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Net gains for writers
And the Lord said, "Let there be text on Web sites" and lo! there opened up a host of opportunities for writers on the Net.
If you thought that the only place for a person possessing writing skills was the print media, ad agencies and publishing houses, think again! The information superhighway has opened up a whole new dimension of professional opportunities for writers.
There are basically three openings for writers on the Net:
• Online reporting or editing
• Web site content
• Response management
Online reporting or editing
With most of the major dailies and periodicals coming out with exclusive online editions that bear little resemblance to their counterparts in print, there is a considerable demand for online reporters and editors. Speed rather than style is of the essence in this field. There is nothing that a news based site likes better than being the first to break the news. So, if you like to be in the thick of action and can compose a story at breakneck speed, drop your CV with the online section of a newspaper or periodical. There is scope for those with a flair for feature writing and analysis too. Only, the competition is much tougher, with most of the established columnists ruling the roost here.
Web site Content
There's more than just news and features on the Net. There are millions of sites devoted to companies, history, the arts, cinema, sport -- just about everything! And each of them relies on writers for content. This is the place for those who can combine a nose for research with a racy style of writing. Unlike a news based site, the emphasis here is on style rather than speed. The pace is more leisurely and one can afford to be a bit (just a bit!) verbose. An important part of the job is co-ordinating with the designer -- a person whose sole mission is to wipe out text in favor of his blinking lights, stunning visuals and endless gizmos! Still, if you have the patience of a saint and like being part of team, this is just the job for you. Dash off an application to the companies that specialize in developing Web sites. Their names and e-mail addresses can be found residing on the bottom of most homepages.
Response Management
Hell hath no fury like a respondent neglected. Most organizations especially the commercial ones are discovering that they cannot afford to let online feedback (queries, comments or even abuse) from visitors pass unheeded. This has spawned the need for writers with the human touch -- people who can build relationships with the organization's respondents, "locking" them onto the site and building brand loyalty. While easily the most interactive of all the writing jobs on the Net -- you are in constant touch with hundreds it does have its problems. One's responses are strictly restricted by organizational policy and at times of crisis one often has to parrot the standard "These are vile and unsubstantiated rumors" line. Still, if you feel that you are a great one for responding to mail, volunteer your services to a commercial Web site. Just be sure that you know enough about the organization and its field of operations before you bite the bullet.
The Bottom Line
One can apply for these jobs in a regular as well as a freelance or in a part-time capacity, provided one has one's own Internet connection handy. Remuneration varies from organization to organization and also depends on your own credentials. Nevertheless, nothing beats writing for the Net. For your audience is not restricted by national boundaries or government policies. On the Net, you are writing for the world. As the sponsors of the 1999 World Cup said --" It doesn't get bigger than this."
Write right-A few tips for the Net
• Remember, well begun is half done. Your opening lines will determine whether the reader continues reading or just moves to another page. Do your best to attract attention use catchy headlines, blurbs, trivia boxes et al.
• Let's face it text is not half as exciting as visuals on the Net. Therefore, do resist the temptation to pack in screenfuls of the stuff.
• The Net is an interactive medium, so give the reader options to do something. So provide interesting links and give feedback options using mailto links or bulletin boards.
• Coordinate with the designer. It could well decide how your text appears on the screen.
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