Linking Humor and Voice to Web Articles
The links in the article concerning Alan Moore's controversial comics serve to direct the readers to other articles or information pertaining to the linked phrase. For example, after mentioning a librarian who took some of Moore's comics out of circulation, Scott Thill links to an article that questions whether such moves are child protection or censorship, and covers the trial of the librarian who was fired for her act. Also, after mentioning a risque scene (among several) in the Watchmen graphic novel, Thill links to his review of the movie.
This observation is not link-related, but I would also like to comment on the tone of Thill's article. After reading several internet articles, I've noticed a trend in tone. The writers seem to be a bit freer on the internet to create their own voice and express their own opinions. In Thill's case, after warning his readers that the images shown below may be "shocking," he sarcastically says, "Please report your offense to the nearest God-fearing public library employee." Obviously not every web article will have the privalege of sharing the writer's opinion so clearly; it depends on the organization the writer is writing for, but I have to say I enjoy the bits of humor here and there, and the voice that marks the piece; humor and voice that are so often lacking in newspaper articles. I'm not saying you can't find them there, just that so far, it's been easier for me to find such attributes on the internet.
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Derek T on Linking Humor and Voice to Web Articles: Don't you like linking to arti
Don't you like linking to articles? I think that it is a great way, and a fast way, to convey information in an article (especially if there are length restrictions). I like how you mention tone because links can also convey a tone. If someone links to specific articles, then they will create a specific tone in the article and also a theme. It is amazing how many things in the world have been put a side or away (banned) because of content or something like that, but it can be found, in some shape and form, on the Internet.
I think the tone comes from the blogging mindset that really started online journalism. Also, if you say something really bad, you can update the website/article and change it. The only people that will know/have proof are the ones that saved the original image to the page or have control in the archives. (And like with the bits of humor, I don't think it will really matter.)
But, you should still be wary of voice/tone/opinion slipping into your online articles. It could be misleading and not objective, which is what the public needs/desires.