How to write and publish a scientific paper - Barbara Gastel, Robert A. Day 2022

Writing for online reading
Writing clearly across cultures and media
Scientific style

The scientific papers you publish are likely to appear online. In addition, many of us in the sciences prepare material intended specifically for reading on the web. In preparing such items, consider the following pointers (Gahran 2000, 2001):

· Keep the material short, or break it into fairly self-sufficient chunks of 500 words or less.

·  Consider starting with a synopsis to orient readers.

·  Break long paragraphs into two or more paragraphs.

·  Use clear headings to help readers find what they are seeking.

·  Word links clearly and concisely.

·  Consider highlighting key words.

· For readability, use bulleted (or numbered) lists instead of lists within paragraphs.

If you have a blog—which is short, by the way, for weblog—also consider the following advice. In general, keep each post relatively short. Give each post a title that is brief and informative; if feasible, make the title lively. Write in a consistent style. (An informal, conversational style generally suits blogs well. However, still be careful about spelling and grammar, and remember to proofread.) Provide posts at relatively regular intervals. Consult Science Blogging: The Essential Guide (Wilcox, Brookshire, and Goldman 2016), especially for advice on types and contexts of science blogging.

What about writing professionally related posts for social media such as Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn? Of course, be concise. Begin engagingly (but not misleadingly), and put key content first. Include visuals to capture attention and to clarify. Be a good community member by sharing resources and commenting positively and constructively on others’ posts, rather than just by attracting attention to yourself. Also, remember that posts can last and can reach more than their intended audience; therefore, if something might haunt you in the future, beware of posting it.

Because material posted on the web is accessible worldwide, writing in an internationally understandable way can be especially important. Therefore, keep sentences relatively short and direct, avoid regional idioms, and remember to define terms that might be unfamiliar to readers in other parts of the world (Outing 2001). By following such advice, you can make your material on the web truly a worldwide resource.