Writing for the web is different: Constraints of Content Management System (CMS)

A web writer must convey the main point in the first 25 or 30 words of his article – usually the length of one sentence. Reason being that many Content Management Systems (CMS) show a synopsis of the article, which is the beginning part of the article, and there’s usually a numeric limit – anything longer will be cut.

Here’s an example from today – when publishing a post to LinkedIn user group, I tried several times to write/rewrite so that the main point of my post gets across in one sentence. Here’s a screen shot of my final, actual post:

In its current form, the synopsis (the first sentence) runs for 25 words, including the two commas. Assuming that is the automatic word limit for the LinkedIn CMS, it took me several tries to fit one complete sentence – the one I actually posted was my third try.

Here’s two drafts I tried; I’m marking in red the part that was automatically cut by the system:

Just saw a job ad for an online news editor. Reading the expectations of this position, I feel sad that none of the expectations is currently being taught in many of the journalism programs……

Just saw a job ad for an online news editor. I feel sad that none of the expectations in the job description is being taught in many of the journalism programs……

By the way, the first sentence of this post is 25 words – my second try.

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About Mu Lin

Dr. Mu Lin is a digital journalism professional and educator in New Jersey, United States. Dr. Lin manages an online marketing company. He also manages MulinBlog Online J-School (www.mulinblog.com/mooc), a free online journalism training program, which offers courses such as Audio Slideshow Storytelling; Introduction to Social Media Marketing; Writing for the Web; Google Mapping for Communicators; Introduction to Data Visualization; Introduction to Web Metrics and Google Analytics.
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