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Jun 25, 2001
WRITING INTERNATIONAL ENGLISH FOR THE WWW
HOW TO WRITE FOR ONLINE PUBLICATION (Info)

Here is my "dime's worth" (see learning "American English" , or at least

your expressions already) on the subject of writing for an international

audience on the world wide web. The Web offers you an opportunity,

unique in history, to speak directly to millions of potential customers.

Some commentators advise that if you want to be listened to, speak to them "in their language".

I only partially agree (but then, like many writers, I'm always breaking the rules!)...



When I write articles for "the international market" of the net, I don't

target particular countries and try to adapt my writing style.

I've found that people around don't seem to mind the fact that I may use

"funny" words or spelling - small details, like "s's" instead of "z's",

"color or colour"...as long as the grammar is reasonably correct.

I just try to write in my "natural style" - one in which I feel comfortable

(seeing I was brought up in South Africa with British English) and

suggest you writers do the same.

Incidentally, I put this short note at the end of all my articles...

"PS: Dear Americans, please excuse my British English spelling. Very

Colonial! I just write and use my own style and spelling that I'm

accustomed to (sounds funny that ending sentence in a "preppie"). I am

quite happy for these articles to be used and

distributed by other electronic and other magazines. If they help others

out there in any way, then I'm happy."

To summarise...

My advice is just find your "natural style", write naturally (as you

speak) and submit your articles to ezines and announcement lists, like

Article Announce, Free Content and Publish in Yours. I find this marketing method by far the most

effective means of getting traffic to our various sites (and one thing

then leads to another)... and best of all it costs nothing, but a little

time and effort!

Go for it and happy writing

Craig Lock

http://www.novelty-gift.com/

Creative Writing Course

http://www.nzenterprise.com/writer/creative.html

http://www.elkpublications.com/godzone.htm



P.S: On re-reading this short piece, found I used a lot of "eyes". Very

"ego-centric" (big word , which you shouldn't use use in "easy" communication). Sorry, but didn't know how to write it any

other way based on my experiences!





Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and

leave a trail.- Ralph Waldo Emerson

He who cherises a beautiful vision, a lofty ideal in his

heart, will one day realize it. Dream lofty dreams and as

you dream so shall you become......James Allen



"You will do foolish things, but do them with enthusiasm."

- Colette

Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day; teach him to use the

Internet, and he won't bother you for weeks.













Best Wishes from the First City to see the Sun in "Godzone"

Craig Lock

My various books are available from:

http://www.nzenterprise.com/writer/books.html

and

http://www.novelty-gift.com/



Creative Writing Course

http://www.nzenterprise.com/writer/creative.html







"Life is about finding, then following the dream... and one's dream/vision comes to reality through believing in yourself, making the commitment and then creating it."

- Craig Lock

http://www.craiglock.com

and

http://www.elkpublications.com/godzone.htm



This article may be freely published/



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Contributed by:
Craig Gerald Lock
©2001 Craig Gerald Lock
Email: clock@xtra.co.nz
Website: Creative Writing Course