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Writing for the Web:
Guidelines for MIT Libraries

Web Advisory Group > Writing for the Web > Writing Guidelines

Combine the guidelines for powerful writing

Combining the guidelines increases their power.

Example:

How do I connect from off-campus?

If you are an MIT user connecting from off-campus you will need:

If you are not an MIT user:

  • We regret that our vendors do not allow access for non-MIT users.
  • You may still use items marked "Free, unlicensed access."
  • You may use most items when you visit the MIT campus and use the public computers in the libraries.

Combined guidelines

  • the heading is a question
  • uses 2 lists
  • uses parallelism ("if you are...")
  • It's the user's question (not "What is the "Go" Service?).
  • It's what you would say to someone on the telephone.

Example: Borrowing + Ordering

 

 

 

 Writing Guidelines
 useful headings |  headings2 |  first few words |  active voice
 set the context |  use lists |  imperatives |  parallelisms
 simpler words |  fragments |  descriptive links |  combine guidelines

 

  hennig@mit.edu
29 July 99