Why Write for the Web?
by Glenn White
The Big Reason
The big reason for writing for
the Web is that is where the readers are. Here is an incredible Internet
statistic:First
quarter 2001, worldwide Internet usage 420 million people with the US and
The web readers are in the millions and growing every day. The main reason to
write for the Web is that is where millions of readers are.
The Main Objection
The main objection some people voice about writing for the Web, communicating
by e-mail, and connecting with others on the Internet is that it is impersonal.
The Web, however, is intensely personal.
One day, I was struggling about how to explain to others that Internet
communication really is personal. Suddenly, it was like God dropped in and
asked me, “Glenn, what does PC stand for?” I thought, “Uh…Personal Computer?” I
finally got the message. As my niece would say...“Hello!”
Writing for the Web and e-mail has the personal touch because the method of
delivery is personalized to the user.
The Compelling Reason
The compelling reason to write for the Web is you can reach more people. Think
of it, 420 million people on-line! Of course, you won’t reach them all. You
can, however, reach more people as an “average” Christian writer on the Web
than you may ever reach in print.
Let's face it, you may never write the next hot Christian bestseller in the
marketplace. But you have the potential to reach just as many, if not more,
people when you write for the Web. When you do, not only do you impact people
in their own time and place but also you impact them for eternity.
From Print to Cyberspace
Christian writers must move from thinking about print-only writing to writing
for cyberspace because that is where millions of readers are. Most of these
readers are unchurched and need to hear the good news of Jesus Christ in relevant terms. Here
are a few ideas to use.
· On-line devotionals are an excellent starting point in writing for the Web.
The article You Can
Write for the Web! has suggestions and two sites where you can submit
your work.
· Start with what you have written for print publication and adapt your work
for the Web.
Writing for the Web by Crawford Killian is a helpful resource.
· Consider joining an
online Christian writer’s group so you can become comfortable with the
Internet environment and writing online.
After you write an article for the Web then begin submitting it everywhere you
would like to see your work published. You can even submit something to us. We
love it when you write to inspire!
Related articles:
The Good News &
The New Marketplace
You Can Write for the
Web!
Stained Glass Words
Copyright © 2001 Glenn White. All rights reserved.