by Elizabeth M Young

Created on: November 01, 2010

When we define the latest version of the "modern reader", we are likely to be describing a person who is reading from a computer screen of one type or another. Such screens range from the full sized home computer (and soon, big screen TV with internet) down to the tiny smart phone screen.

The reader may be on the move, having temporarily settled down to have coffee or sit in a waiting room. The reader may be multi tasking, with some time to read for pleasure or curiosity. The reader will look for a title that grabs, a first paragraph that promises to deliver what the title promised, and content that delivers what the first paragraph has promised.

Thus, if we define the modern reader as the online reader, the attention span is a major area of concern. If there is not an early incentive to continue reading, then the modern reader will be remorseless and quick in moving on to more fruitful resources.

It is not so much that the modern reader has an attention deficit. It is more that the modern reader who is online, has so many other options available. In other words, it is a rare topic that does not have competing entries in the search engine results, giving the reader opportunities to find the optimal content for their needs and entertainment.

Another major area of concern is factuality. Modern readers can find out if there are errors, differing interpretations or competing explanations for the facts of life and history. With resources that range from full encyclopedias to a choice of dictionaries, maps, and other reference material, the modern reader can quickly get to sources that can confirm, deny or challenge any claim.

As a result, descriptive writing for the modern reader has to deliver what the title and first paragraph have promised. It must deliver well qualified and supported fact. The writing must be concise, free of completely irrelevant or off topic filler, and well organized by sub topic or sub category. There must be a correct flow of the descriptive information, where the reader does not have to jump around through the content to find out why a sub topic is in the wrong place. Many times, modern readers will anticipate finding a sub topic and will be confused or irritated when it does not show up where it should in the description.

For example, in describing a nature scene, if the view, colors, location and other facts are described, but the weather is not, the reader might be confused as to the full nature of the setting.

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