Web Training

Writing for the Web

Kathy Henning, a prolific website copywriter since 1997, sums up web writing best:

     "The web isn't about communicating with grandeur. It's about communicating with speed."

Understanding how visitors read on the web is key to writing good web content -- content that is scannable for the way people read on the web.

Six expert tips for creating "scannable" text:

• Highlight keywords (Hypertext links serve as one form of highlighting; typeface variations and color are others)
• Use meaningful subheadings (not "clever" ones)
• Create bulleted lists  
• Present one idea per paragraph
• Try the inverted pyramid style, starting with the conclusion
• Edit down to half the word count (or less) of conventional writing

For extensive details regarding web writing techniques and best practices, visit webwritingthatworks.com or read the "Writing for the Web" training document.

Copyright

Copyright is alive and well on the Internet. This applies to text, photographs, clipart and other images, and even web site layouts. So when in doubt, don't copy! Read more at "10 Big Myths about copyright explained."

Cascade Server

In this training session, you will learn what a content manager system (CMS) is and, specifically, how to manage your department's website use the University's official CMS, Cascade Server.  This training has been designed for individuals designated to manage your department's online presence, also known as Department Content Managers. Please make sure your review the Cascade Server Account Access and Acceptable Use Policy prior to attending training.

NOTE: Cascade Server training sessions have been completed for the spring semester. Sessions will begin again in the fall. In the meantime, please review the Cascade Server "How To" reference guide (pdf) for information on using Cascade to manage your department's web presence.

In an effort to maintain consistency throughout the CNU website, please refer to these standards as well as university standards for writing copy. For more detailed guidance, please read the "Writing for the Web" training document.

Email Etiquette and Campus-Wide Emails

Writing an e-mail is similar to writing a letter on paper. Several principles apply in both cases:

• Use the subject wisely. Like the title of a memo, use your e-mail's “subject” to indicate your message topic. Example: "Weekly Staff Meeting" instead of "meeting."
• Be clear in your message. Unless you have been in contact previously, it is better to fully explain a question or topic in your e-mail. Don't assume your audience will know what you mean.
• Spell check. Spell check again. Although e-mail can be a casual means of communication between friends, messages sent to colleagues and constituents should remain professional.
• Please do not write your message in ALL CAPS. Using all caps in an email means that you are "yelling."

Request a Campus Wide Email.