Sun
Jun
04
2006

Good writing on the web

This is not about the quality of writing on the web (using tools like blogs), but rather how that writing is displayed on the screen.

In traditional hard copy writing (of which I’m still a fan!), formal writing uses things like footnotes or endnotes to add extra information like sources of quotes or other information.
Problem is, footnotes and endnotes removes that extra info away from it’s context, and forces the reader to move their eyes to the foot of the page, or worst still, the end of the document.

The web is inherently more flexible and creative as a publishing medium, so it’s good to see tools like Sidenotes (via Gadgetopia).
Using JS and CSS, extra information can easily be added adjacent to the flow of the main text.
It uses colour and visual alignment to connect the main part of the text with the extra data.
Very nice. And very tempting to adapt this for use in things like this blog.

Screenshot (Click for larger image):
Screenshot of 'Sidenotes'

Posted by Neil, 4 June 06
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Comment

  1. Hey, that’s NICE. I may see if I can figure out how to get this onto the Flying Nerd. I’ll be watching for Sidenotes on Westserve…

    FN.

    — Richard · Jun 5, 07:02 AM · #

  2. It really does look nice and performs a valuable role.
    Not sure that you will see it here, as:
    1. I tend to write shorter pieces on Westserve.
    2. It could just make this version of Westserve too visually busy.

    But I have another possible application for it…

    — Neil · Jun 5, 03:49 PM · #

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