Letting Go of the Words: Writing Web Content that Works (Interactive Technologies) (Interactive Technologies)
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| Letting Go of the Words: Writing Web Content that Works (Interactive Technologies) (Interactive Technologies) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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"Redish has done her homework and created a thorough overview of the issues in writing for the Web. Ironically, I must recommend that you read her every word so that you can find out why your customers won't read very many words on your website -- and what to do about it."
-- Jakob Nielsen, Principal, Nielsen Norman Group There are at least twelve billion web pages out there. Twelve billion voices talking, but saying mostly nothing. If just 1% of those pages followed Ginnys practical, clear advice, the world would be a better place. Fortunately, you can follow her advice for 100% of your own sites pages, so pick up a copy of Letting Go of the Words and start communicating effectively today. --Lou Rosenfeld, co-author, Information Architecture for the World Wide Web On the web, whether on the job or at home, we usually want to grab information and use it quickly. We go to the web to get answers to questions or to complete tasks to gather information, reading only what we need. We are all too busy to read much on the web. This book helps you write successfully for web users. It offers strategy, process, and tactics for creating or revising content for the web. It helps you plan, organize, write, design, and test web content that will make web users come back again and again to your site. Learn how to create usable and useful content for the web from the master − Ginny Redish. Ginny has taught and mentored hundreds of writers, information designers, and content owners in the principles and secrets of creating web information that is easy to scan, easy to read, and easy to use. This practical, informative book will help anyone creating web content do it better. Features * Clearly-explained guidelines with full color illustrations and examples from actual web sites throughout the book. * Written in easy-to-read style with many "befores" and "afters." * Specific guidelines for web-based press releases, legal notices, and other documents. * Tips on making web content accessible for people with special needs. Janice (Ginny) Redish has been helping clients and colleagues communicate clearly for more than 20 years. For the past ten years, her focus has been helping people create usable and useful web sites. She is co-author of two classic books on usability: A Practical Guide to Usability Testing (with Joseph Dumas), and User and Task Analysis for Interface Design (with JoAnn Hackos), and is the recipient of many awards. * Clearly-explained guidelines with full color illustrations and examples from actual web sites throughout the book. * Written in easy-to-read style with many "befores" and "afters." * Specific guidelines for web-based press releases, legal notices, and other documents. * Tips on making web content accessible for people with special needs. |
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| 12-01-08 | 3 | 0\1 |
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Very interesting concept, well written, but very repetitive - the book could have been a lot shorter.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-12-04 06:52:51 EST)
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| 10-09-08 | 5 | 1\1 |
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I've bought books, and I've bought books, but I haven't had one like this one. It's great. Everything I read in it I can understand and the lightbulb goes on. I'm using it now to enhance my own web storefront, Zeke's Dragon Nest, at [...] to sell my books. Thank you for making this book available.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-12-04 01:13:00 EST)
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| 09-18-08 | 5 | (NA) |
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'Letting Go' is a wonderful guide for creating web content. It gives concrete strategies for making the words you haven't let go of truly work for your site. It teaches how to put your users first and structure and write content that will smoothly get them where they want to be and happily engage when they arrive. This book helps you to understand the logic of usability and in turn free up your creativity for making effective navigation and messaging.
I recommended this to a friend of mine who is a VP of a web development company and he turned around and sent me a link to their recommendation that ALL their clients read 'Letting Go'. (Review Data Last Updated: 2008-10-12 07:30:56 EST)
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| 09-12-08 | 5 | (NA) |
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Letting Go of the Words is very clear, easy to read, well organized, and thorough. It offers numerous examples of what works and what doesn't, and it explains why. The author covers best practices for web content in a manner that is easy to understand and implement.
While the title of the book makes it seem like it only discusses "words," it actually covers much more than that. The real focus is on making your site more user-friendly. I found discussions of links, illustrations, active and passive space, and general style recommendations to be extremely useful. I think this book would be just as useful for someone who is designing pages as someone who is just writing content. Much of the book goes over design best practices that would be helpful to programmers and designers. Overall an excellent resource. Highly recommended. (Review Data Last Updated: 2008-09-18 21:48:16 EST)
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| 09-02-08 | 5 | (NA) |
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"Letting Go of the Words" is a book that I recommend to all of my new web content authors. It's easy to understand language and visual examples really make this book a great read. I really appreciated the attention to accessibility and usability as well as they are becoming fundamental to good web design.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-09-13 08:55:18 EST)
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| 08-25-08 | 5 | (NA) |
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I've worked with a web developer for 2 years, and have stayed on the editorial side. However, now I have more input into the site design, and I'm finding great assistance from Ginny Redish. She's done her homework to help the reader delve into the minds of their site visitors, and thinks outside the normal constraints.
It offers technical assistance without being a coding manual, and for the creative person who is not a coder or developer, this is a terrific tool! It's not for the programmer who knows the how-to side, but it's for the content and creative person trying to attract the right attention and reach the right people. (Review Data Last Updated: 2008-09-03 07:43:37 EST)
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| 06-25-08 | 5 | 2\2 |
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This book should be considered required reading for anyone designing and developing sites.
Most of the websites online do not follow the practices outlined in this book and would be better off if they did. The book is filled with clear examples and shows bad content and then the ways to improve it. Great book! (Review Data Last Updated: 2008-08-25 17:54:49 EST)
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| 05-12-08 | 5 | (NA) |
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From the moment I started reading this well-constructed, excellently researched book, I couldn't put it down and wanted to know more. The pages are reader-friendly, and lots of good examples make all the author's advice come to life on the page. "Letting Go of the Words" clarifies so many gray areas of writing for the web. I highly recommend this book to anyone who ever has to write anything that will appear on the web, and also to designers who are responsble for setting up websites. Once you read this book, you won't be able to look at any website in the same way again.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-06-26 08:37:34 EST)
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| 04-28-08 | 5 | 2\2 |
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This book is an absolute must read for anyone who develops websites. Ginny Redish provides great examples of web pages and how the visitor is affected by the arrangement of the content. I love the way she presents a website user and allows you to "think" like a visitor.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-05-16 05:41:55 EST)
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| 04-05-08 | 5 | 2\2 |
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I'm a big fan of technical communication texts. This book is exceptional, and stands apart from others in many ways:
- Many technical communication texts repeat the same rote guidelines. Although this book does not ignore the "classic" rules (e.g., "Write in inverted pyramid style"; "Use space effectively"), many of the rules are unexpected or even contrarian (e.g., "Use a sans-serif font"; "Long lists are o.k. for familiar items"). All rules are backed by examples that demonstrate their effectiveness. - The book provides clear examples of real-world Web content, including many "before" and "after" images that demonstrate the book's principles. - The production of the book is excellent. The color printing and rich layout help to make the book attractive and approachable. Although the focus of this book is Web communication, the rules, principles, and guidelines are relevant to any form of written communication. The number of examples and diversity of the book's guidelines make this an ideal text for technical communicators and Web content developers of all levels of experience and proficiency. (Review Data Last Updated: 2008-04-29 07:37:18 EST)
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| 03-20-08 | 5 | (NA) |
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This is one of the best books you can buy if you creating a website, looking for ideas on how to make your site better or just need simple easy to implement ideas. Ginny has created an easy way to focus on your "audience" make any site practicle with simple solutions. Tips and trick that any one can do without functionality. This is a best value!
(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-04-05 07:45:43 EST)
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| 03-17-08 | 5 | (NA) |
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Here's the ultimate compliment: I need to buy at least three copies, one for me and two for clients--who will love it, too!
Years ago, a professor of mine told a story about his being informed that his work was so easy and fun to read, it could not possibly be scholarly enough for a particular publication(!) This book might receive a few of those sorts of comments, too. On first glance, people with a fair amount of experience in this field might say it's too basic--but they would be wrong. This book is thorough, in depth, and deals with a wide range of issues--and explains why certain alternatives are better than others, instead of just saying, "here is how things should be." It is a thorough presentation of highly useful and relevant information in a enjoyable, understandable, and audience-aware and audience-friendly way. (Review Data Last Updated: 2008-03-20 07:42:15 EST)
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| 01-29-08 | 5 | 1\1 |
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Writing for the Web is not like writing a college term paper -- or even print ads. It takes understanding what your audience is seeking when they come to your website and presenting it in a manner that allows them to find it easily. Letting Go of the Words is a brilliant, easy-to-read book that explains how you can write usable copy for projects of any size.
Redish writes about the difference between the three major types of pages and what should be on them (and what shouldn't). 1. Home pages 2. Pathway pages 3. Information pages She also gives useful advice on * Focusing on your essential message * Making your design easy to use * Using lists and tables * Using headings and illustrations effectively * Writing links that get clicked, and perhaps most importantly, * Fitting this all into a process that allows you to set expectations and meet deadlines. Anyone involved with building websites (or writing blogs) can find value in this book. I learned a lot from it, and I think you would, too. I strongly recommend it. (Review Data Last Updated: 2008-03-18 07:21:31 EST)
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| 12-11-07 | 5 | (NA) |
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Anyone involved in creating or designing Webpages MUST have this book. Easy to read and use - filled with great ideas and examples. Ginny is simply the best
(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-02-14 07:41:21 EST)
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| 12-10-07 | 5 | (NA) |
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The title is a nod to the strongest message in the book - remove extraneous content and get to the heart of the message.
For content creators and those responsible for site architecture, you have less than a minute to satisfy the web site visitors' quest for information. If your site is poorly designed or overly word-y, you will lose them to another site. The organization that embraces these guidelines, methods, and concepts will produce a site that responds effectively to the needs of the web audience. In addition to the excellent design and implementation information, she also provides recommendations and insights into site and content design to meet the requirements of people with physical impairments. Creating content and designing sites that are friendly for the visually impaired or physically handicapped visitor not only increase the potential size of your site audience, it is the right thing to do! This topic is seldom mentioned in other books, making this one exceptional. (Review Data Last Updated: 2008-02-14 07:41:21 EST)
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| 12-07-07 | 5 | 1\1 |
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As advertised (by Steve Krug, no less), this book is a comprehensive guide to writing for the web. It covers just about any written copy you'll need on any type of site, with examples of best practices for image and micro-content for context.
Normally, I'd keep a book like this a secret in our design arsenal, but as I genuinely believe that applying it's lessons could improve the browsing experience for everyone, I decided to share my thoughts. Enjoy. (Review Data Last Updated: 2008-02-14 07:41:21 EST)
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| 10-23-07 | 5 | 2\2 |
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i've read several books and countless articles on how to write well for the web. Ginny Redish nails it perfectly. This is hands-down the best book on writing for the web out there. The book is beautifully laid-out, with easy to grasp, common sense advice - all backed up by solid research data and straightforward examples.
If you're a fan of usability, good user-centered design, and easy-to-read helpful books, and you'd like to improve your site's performance with better writing, definitely get this book. I'm already reworking the content on my sites with many of Ginny's suggestions, and I have no doubt my readers will be happy. (Review Data Last Updated: 2008-02-14 07:41:21 EST)
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| 10-14-07 | 5 | 4\4 |
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Ginny Redish's book, Letting Go of the Words, is a book long overdue. Until now, I've never found a book on writing content for the Web that had anything of substance to say. What ever they said, we already knew intuitively.
This is not the case with Redish's book. The book is filled from cover to cover with very important ideas and messages for writers. Moreover, the ideas are presented very effectively. In each chapter, Redish presents principles dealing with the topic at hand. She then discusses each principle and deomonstrates the use of each with excellent examples -- both the results when the principle is used and when it is violated. In this format it also makes for a very handy reference document. After I read the book, I bought two more copies to circulate amongst our Web development team. It is a must read for our writers/editors, but all members of the team, I believe, will stand to benefit from it. This book is sure to become a classic in its field. As a result, it will, I believe, have a major effect of raising the quality of Web sites everywhere. (Review Data Last Updated: 2008-02-14 07:41:21 EST)
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| 10-06-07 | 5 | 1\1 |
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Ginny is a well known and respected veteran in the Society for Technical Communicators. I have seen her work for years. But this is the best - for her and for the subject. Note that she carefully avoids getting into technology and how to make it happen; she stays with content and presentation - and does oh so well at that. She covers so many principles that I've been teaching within my company, but does it so much better, has wonderful contrasting examples. She supplements them with comic style images that make the point very nicely.
This is about writing for online reading, which is pretty much what really happens in any corporation, even though they read "documents" online. (Review Data Last Updated: 2007-11-17 07:47:45 EST)
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| 10-03-07 | 4 | 2\2 |
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Everyone who writes web content will benefit from reading this book with its clear guidelines and extensive examples. The book is well organized and its format makes it easy to find specific ideas.
However, this book will be most useful for writers working on information sites. The book presents only limited discussion and examples for e-commerce sites and does not address important issues for those sites, such as guiding customers to a sale or writing for search engine optimization. (Review Data Last Updated: 2007-11-17 07:47:45 EST)
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| 09-12-07 | 5 | (NA) |
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My company is a consultancy that creates interactive learning programs for large corporations. I am especially interested in blending the best practices of instructional design/performance support, technical communication, and web site design. For the latter, this book is an indispensible resource! I've shared it with our entire, busy team.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2007-11-17 07:47:45 EST)
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| 08-27-07 | 5 | (NA) |
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I've been reading a lot of books on writing for the web recently, and this one is by far the best. It's written in a concise, easy-to-read format. The information is relevant and all-encompassing. I highly recommend it for novice or experienced web writers.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2007-11-17 07:47:45 EST)
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| 08-01-07 | 5 | 0\6 |
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Imagine for a moment having an expert at your beckon call that coaches you to write superb content for the Web. Ginny Redish will blow you away with her new book Letting Go of the Words: Writing Web Content that Works. Usability and web content drive customers to websites that work. Move to the bleeding edge with Ginny today, order now.
Why are you doing still reading this - go pick up Letting Go of the Words: Writing Web Content that Works, read it, and keep it by your side. (Review Data Last Updated: 2007-11-17 07:47:45 EST)
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| 07-24-07 | 5 | 1\1 |
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This book is excellent! It's conversational (like Ginny's talking to you), visually pleasant (with large headings and pictures), and very insightful (plenty of examples--with great notes and explanations). Ginny's considerable knowledge will help any writer, new or experienced, who wants to create or update information on the web in a way that users can most easily use, understand, and find. We have included her book as a resource on our government agency's "plain talk" website, and are referring other writers to the book when consulting with them about writing for the web. Additionally, this book has already been a most valuable guide for further revising our own online documents and manuals.
Letting Go of the Words fills a gap through giving us clear and tested guidance on writing content clearly for the web, considering needs and habits of users. Katey Simetra and Alice Liou, Department of Social and Health Services, Olympia, Washington (Review Data Last Updated: 2007-07-31 07:52:17 EST)
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| 07-24-07 | 5 | 1\1 |
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Short of having Ginny sitting at your desk helping you think about your site, I can think of nothing better than having this book. The table of contents alone offers detailed guidance for readers, making this book an active resource for day-to-day use - one of my key criteria for a "usable" book. The wealth of examples make it easy to see how to apply concepts to your particular situation.
I have had the great fortune to attend Ginny's talks, and have encouraged my clients who are responsible for content to attend her detailed workshops. I have yet to meet anyone who was disappointed. When she was writing the book, my one concern was "how can she translate her interactive magic in those conversations, in a way that we can learn the art?" She succeeded. Many people have asked for books to recommend for content authors and site owners - we have an answer. For anyone responsible for creating web content, there are indispensable take-aways. For experienced designers and educators, there are so many examples that we should never be at a loss to illustrate what we mean by "good" content. (Review Data Last Updated: 2007-07-31 07:52:17 EST)
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