wish to review their papers in the light of the discussion here and also scientific developments.

Writing for Part 2 - the roundtable contributions on problems, issues and solutions

This part of Biosensitive Futures, the roundtable, is a forum open to everyone to propose solutions, or to suggest courses of action.

Some contributions will focus on the changes that will be necessary in societal arrangements (e.g. the economic system) and on the roles of different sections of society in bringing about a transition to a biosensitive society (Series A). 

Others will concern practical measures that can be taken, such as the ways and means of reducing greenhouse emissions from homes (Series B).

Part 2 contributions will generally:

• be under 1,000 words (plus abstract and conclusions)

• have brief paragraphs, with informative sub-headings every 50–120 words 
• begin with an abstract of under 100 words
• finish with conclusions: a series of dot-points which sum up the author's prescriptions to address the problems on which the contributions focus

• be subject to editing by Biosensitive Futures (for brevity, clarity, house style, search engine optimization etc.)
• be open to brief comments and criticisms which will be published on this website, on the same web page as the contribution.

To contribute to the roundtable or request further information, e-mail our office or use the contact page to write, ring, visit or fax us.

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Posting comments on the Roundtable contributions

Comments will generally:

• be under 200 words

• have brief paragraphs

• be subject to editing by Biosensitive Futures (for brevity, clarity, civility, house style, search engine optimization etc.)

• be open to other comments and criticisms (also generally under 200 words) which will also be published on this website, on the same web page as the contribution.

To comment on a roundtable contribution use the "Add comment" button at the foot of the relevant contribution.

Writing for the web - general guidance

The main principle - Put yourself in the shoes of your reader; ask what do they need, not solely what you want to say; effective communication requires you to make the reader willing to engage; it is not about broadcasting your message on your own terms.

Implementing the main principle

• The majority of web users scan; they seldom read

• Most people decide within 3 seconds if they’ll read your contribution or click away

• Make all the main points clearly at the top of the page – your contribution is not a suspense novel

• Turn any series into a numbered or bulleted list to emphasize the crisp delivery of facts

• Use informative and meaningful headings not “stock” (e.g, not “Introduction”); headings should have meaning in themselves (i.e, when not in context); at least one heading should be visible on the screen at any time as the reader scrolls down
  • headings and sub-headings help users search, understand and recall

• Cite reputable information sources
  • provide links to other information on this website and other websites

• One idea per paragraph, short paragraphs - 120 maximum; most under 60 words

Strive for simplicity and clarity

• Prune, prune and prune - don’t fall in love with your own verbosity

• Clarity of writing demonstrates clear thinking

• Write as you speak; say the words aloud; listen. We are not writing for people like us – scientists – we are writing for a wider general audience
• You don't need to give up your enthusiasm, just ration your adjectives and adverbs
• Ask “What am I really trying to say?”
• Who is my reader? – any one of 700,000,000 internet users. Who are you shutting out by your tone or register?
  • There are more internet users in China and India than in the rest of the world.

Structure for clarity and strength

• Use simple, elegant sentences: - subject – verb – object; - a maximum of one subordinate/dependent clause per sentence (subordinate clauses are not web-friendly)
• Use the present tense; it is stronger
• Avoid the passive voice; active is stronger
• Avoid subjunctives like ‘would’ and ‘could’ when ‘will’ and ‘are’ can be used
• Avoid jargon and other words that the reader will not be familiar with, or provide a glossary of definitions.

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References:

Hot Text: Web Writing That Works, by Jonathan and Lisa Price, 2002

Writing for the Web, by Susannah Ross, 2007

Writing for the Web 3.0, by Crawford Kilian, 2007

Letting Go of the Words: Writing Web Content that Works, by Ginny Redish, 2007

See also the BBC guide on How to write for the Web

Contact us by e-mail about this page.

Page up-dated 5 September 2008