Online Writing Examples

LINK 1: www.cnn.com

Use the CNN web site to compare how an online writer deals with the same set of facts as a newspaper writer does. The CNN site presents clear, concise and colorful story packages. And the news is updated regularly throughout the day. Pick two or three breaking national stories from your daily newspaper and look for them on the CNN site. How do the stories differ in length? In style? In tone? In particular, note how the online version of the story provides some of the same background information in the newspaper story by offering links to several other sites.

LINK 2: www.disneyworld.com

Use the home page for Disney World to see how an online writer delivers an advertising/public relations message to tourists and vacationers linked to the World Wide Web. The web browser can even download audio and video clips. The Disney web site home page allows the online viewer, in effect, to build his or her own story. What is the all-purpose summary lead? What are the various elements or aspects of a Disney World vacation that the site includes? How effective are they in persuading or helping the audience? In the "What¹s New" section, click on the several icons. What are the common characteristics of the stories (shorter stories, shorter sentences, better graphics)?