Visit the Wikipedia entry for “Writer“.
Under the heading “Internet Writers”, you can read the following text:
“The popularity of the Internet opened the door of opportunity to many established and aspiring writers alike. The new medium created concerns over writing quality in the Internet age.
(Pictured at left: Internet writing, by dbdbrobot)
Writers’ advocates believe the Internet has led to a lower level of writing standards. While new modes of communication through the Internet are constantly advancing and changing, the issue of writing quality questions the very definition of writing in the Internet age.”
So, who are these writers’ advocates? And why do they blame the Internet for a lower level of writing standards? There will always be people who believe in the power of a well-written article, story, or blog entry. No one wants to read something with poor syntax, misspellings, and lack of organization.
People who love and appreciate good writing (me) and who run arts and culture magazines (Too Shy to Stop) have to maintain a standard of writing for the Internet, at least within the confines of a venue that wants to earn the respect and admiration of its readers.
For this reason, I created the Too Shy Style Guide, a handbook for anyone that writes for Too Shy to Stop.
(Pictured at right: Wired style guide, by renaissancechambara)
I based our style guide on other style guides that already exist: AP, Chicago, and MLA. I took what I really like from each of these style guides, and why not?
I am working in an innovative medium on a magazine that’s unlike other magazines. Why can’t I dictate my own style guidelines as long as they are consistent?
I’m curious to know how you think we can preserve high-quality writing on the Internet.
