“Red pen? Check.” “Ego? In check.”
While in my traffic manager infancy, I was asked to proof a web site the agency had been programming. I diligently clicked each link, printed the pages, marked them up with a red pen and be-bopped over to the IT team, proud of what I’d accomplished. They laughed.
Unbeknownst to me, at the time, line wrapping cannot always be controlled. Web browsers sometimes take, shall we say, “creative liberties” with content. Many of the proofreading marks I’d made were pointless.
Thus began my quest. The quest for a comprehensive web site proofing checklist –- something I could print and mark on as I reviewed the site (on screen). Somewhere between extensive on line research, and the valuable input of my friends over in IT, the following checklist was arrived upon. I hope you’ll find it helpful.
Hey, at least I still get to use my red pen.
Hi Dawn –
I first contacted you while serving as both producer and traffic manager at an interactive firm, though I’ve now moved to work strictly as an interactive producer at a very traditional agency. In my new position I often run into (relative) web novices critiquing the sites we produce.
This is a great, basic list for proofing a website. For more complex sites I imagine it could be added to very easily. I will definitely be passing this resource on to our staff and clients.
Thanks for the consistently helpful posts!
~Kat
Kat,
Thank you for your comments. Please, by all means, use this tool as it best suits your needs. I’d love to hear any suggestions you may have for more complex sites as well. Congratulations on your new position!
Sincerely,
Dawn Marie