Online vs. Print Publishing

Online and print publishing are significantly different. No doubt with the advanced technology available these days, the future of online publishing will sure to change and it may also change our world (Colorado State University 2009). The process of reading from a printed page and online publication are different and is slowly changing.

According to Kress & van Leeuwan (2006, p. 204), reading is linear and strictly coded in compactly printed pages of text. They are designed to read line by line from left to right or top to bottom. On the other hand, non linear compositions like a webpage has less strictly coded reading path. Thus it shows the difference in the readings paths between online and print publishing.

Figure 1

Source: ancestry.com

Figure 1 is an example of a online publishing (linear). It is designed to be read line by line and it clearly shows the compact words and information on the page.

Web content is designed to read in an F-pattern. Users will usually read in a horizontal movement, starts from the upper part of the content. Then they will move the page down a little and read in a second horizontal movement. Lastly the users will scan through the content on the left side in a vertical movement. Through this reading path, it clearly shows that this is designed in a rough and general shape as readers of the online sites would want to read the content fast (Nielson 2006).

According to Nielson (1997), users reading rate from computer screens is 25% slower than reading from papers and they would feel unpleasant if there are too many words compact in the site. Therefore, web designers must be aware that the content of the web should not be flooded with too much words and information.

Figure 2

Source: The Star Online

Figure 2 is an example of a web version newspaper. The words are less compared to the print version and it contains other navigation bars and more pictures in it.

Through these two examples, it clearly shows the differences of online and print publishing. Content of the web should not include too much words and information, and it is designed in a less strictly coded reading path. On the other hand, print publishing has more information and words in it, and it designed to a strictly coded reading path.

References

Kress, G & van Leeuwen, T 2006, Reading Images: Grammar of Visual Design, Routledge, London.

Nielsen, J 1997, 'Be Succinct! (Writing for the Web)', Useit.com, viewed 17 November 2009, <http://useit.com/alertbox/9703b.html>

Nielsen, J 2006, 'F-Shaped Pattern for Reading Web Content', Useit.com, viewed 17 November 2009, <http://www.useit.com/alertbox/reading_pattern.html>