Writing for the Web 2:

The Read-Write Web

Lecture, 30 October 2006

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Traditional web publishing

1. Complex coding and design skills (eg Dreamweaver)
2. File Transfer Protocol
3. Web hosting

Problems:

• Bottleneck around webmaster
• Emphasis on design rather than maintenance
• Content management headaches

Example:

 

Weblogs

1. Instant web publishing from a browser
2. No specialist programming skills needed
3. Content management and hosting handled

Problems:

• Lack of control
• Quality issues
• Reliability

Examples:

1. Post a comment or two on other blogs
2. Write and publish a blog entry
3. Track recently updated blogs (RSS)

 

Wikis

1. Website anyone can edit
2. Simple code language
3. Each site has its own rules

Problems:

• Quality issues
• Reliability
• Arbitration of disputes

Task:

Edit an entry in The Student Wiki or PR Books (NB login required)

 

Examples:

 

Sources

 

Interview with Jimmy Wales, founder of Wikipedia

Guidelines for PR student blogs

Social Media or How I learned to stop worrying and love communication

 

Vote

 

Students at this lecture voted it the same as usual (34 votes); better (27) and worse (11). Democracy in action.