No, I didn’t speak to Elizabeth Taylor or Michael Jackson.

• But, then you probably knew that
• Their message was in a brief blurb in the morning paper
• We really should slow down and read what’s in front of us

The article was in the paper the day after the legendary film star, Elizabeth Taylor, died. Here is part of what it said –

“Elizabeth Taylor’s family mourned the screen legend in a brief private funeral service at a southern California cemetery famous for being the resting place of Hollywood celebrities, including her good friend Michael Jackson.”

What I thought I read –

Elizabeth Taylor was mourned by family and Hollywood celebrities, including her good friend, Michael Jackson.

• I was outraged
• How insensitive
• What shabby journalism
• Everyone knows Michael died last year
• I’m an idiot

Okay, maybe that last statement is a bit harsh, but it is what I felt when I realized that I could not have read it right. I read it again and did the mental slap to the head.

Scan Alert

What did it tell me about readers?

Readers scan text and miss key points.

And here I thought they hung on every word.

I know, the concept is certainly not new, however, it took a mental image of Michael coming back to life to underscore the challenge of delivering a message.

If I make that kind of reading error with a newspaper, is it any wonder I have difficulty with online reading?

Why Achieving an F on Online Layout is a Good Thing

Research tells us that the reading pattern for online reading is F-shaped.

We read across the top, then move down to about mid-page and read across. Finally, we scan down vertically from the top left to roughly form the letter F.

No matter what science says, the bottom line is online layout must be simple. You know how I love simple.

• Put your key information in the top two paragraphs
• Use concise sentences
• Use headings and subheadings
• Use bullet points
• Highlight with bold text and links

It’s time I practice what I preach. I plan on going back through older post and creating better page layouts.

I don’t want anyone raising pop star spirits from my text.

What ideas do you have for obtaining an F grade?

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