On linking for online publishing

Sarah Hartley has written a thought provoking piece on putting links into online articles,something that I always,I hasten to add ,try to do.

She points out that

While every blogger, online journalist and community editor knows that linking is currency as far as building, nurturing and keeping audience is concerned, newcomers to the online world often find it counter intuitive to “keeping” users.

So here are some of her tips

1.It is advisable to restrict linking to credible/trusted sources and include a disclaimer on your site making it clear that your organisation is not responsible for external sources

2.Links should be to the specific piece of information being mentioned.

3.Bear in mind that if you had to register for a site in order to see the information, the user will have to do the same so provide instructions.

4.Decide a consistent style for the display of links commonly grouped together at the bottom of the story or elsewhere on the page.