The Elements of Style
Once you get the hang of it, publishing something on the web is a piece of cake. However, writing with style is a profession by itself which shouldn’t be taking too lightly. Good and pleasant writing attracts visitors and keeps them coming back.
When I realised the importance of this I started looking for books. This is something I always do when I want to learn something new. It’s nice to sit down on the couch now and then and still feel like I’m doing something useful that will improve my web skills. It also helps keeping the girlfriend happy (make sure you light some candles!).
I started looking on amazon and finally came to the conclusion that the book “The Elements of Style”, originally written by William Strunk Jr., was what I needed. To my surprise, this book dates back to 1918! Now I can almost hear you thinking.. Oh my god please no.. it’s old! That is exactly what I thought too. But then I found out this book is still very useful even in these modern times. And it gets even better: you can read it for free on the web. The first version of this book is so old that the copyrights have expired. So much for that relaxed evening on the couch, huh?
From Wikipedia:
The Elements of Style (”Strunk & White”) is an American English writing style guide. It is one of the most influential and best-known prescriptive treatments of English grammar and usage in the United States. It originally detailed eight elementary rules of usage, ten elementary principles of composition, “a few matters of form”, and a list of commonly misused words and expressions.
So, the updated versions you have to buy. But the original version, in all it’s glory, can be read online here, here and here. I have not had the time to read all of it but from what I did see “The elements of Style” contains a lot of to the point, practical suggestions and rules to improve your writing style.