Digital texts

Millions of people are learning about the benefits of online services every day, so it is not strange
that digital writing has emerged. Barton, D. and Lee, C. (2013) define online (digital) writing as
the practice of creating documents using a computer or a device, and frequently for online
distribution. As with any other type of writing, some styles need to be followed, for example, it is
vital to consider the ideas and practices of designing and maintaining an interactive and dynamic
text. Digital readers usually scan the text to know whether it is interesting or what they are looking
for. That is why the majority of digital writing entails combining text, graphics, audio, and video
while working within and across several mediums, frequently for distribution in digital places.
Moreover, as online information can be so easily accessed, digital writers gather information,
discover what works in real time, and iterate constantly.

As Nordquist, R. (2023) points out, some examples of digital content are “…texting, instant
messaging, emailing, blogging, tweeting, and posting comments on social media sites such as
Facebook.” Now if the question is where the content is spread, all of the content is usually
managed inside a single ecosystem by a digital content delivery platform. Developers and
designers are capable of creating unique webpages, organizing media, and streamlining the
transmission of content for various platforms, including PCs and smartphones. Digital writers use
social publishing sites like Twitter, Quora, Medium, to name some.

Netiquette

As Scheuermann, L. and Taylor, G. (1997) claim, “Netiquette is derived by merging the words
network and etiquette.” It deals with the accepted standards of etiquette on digital content, such
as emails and user networks. In other words, when we talk about netiquette, we refer to the
common rules of politeness in the context of the emerging global culture of the Internet. Take a
look at the following video to get an insight into the 12 more common rules of netiquette:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CWbtbycHZok
 Digital tools for writing and publishing: Software and websites for collaborative work,
grammar & vocabulary checking

Carroll, B. (2023) asserts that writers rely on editors to check and correct the content, however,
digital writers need to examine and assess every single digital component. There are, or at least
were, separate roles and responsibilities for writers, editors, copy editors, and page and layout
designers in print. Digital editors require routines, habits, and systems of checks to routinely verify
the areas where errors are likely to occur. A content editor in charge of a website's web pages or
an app may draft a checklist for proofreading and ensuring that mistakes are found. However, we
can now rely on technology and use some programs, apps, or websites designed to aid our
writing. Tools like grammar checkers and style guides offer real-time feedback, spotting errors and
suggesting improvements in grammar, punctuation, and style. Writing software often includes
organizational features such as outlining and note-taking, which help in structuring thoughts
coherently. Collaborative platforms enable multiple users to work on a document simultaneously,
fostering teamwork and efficiency. Additionally, digital research tools and databases provide
quick access to vast information, facilitating thorough and well-supported writing. George, F.
(2024) compiles a list of the most popular.
• Grammarly gives suggestions to improve your grammar, punctuation, and style.
• Hemingway Editor identifies difficult-to-read words, passive voice, and long, complex
sentences, enabling you to condense your work for optimum effect.
• Google Docs allows you to collaborate with colleagues in real time, making drafting and
proofreading much easier.
• Evernote helps organize your information, write notes, clip web articles, and create to-do
lists.
• Thesaurus.com provides definitions, antonyms, and synonyms to assist you in finding the
ideal word for every situation.
• ProWritingAid provides you with comprehensive reports and analysis to improve the
quality, consistency, and readability of your writing.
 • CoSchedule Headline Analyzer: In digital writing, catchy headlines are vital, this tool
creates headlines that catch readers' interest.

Digital tools significantly aid and enhance our writing by streamlining the writing process and
improving the quality of our work. Overall, these tools enhance clarity, accuracy, and creativity in
writing.

Wikis, blogs, & forums

Wikis, blogs, and forums are dynamic digital platforms that enable content creation, sharing, and
community engagement. Each platform has unique characteristics: wikis prioritize collaborative
editing and information accuracy, blogs emphasize personal expression and topical exploration,
and forums foster interactive discussions and community support. Together, they contribute to
online communication and knowledge sharing.

Kear, K. Woodthorpe, J., Robertson, S. & Hutchison, M. (2010) state that wikis are collaborative
websites where users can create, edit, and organize content collectively, often used for knowledge
bases and encyclopedias like Wikipedia. They emphasize community-driven content with a focus
on accuracy and comprehensiveness. Barney, N. (2022) points out that wikis “…focus on relaying
and updating facts; the format is topical rather than chronological; use anonymous writers and
editors; and don't include comment sections.” An example Wiki Page is provided below, marked
up to emphasize its many features, such as sections, menus, icons, and navigational aids:
 (Understanding the Wiki Page Layout - User Help - Global Site, n.d.)

Hicks, T. (2009) defines a blog as a regularly maintained webpage with commercial or personal
remarks on it. With most of them having comment boxes at the bottom of each post, blogs are
frequently interactive. Authors may compose entries and maintain a collection of their work in
one place. Blogs quickly showcase the writer's most recent work by displaying the most recent
posts at the top of the page and ultimately moving previous pieces down the page and into the
archive. Look at the following image containing the structure of a blog:
 Barney, N. (2022, September 28). weblog. WhatIs.

Blogs and wikis seem to be quite similar, Hicks, T. (2009) points out their characteristics and
compares them in the following table:
 Hicks, T. (2009) The digital writing workshop. Heinemann

Forums are online discussion boards where users can post questions, answers, and comments on
specific topics. They are structured around conversation threads, allowing for in-depth
discussions and community support. Forums follow similar layouts:
 Threaded layout. (2021, January 8)

All in all, every platform has its own distinct features: blogs stress personal expression and topical
research, wikis highlight collaborative editing and information accuracy. At the same time, forums
promote community support and participatory debates. Collectively, they facilitate virtual
communication and information exchange.

Emails

In today's digital age, email communication remains an essential tool for both personal and
professional interactions. Understanding the differences between formal and informal emails is
crucial for effectively conveying messages and maintaining appropriate tone and etiquette. In the
following guide, we will learn certain aspects that characterize formal and informal emails, such
as the most proper greetings and sign-offs, how to format them, and how to open them.

Formal emails, often used in professional settings, require a structured format, polite language,
and a clear purpose, reflecting the seriousness and professionalism of the context. Skimins, A.
(2024) mentions that formal emails have a more complex structure and an objective approach.
Moreover, “…formal writing is less likely to be emotional in style…. writer often aims to sound
dispassionate about the topic.” (Skimins A, 2024). Look at the following layout retrieved from How
to Write a Letter or Email in English [Formally and Informally], (2023):
In contrast, informal emails, typically exchanged among friends or family, allow for a more relaxed
tone, casual language, and flexibility in structure.
All things considered, recognizing the characteristics of each type of email ensures that the
intended message is received with the appropriate level of respect and clarity, fostering effective
and respectful communication across various contexts. For more information on formal and
informal layouts and appropriate vocabulary lists visit:
• https://www.berlitz.com/blog/how-to-write-email-letter-english-vocabulary
• https://learning.cambridgeinternational.org/classroom/course/view.php?id=4500
• https://learnenglishteens.britishcouncil.org/skills/writing/b2-writing/more-formal-email
• https://engxam.com/handbook/how-to-write-a-formal-letter-email-c1-advanced-cae/
Reference list

• Baehr, C., Schaller, B. (2010) Writing for the Internet: a guide to real communication in
virtual space. Greenwood Press.
• Barton, D. and Lee, C. (2013) Language Online, Investigating digital texts and practices.
Routledge
• Carroll, B. (2023). Writing and Editing for Digital Media. Routledge.
• Hicks, T. (2009) The digital writing workshop. Heinemann
• Barney, N. (2022, September 28). weblog. WhatIs. Retrieved 10th June 2024 from
https://www.techtarget.com/whatis/definition/weblog
• George, F. (2024, February 26). Top 10 writing tools for Digital writers - Freda George -
Medium. Medium. Retrieved on June 10th from: https://medium.com/@fredageorge9/top-
10-writing-tools-for-digital-writers-8687d134fc14
• How to write a letter or email in English [formally and informally]. (2023, July 3).
Berlitz. https://www.berlitz.com/blog/how-to-write-email-letter-english-vocabulary
• Kaspersky. (2023, March 17). What is Netiquette? [Video]. YouTube. Retrieved on June
11th from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CWbtbycHZok
• Kear, K. Woodthorpe, J., Robertson, S. & Hutchison, M. (2010) From forums to wikis:
Perspectives on tools for collaboration, The Internet and Higher Education, Vol. 13, Issue
4. Retrieved on June 12th from:
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1096751610000515
• Nordquist, Richard. (2023, April 5). Definition and Examples of Online Writing. Retrieved
on June 11th 2024 from https://www.thoughtco.com/what-is-online-writing-1691358
• Scheuermann, L. and Taylor, G. (1997), "Netiquette", Internet Research, Vol. 7 No. 4, pp.
269-273. Retrieved on June 5th from https://doi.org/10.1108/10662249710187268
• Skimins, A. (2024c, February 7). How to write a formal Letter/Email ? | C1 Advanced
(CAE). engxam.com. Retrieved on June 12th 2024 from:
https://engxam.com/handbook/how-to-write-a-formal-letter-email-c1-advanced-cae/
• Threaded layout. (2021, January 8). Retrieved on June 10th
https://wpforo.com/docs/root/categories-and-forums/forum-layouts/threaded-layout/
• Wenz, K. (2017). 5. Online Text Types. In K. Bedijs & C. Maaß (Ed.), Manual of Romance
Languages in the Media (pp. 94-109). Berlin, Boston: De Gruyter. Retrieved on June 9 th
2024 from https://doi.org/10.1515/9783110314755-006
• Understanding the Wiki page layout - User help - global site. (n.d.). Retrieved on June
12th from:
https://community.icann.org/display/help/Understanding+the+Wiki+Page+Layout
• Writing an email | Online Learning area. (n.d.). Retrieved on June12th 2024 from:
https://learning.cambridgeinternational.org/classroom/course/view.php?id=4500