Journalism 2.0
How to survive and thrive in the digital age

This blog is a companion to the book I have written. It will teach current (and future) journalists the skills they need to do better journalism with the help of digital technology. More information about the book.

 

Write shorter words, grow bigger audiences?

I found this recent Seth Godin post fascinating. It’s from a link to Steven Berlin Johnson and, at first blush, may appear to have nothing to do with Journalism 2.0.

Basically, short, simple sentences not only sell more books, but spread ideas farther and faster.

But upon further review ...

Maybe, in addition to teaching reporters how to wield a video camera and edit Soundslides, a new reporting style should be adopted. One where news stories contain shorter sentences and are more direct.

If shorter, more direct writing sells more books, would it also sell more newspapers (and grow online audiences)? Makes sense to me.

Posted by MarkBriggs on Tuesday, October 30, 2007
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