Instructions for the Preparation of a Web Release

Your web release will facilitate the transfer of scientific research knowledge to the public and be used to entice the press and public to seek out authors of articles published in the Journal of Great Lakes Research for additional information. Web releases will be posted on a press listserver and the IAGLR web site (see Web Releases). NOT EVERY ARTICLE WILL BE LISTED, but to facilitate selection of those that will, please provide the material requested below and forward it via e-mail to the chair of the Outreach Committee at .

Writing Tips
Determine why someone would want to read your release and keep that reason in mind when writing it. Use the inverted "pyramid style" of writing with the most important part first. Think of the five W's: who, where, what, when, and why. Use short words and sentences; e.g., "use" rather than "utilize."

Guidelines for Preparing your Web Release

Write your web release so that it will be easily understood by a non-scientist such as a neighbor or a friend. A helpful technique is to write it like you would read it out loud to them. Don't talk down to them; just avoid the use of jargon and keep the presentation simple. Make the summary short; no more than four to eight sentences. Good web releases are like sound bites: they are concise attention grabbers. Remember, your goal is to draw the reader into your research and the journal.

To see examples, view the Web Releases for previous articles.

Checklist of Components to Provide

____ A short, catchy title. Make it interesting, clever, etc.; it is best if it sums up your results in a single phrase. A good title contains a strong (action) verb. ____ One or two sentences that explain the problem clearly and in an interesting way. ____ One sentence detailing the most important results and findings of the work. ____ A quote about the significance of the work. Why should people care? Keep it in a natural speaking style and in the present tense. ____ One sentence explaining the methods used, if necessary. ____ Contact information: Your name, phone number, mailing address and e-mail address.