Online Writing VS Print Writing

I had taken a class before about the differences between writing for the web and writing for a print medium, so I didn't really have any preconceived notions about their differences. I understood that the audience really dictates the writing.

Online writing has to be concise. One might use the inverted pyramid method of writing. Placing all the good, meaty, stuff at the top and then filling the rest in. Online readers scan for information, and once they find it, they are are off to the next main topic. Furthermore, online readers are non-linear. They may jump from one page to the next exploring several ideas at once. Whereas, print readers are stuck, for the most part, reading one page at a time, one idea or concept at a time. I think the main thing for writers to understand is the differences in their audiences.

However, good online writing still requires proper structure and grammar. I believe this is where writing for print and writing for the web are similar, or should be similar. Effective online writing should employ all the sound principals of writing for a print medium. I come across web sites all the time that have grammar errors and misspellings. Since it's so easy to change something and republish, I think online writers neglect to proof their writings as much as one writing for print.

To be successful, one must take the elements of both styles and incorporate them into a unique writing style that appeals to his or her audience and relays information accordingly.

Copyright Myths

After reading the article, "Ten Copyright Permission Myths" by Attorney Lloyd J. Jassin I learned some vital information about copyright laws. The first myth that had not previously know about was myth # 2. "If I give credit I don't need permission". I have always been under the impression that citing information allowed one to use that information. According to Mr. Jassin, giving credit only means your not a plagiarist and even though the information is cited, one may still be in violation of copyright laws.

The second myth I was not previously aware of was myth # 10. According to this myth, information older than 75 years is part of the public domain and doesn't require copyright permission. Once again, Mr. Jassin informs us that unpublished and unregistered works created before 1978 may still be protected under United States copyright law.

Lastly, I learned that lawyers such as Mr. Jassin that have to resort to protecting copyright laws to eke out an existance must be very lonely. Okay, I am being a little sarcastic. :)

Ciao

Jonathan

The Future of Technology in Education

I think in the next ten to twenty years technology, especially the Internet and distance learning , will be ingrained into the educational system. The development of hypermedia will allow students access to stimulating, motivating, and engaging lessons. I also think this new system will require a different generation of eduacators. Educators that have the necessary skills to teaching and keep pace with technology. Lastly, I believe the future is bright and students will be afforded more oppurtunity than ever.

Bio Poem

My name is Jonathan

I was rasied in the land of Shire and reared by elfs. Okay, just kidding.

I have one brother, Billy. He is a recovering drug additict that doesn't take care of his kids.

I love to fight, play guitar, and golf.

I feel happy, sad, and angry, typically in that order.

I need a million dollars, a doctorate degree, a million dollars!

I fear big black bears!

I would like to meet God.

I share my home my lovely wife Trish.

I am a resident of Mountain Grove, Missouri. Home of the Mighty Panthers!

Talley