Too bad our newsletter is not in color. The book cover is red. Very red. You may recall another book that was
known as "the little red book." This one is bigger, but has thoughts that are simple and worth repeating.
"The more you know about your visitors, the better you can write for them."
"Never ask for the information the consumer has already given you."
"The document. . . [is] just another object, containing other objects nested within. . . ."
"Write. . . less text." "Make each paragraph short."
"Delete marketing fluff."
"Write so your pages will be found."
This is a sample. Shouldn't give away the plot. Notice how I am writing short action sentences? E. B. White would
be pleased (I hope).
Hot Text is a writing book you can use to teach yourself. Few teachers cover grammar and writing style after junior
high. The review would do most of us a lot of good. The book is very suitable for an Internet journalism writing class.
It builds on sound writing principles, then adapts them to the needs of the Internet.
You'll also learn about Web design and adapting that design to the needs of real people, including people with special
needs. The chapters are short - built around a single idea. The authors provide before and after examples of written
text. Later, you'll find case studies to drive home the major principles.
I want to come back to the last quote: "write so your pages will be found." Early in the book the reader is directed to
the Challenges section of www.webwritingthatworks.com. I went. I looked. I couldn't find the Challenges section.
Bummer.
The Web really is a moving target. I think serious writers will find the book an important reference.

Hot Text: Web Writing That Works
by Jonathan and Lisa Price. 2002. New Riders. $40. 500 pages. www.newriders.com