The new media writing tool (280 slides) for the presentation on 30 September:


This blog post will be about innovations in writing for new media and the exploration of the topic in terms of the importance to public interest.

But before I explore these 2 issues, I want to share a definition of new media from the site of the "New Media Writing Prize 2011".

"New media is a broad term for communicating information dynamically and interactively. It is the amalgamation of traditional media such as films, images, music and the written word but with interactive features. Interactivity is enabled through digital means such as computer programs, games consoles, computer hand-held devices, communication technologies and the internet. Interaction such as online multi-player gaming and social networking (Facebook, Twitter, Blogs, and Wikis) for example, allow users to behave actively instead of passively through creative participation, feedback and community formation."

Innovation or changes brought by the new media in writing:

1. From writing pad to keyboard/ mobile device (a change in the usage of tangible writing tool)

Writing no longer solely relies on a pen, it can be just a few clicks on the keyboard or the touch screen monitor on an iPhone or iPad. Also, you don’t need to have a flat surface or place to sit down to write, you can just write anywhere you want. Shaky hand writing on trains is no longer a problem. New media frees the writers in terms of writing place.

2. Changing the unit of account: From words to characters

Before the use of mobile phones text messages, the dominant unit of account in text has been words. Just like students have to include the word count in their assignments. However, the unit of account has been changed by the influence of the limitation of length of a text message or a tweet. Therefore, this induces changes in use of language, such as the extensive use of abbreviations and phonetic elements.

3. The use of space in the layout of the written text

Information or text presented maybe fragmented, for example in a blog layout. The reader can prioritize the information s/he wants to read first, and hops in the webpage.

4. Increase in speed of interactivity and change the Reader and Writer relationship

Compared with the media such as books, newspapers or periodicals, it takes more time for the readers to reach the information published in these media and comment on it. However, the speed of interacting between reader and writer are faster in the Web2.0 world; for example, when someone updates the status in social network, the reader can comment on that and then becomes one of the writers in the chain of comment.

Another example is the use of Google document among my PCP teammates. When we have said, a media alert to co-edit, we use different colours to highlight the amendments we have made, of course this action presupposes we have read that! This also saves time on passing hard copies of edited materials to each other

5. Expression of mood and emotion in Web2.0

Adjectives showing emotion are used less frequently as they may be replaced by the extensive use of emoticons in tools such as MSN, mobile phone, and other social network tools.

Why writing for new media is an important topic which people should be interested in?

1. Look back the history of writing tools

Introducing new media tools has been an ongoing process throughout history, paper was once a new media tool in Han dynasty of China 2000 years ago, replacing bronze containers or turtle shells. And 2000 years later, though we are still using paper, using electronic tools such as PCs and smart phones for writing. Will electronic copies take over printed materials just like paper replaced turtle shells?

2. Be a better, wise and literate user

Writing for new media like social networking platforms can be really fun and interesting. You can share, comment or just view. However, it can cost you job as well. Be really careful on what you share online. Search engines are powerful enough to provide undesirable information and it is easy for others to intrude what you have said or black mouthed about.

3. Aware of the emerging new “language” in media

New media tools gives rise to emergence of new language, which is sometimes called the “language of Mars” by the local people. The extensive use of abbreviation such as “tgt” for together and “ttyl” for talk to you later, the meaning is shared among younger generation. Also, Japanese style of emoticon such as (^o^) for a smile; (￣ｰ￣) for an annoyed face has also been popular.

Although this new “language” is popular among youngster, sometimes decoding it will be a difficult task, as it may be hard to tell the abbreviations are using the first letter of the words in a phrase or the phonetic sounds.

To conclude, it is essential for all to have some knowledge on writing for new media, especially those are still solely using ordinary mails and hand write all notes.