The reading discusses the differences between web publishing
and traditional print editing. It also discusses why editing web pages are far
more complex, and the steps that online editors must take. According to the
article, this component of media has changed the structure of traditional media
outlets as well.
Traditionally, newspapers have not needed massive staffs to
be successful. Certainly there are exceptions to the rule, but a traditional
editor only must scan through each article and look for, as the article
describes, “the ten steps of perfect proofing.” With media turning to the web,
this has completely changed. And it is not just media either. All companies
that post essays, articles, links to other sites etc. must check every aspect
of their web page to make sure it all comes together nicely, as well as check
the traditional aspects of copy editing.
The reading references the changes made at the Washington
Post as they moved more content online. They hired more staffers to go through
and check links, testing usability and overall making the articles more online
friendly. The move to online does not always create more work, however. Online
articles have the freedom to be longer, as readers are generally searching for
what they want to read and not so much simply coming across it in a newspaper.
While the style of writing must remain the same, the piece does not have to go
through as many editors to get it down to a reasonable length. With the Internet,
it is about time. Stories need to be far more punctual than in print because
every outlet wants to be the first to post, and has the opportunity to be.
What do you think the major differences between print
editing and online editing are?
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