Even novice web authors can offer a list
of links as a time-saving service to the Internet community.
You can make your list more efficient if you comment briefly on each
item. The comments become part of the interface -- they
help the user decide whether to click on a particular link, which improves
the efficiency of your document.
Begin by stating your selection criteria.
For each item, describe and evaluate what your reader will
find.
Describe: summarize the content, keeping your reader's needs
in mind.
Evaluate: provide your personal opinions and subjective responses
to the resources you have visted.
Your comments will help readers decide which sites are worthwhile.
Is the site thorough?
How much is original material, and how much is links to other
lists of links?
Is it managed by an expert in the subject?
Is the site graphics-intensive?
Does it require special software?
Beware of link rot -- the decay that cripples a list of links as
web sites gradually move or shut down.
Make it easy for your visitors to report outdated links, and correct
them promptly.
Each time you add a new link, e-mail the webmaster, and ask to be
notified when the site changes or moves.
by Dennis
G. Jerz ,U. of T. Engineering Writing Centre Last modified
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