Estimates put the number of pages on the internet at a cool trillion.

• How someone arrives at that figure is beyond me
• It’s probably the same folks who estimate the national debt

Needless to say, there’s a bunch of stuff on the internet.

Wouldn’t you think everyone would have figured out online writing by now?

Recently, I had the opportunity to guest post at Sharon Hurley Hall’s site, Get Paid to Write Online. 

The topic centered on my adjustment to online writing. It got me thinking about online writing styles I hate.

This is my Top 10 list. I hope you’ll add your own.

#10 – Text and More Text

We know that we read differently online.

Do This

There are endless discussions on “good’ practices for online writing.

√  Use bullets

√  Use bold typeface

√  Add headings and sub-headings

√  Use images

Not That

Why do so many sites resemble a copy and paste from a text book? Without the headings.

• We want to read what you wrote
• But, help us out here

Put in some rest stops for better eye-brain coordination.

#9 – Tiny Print

On behalf of over 75 million baby boomers, please increase the text size online.

• Yes, I can Ctrl + to enlarge the screen (usually)
• But, do you really want me focusing on my age instead of your pearls of wisdom?

#8 – Light-colored Text

Soft pastel colors may work in little girls’ dresses, but they are practically non-existent on a white screen.

I know, I know, I’m focusing on that age thing again. I strongly suspect I am not alone on this.

#7 – Excessive Exclamation Points!

Excessive exclamation points are the crutches for poor writing.

• It’s bad enough when they are peppered throughout the written form
• When extras get dragged along, it makes me want to scream!!!
• Throw in a question mark and now you’ve really lost me – ?!

#6 – Google Ads

Sorry, Google, but I hate an ad right in the middle of an article I’m reading.

It’s like commercials at movies – raise your hand if you think that’s a good idea.

#5 – Headline Letdown

A great headline is a work of art.

• It grabs our attention
• It draws us in
• It leaves us feeling good

The detail of your story has to support your headline or it’s a real letdown.

It’s like biting into a beautiful pastry that tastes like sawdust.

#4 – Twisting Facts

When does fact become fiction?

• When writers skew it to their point of view
• When the story shapes the statistic – a.k.a. creative math
• When opinion is stated as fact

I love the internet – answers at your fingertips – something for everyone.

• If it’s your opinion, say so
• If you don’t know, say so
• If it’s not yours, say so

#3 – SEO Madness

Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is a good thing.

• It helps us find what we’re looking for
• It benefits the writer, too

When SEO takes the place of good online writing, we all lose.

#2 – When the Keyword is I

A definition of sharing is –

To participate in, use, enjoy, or experience jointly or in turns.

When your SEO software determines the word I is your keyword, turn back to the definition of sharing.

Your readers will thank you.

Drum roll, please. The #1 online writing style we love to hate is –

#1 – Online Theft

If you scraped it, copied it or held it for ransom, online theft is the worse offense.

After you take it, it’s too late to give it back.

What’s on your Top 10 list?

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