textgoeshere

Streetmap is a simple UK streetmap search extension for Firefox. Just highlight a UK street name or postcode and right-click to launch a map of it from your favourite map service. 0.91 fixes a malformed RDF file. Version 1 (coming soon) will add the Google Maps service.
More info and download »

This classic book is dedicated to Dr Onions. Onions was the original editor of the Oxford Dictionary of English Etymology. Allegedly, the book’s authority gave rise to the phrase, “knowing one’s onions”.
Read the rest of this entry »

I love a good argument about punctuation. However, there are times when people just won’t accept that I am correct. This book is for those times one needs to set others right. I suppose, if it was really necessary, one could even use it as reference oneself.
Read the rest of this entry »

Whether or not you agree with its politics, I don’t think you can fault the writing style of The Economist for clarity and precision. A reporter there told me that it took him five years before he wrote an item that didn’t need extensive subbing.
Read the rest of this entry »

This is a disappointing book. But if you’re part of a large organisation, it is still essential reading.
Read the rest of this entry »

Are your links as strong as they could be? This is the first of a series of posts all about how to write effective links. There’s a lot to say about links and link text but it all stems from seven basic facts.
Read the rest of this entry »

Dangerous words is a list of cliches and confusions. It’s dated but has some useful corrective advice on the use of spatial concepts online (”back”, “up” etc.). See also The A to Z of alternative words from the Plain English campaign.

This books has several great strengths. The layout is excellent, the examples are effective and the tips are put in context.
Read the rest of this entry »

These fifty writing tools from Poynter Online are aimed at journalists. Still worth a scan.
Read the rest of this entry »

A screen reader is a software program that reads the contents of the screen aloud to a user. How do people use them? What does this mean for good web design? This is a summary of research observing users of screen readers carried out at the United States National Cancer Institute.
Read the rest of this entry »