Archive for the ‘Web’ Category

The Elements of Content Strategy

Tuesday, March 8th, 2011

Content strategy is the web’s hottest new thing. But where did it come from? Why does it matter? And what does the content renaissance mean for you? Content strategist and editor Erin Kissane tackles these questions in the latest A Book Apart publication, The Elements of Content Strategy. From basic principles to tools and techniques, this brief guide is great for both experienced content strategists and those making the transition from other fields.

We’re giving away a copy of this book to one of our readers. Simply leave a comment telling us your format preference (paperback or ebook). We’ll draw a name at random on Friday, March 11 at 5pm EST. In the meantime, be sure to head over to the A Book Apart site to read an excerpt and check out the other fantastic publications.

Update: The winner is Lori, congratulations! Thank you to everyone who commented. Be sure to enter our next giveaway in May.

140+ Tweet Feed: February 26-March 6

Monday, March 7th, 2011

beyondwords on Twitter

Job Opportunities & Resources

  • Media Molecule is looking for an experienced Graphics Programmer. If interested, please send a showreel or demo of your recent work; those who just supply a CV will not be considered.
  • Want to work for Skype? Join the Communications team as PR Manager. Applicants should be experienced in all aspects of media relations and have exceptionally strong writing skills.
  • Ragan Communications is looking for a copy editor to join their team in Chicago. Experience with both online content and print publications is required, along with an understanding of social media.
  • Hobie Cat Company, designer and manufacturer of sailboats, kayaks, and other watersports products, is bringing their design activities in-house and need a web designer to join the team. Advanced design skills are required, and a personal interest in watersports or other outdoor activities is a plus.



What is 140+ Tweet Feed? It’s where we share our top tweets every week — news, tips, resources, and articles about professional writing, editing, and design — in more than 140 characters. Let us know about other great links on Twitter or in the comments.

Write for Women’s History Month

Monday, March 7th, 2011

March is Women’s History Month and this year’s theme is “Our History is our Strength.” The Writing Women Back Into History project is a great way for writers to get involved and celebrate. 1000memories has partnered with the National Women’s History Project and the Internet Archive to remember the contributions of women in history—those whose lives shaped and were shaped by history.

You can join the project by writing about the significant women in your life—describing their lives, sharing photos, and writing stories in their memory. All women who are named will be added to the Internet Archive to ensure that they will be remembered in the future. For more information, visit the project’s site.

140+ Tweet Feed: February 6-12

Tuesday, February 15th, 2011

beyondwords on Twitter

Job Opportunities & Resources

  • Two Paperdolls, a letterpress and design house in Pennsylvania, is hiring a part-time web designer. CSS and XHTML knowledge are a must.
  • User Interface Engineering is looking for a copywriter. If interested, send your resume with a half-page write-up of your most significant copywriting accomplishment.
  • Twitter is hiring a Communications Coordinator. Candidates should have excellent writing, communication, and presentation skills along with a deep understanding of Twitter and the social media landscape.
  • Amazon has several openings of interest to professional writers, including software development engineer (Seattle), editorial operations manager (Kentucky), and style editor (New York City). Search all positions here.

Tools & Resources



What is 140+ Tweet Feed? It’s where we share our top tweets every week — news, tips, resources, and articles about professional writing, editing, and design — in more than 140 characters. Let us know about other great links on Twitter or in the comments.

140+ Tweet Feed: January 29-February 5

Tuesday, February 8th, 2011

beyondwords on Twitter

Job Opportunities & Resources

  • Looking for an internship in PR? Livio Radio in Detroit is looking for two Public Relations and Social Media interns. Responsibilities include pitching press, distributing news, and tracking coverage.
  • Fix Congress First! is hiring a web developer to help build new online tools. This is a two-month contract with the potential for future project work.
  • Portland marketing communications agency Koopman Ostbo, Inc. is seeking an accomplished Public Relations Account Manager. Candidates should be passionate about the natural, organic, and sustainable marketplace.
  • Twitter is looking for someone who loves both the conceptual side and the implementation side of design projects to join the team as a UI Designer. This is a full-time position in San Francisco.
  • Love marketing and free coffee? Biggby, a Michigan-based company, is hiring a PR assistant (PDF). For more details, download the job description (PDF).
  • Disney Book Group seeks a senior digital editor. Candidates should have at least five years of children’s book editorial and/or children’s digital product development experience.

Recommended Viewing

Tools & Resources

  • Slipstream: Overwhelmed by too many tweets? Slipstream works directly with the Twitter API to hide tweets based on search criteria.



What is 140+ Tweet Feed? It’s where we share our top tweets every week — news, tips, resources, and articles about professional writing, editing, and design — in more than 140 characters. Let us know about other great links on Twitter or in the comments.

What is the Internet, anyway?

Thursday, February 3rd, 2011

Go back in time with this video from a 1994 Today show, when the @ symbol, email, and even the definition of internet were confounding.

Enjoy reading, support writing

Wednesday, February 2nd, 2011

Want to support writing on the web while still having a great reading experience? Check out the latest Readability, a subscription-based reading platform that allows you to read wherever you are while directly compensating publishers and writers.

How it works: Readability detects your device to optimize your customizable reading view for articles on the web. You can also save articles for later and share your reading list with others. A portion of your subscription fees (70%) then goes directly to the content creators.

Of course, the original (and free) Readability add-on is still available.

140+ Tweet Feed: January 22-28

Monday, January 31st, 2011

beyondwords on Twitter

Job Opportunities & Resources

  • The Los Angeles Times is taking applications for summer visual journalism internships. These are 10-week, paid internships for students interested in pursuing journalism careers in news or features design and/or as graphic artists.
  • Southern California Presbyterian Homes is now hiring a senior writer and a web manager. The senior writer will be responsible for both print and web content development. The web manager should have 3-5 years of web development/webmaster experience.
  • Identity Marketing & Public Relations is hiring account executives and account assistants. Both positions require experience in marketing, communications or a related field with excellent writing and verbal communication skills.
  • Want to work for Marvel? They’re now hiring a web software architect. Duties include helping to create the architectural framework that guides Marvel’s interactive digital products.
  • Block by Block is looking for a community manager to help connect entrepreneurial local news publishers across the country, primarily through social media. This is a virtual, part-time position.
  • TimeOut Chicago Magazine has several jobs and internships available, including account manager, editorial intern, and film writer.
  • SOZO / PIVOTAL is looking for entrepreneurial-minded writers and designers. Instead of the traditional cover letter and resume, applicants should email a one-sentence description of their passion and unique ability; a link to their portfolio; a sentence explaining why they want to work with a company like SOZO / PIVOTAL; and a brief example of their entrepreneurial spirit.
  • Tips and Tricks for Resumes and Cover Letters: How can you format your credentials to make the best possible first impression? Ex Libris shares some formatting and style tips.

Recommended Reading

Tools & Resources

  • Magnt: If you’re looking for a “business card” style website, check out Magnt. The service provides free themes, along with Pro account extras like analytics and your own domain.
  • Wirify: Turn any web page into a wireframe in one click using this bookmarklet by Volkside.
  • How Writers Can Use Dropbox Apps: GalleyCat shares five Dropbox apps that writers can use to turn their mobile device into a writing machine.



What is 140+ Tweet Feed? It’s where we share our top tweets every week — news, tips, resources, and articles about professional writing, editing, and design — in more than 140 characters. Let us know about other great links on Twitter or in the comments.

Getting creative with the new Facebook profile

Wednesday, December 15th, 2010

Facebook’s new Profile Page design rolled out last week, and the new focus on visuals is already being played with in creative ways. Now your profile includes a stream of recently tagged photos just below your vital stats at the top of the page. Alexandre Oudin, co-director of La Bande Originale, was the first to use this new layout to his advantage, creating a profile that is visually stunning and innovative.

Others are already using the new profile layout in creative ways. Here are some more ideas:

  • If you use Facebook as a way to network professionally, upload thumbnails of portfolio pieces.
  • Create a horizontal photobooth-style strip that shows off your personality.
  • Design a photo stream that includes the URL of your portfolio or blog.

How are you maximizing your profile?

Re: Humanities

Monday, December 13th, 2010

Re: Humanities is an undergraduate symposium on digital media that was held in November at Bryn Mawr and Haverford Colleges. This video looks at some of the topics discussed, including collaboration and writing for the web.