Respect Your Readers

In the writing world we often speak of targeting your audience and writing for the reader. Another facet to get readers returning to your site to read your material is to respect them.

E.B. White said, “No one can write decently who is distrustful of the reader’s intelligence, or whose attitude is patronizing.” You never want to talk down to your readers. Readers visit sites for entertainment and knowledge. If they are there to gain your knowledge and learn something you have to teach, they will know if you are talking down to them and writing as if you think you’re smarter than they are.

Readers do not like condescending remarks or a cynical writer. Be respectful and simply relay the information to them as they are an intelligent reader.

Another thing you want to avoid is confusing the reader. This will also set a thorn in their side and they will not return to your site.

Many writers have been guilty of thinking of their audience as subordinates and less smart than they are. While a reader may not have your depth of knowledge in the subject material, they are very much aware of when they are being chided and talked down to.

In the world of blogging you don’t have the privilege of having an editor to spot and correct the mistakes when you’ve been condescending or rude to the reader. For this reason it’s extremely important that you pay close attention to the manner of your words and language and how you deliver the information to the reader. The job of blogger is not only to be a great writer but to also be a great editor.

In publishing, it’s the editor’s job to look out for the reader, to be the reader’s advocate so to speak. With blogging, it’s your job to look out for your readers and their best interest. Always put yourself in the reader’s seat and write in a manner that you would want to read.

When visitors feel like you respect them and their intelligence, they will return and also share your information with others, so remember to always put the reader first and put yourself in the reader’s position.

Written by Patti Stafford from Patti Stafford
Posted on August 3rd, 2009 and filed under Writing
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