Submitted by Elaine Blackman, writer/editor, Office of Child Support Enforcement, Department of Health and Human Services Only a few generations ago, many causes and movements set out to clean up the environment. Do any of you remember the “Keep America Beautiful” campaign? Over time, most of us have learned the habit of throwing trash inRead… Read more »
I love the Plain Language Act. Especially the part concerning plain-language websites which gives me plenty of opportunities to advocate the merits of information architecture and user experience (IA and UX). But providing information is only part of what government agencies do. Agencies also provide services. Services such as providing Social Security to licensing vehiclesRead… Read more »
Now that federal agencies are required to train their employees in plain language writing, per the Plain Writing Act of 2010, we’re offering a new distance learning course on Plain Language, Write Great Web Content: Plain Language in Action. This four-part pilot course is a great opportunity for you to help shape plain language trainingRead… Read more »
With the announcement of the Clearmark Plain Language Awards on April 29, this is a good time to trot out some tips on writing “plain” for your web audience. I don’t care how good your website design is, if the writing is poor – if you don’t communicate with your target audience – your websiteRead… Read more »