3. For question #2, please outline in detail how your new post addressed the three main objectives as discussed in class. Please outline in detail for each. (9 Marks)
- Find what they need
This new post addresses the first main objective of plain language or plain English which is that readers have to find what they need, which it does as the beginning of the introductory post clearly states the purpose of the company and what we sell, along with relevant information like the quality of our products in plain language. Additionally, as discussed in class, we learned about the use of bullet points and how they can be used in F-Pattern to help readers find things easier in a timely manner, which was applied in the post at “Our Crocheted Collection” and a list of the exact types of products Stitched Softie offers along with a small description of every single one of them, this lets the reader know immediately what to expect from this website or post. For example, in class, we learned how important plain language is and how it is meant for the reader to not waste their time, which is why the introductory post in the “Clothing” section was followed by a list of the type of clothing they should expect in our business which is “Sweaters, Cardigans, Beanies, Dresses” and many more. Outlining what we will offer as a business in a clear and concise manner allows the readers to find what they need without having to read everything that is being presented to them because as learned in class most people scan through text until they find what they need. In this new updated introductory post, the most relevant information which is what our products are and what we sell is listed right at the top to save the reader’s time while also providing information stating that our products are of the highest quality, which is a common concern. In addition, the headlines chosen for this article clearly state what each block of content will be addressing for an easier understanding and allowing the reader to better scan through the content without wasting time and clearly understanding what each of them means after reading it once.
- Understand it
The second main objective of plain language is that readers need to understand it, which is also being addressed in this new introductory post about my business. We reviewed in class how plain language is not “dumbing down” information, but rather elaborating it in a way that is clear and concise for our audience in a language that they will understand without having to read it twice or more times. This involves using a type of language that your audience would understand, which means that for my audience the language and words chosen fit the audience best, as it is very straightforward and easily understandable while also helping readers while they scan for the most relevant information. This introductory post addresses the objective of understanding it by structuring the information in an organized manner, where the headlines clearly indicate what kind of information to expect in the rest of the content without any unnecessary flowery language. In addition, every category of product is listed with examples of what kind of products to expect which further helps readers understand and have a better grasp of the content that is being provided, while also giving the readers an idea of what the company values are and the commitment we have to our quality standards.
- Use it to fulfill their purpose
Use It to Fulfill Their Purpose: As we discussed in class, it is essential to save the reader’s time be concise, and structure our content in a way that they can easily identify the information that is relevant to them and use it for their needs, which is what is being implemented in this new introductory post by strategically and properly lay out the information in a way that is easily identifiable to suit their needs and preferences. Elements of the F-pattern format were used by listing out important features and information about what my business provides in bullet points because as we discussed in class these help the reader scan for relevant information better, this means that by listing upfront core elements like what we do and what we offer in a concise and efficient way, the readers can easily scan and identify what my business is about and decide if it’s what they are looking for, if it resonates with them or if it’s not without having to waste their time by reading too much content. Additionally, I’m not only listing the category of the products I’m selling, but I’m also accompanying them with examples of different products for each category so readers can easily identify and understand what each of these product categories entails and if it’s what they are looking for or not. Then it moves on to describe our key core aspects like what we stand for that makes us different from other competitors, this piece of information is strategically placed after the main elements like the products as it is the second most important piece of content that readers that are truly invested might want to know.