COMM 260, Principles of Internet Web-Based Design
Instructor: Ross Collins

Web-writing exercise: word clutter
Writers preparing text for the web know their readers will be less likely to read a page filled with word clutter. What is word clutter? We're talking about those extra words, jargon, cliché phrases that creep into rough drafts. Good web editors can make a story as concise and readable as possible. Let's practice; copy the news stories below, paste into a word processing or Dreamweaver document, and edit them to eliminate common word clutter as described in this lecture for mass media editing students. Note: be sure to proofread!

Two injured near bar

A car accident at 9 p.m. Friday left two people injured and a telephone booth completely destroyed north of town. According to police, the accident occurred in north Fargo, near Bob's Bar and Gift Shoppe, located at 517 35th Ave. N., Fargo.

"Apparently, the two cars collided near the parking lot," said policeman I.V. Badge, who made an investigation of the incident. Both parties are listed in serious condition at Innovis, a health care facility located in Fargo.

Because the alcoholic beverage facility faces a major highway, parties leaving need to proceed with caution, said Badge. But people leaving bars don't always do this, he admitted. Asked if the city planned to install a stop sign at the intersection, Badge said, "I believe the city commission will consider installing stop signs next week."

At the present time, said Badge, drivers seldom even slow down, although a yield sign is only 50 yards from the facility. The bottom line is that police have responded to eight accidents at the intersection in the last 12 months.

GRAND FORKS, N.D. (AP)--The Committee for Lower Tuition (CLT) will identify ways to reduce state university tuition at a seminar from to take place from 12 noon to 9 p.m. on Thursday at the University of North Dakota's Memorial Union. Jerry Mathers, a nationally-prominent advocate of reduced tuition, will be guest speaker at the seminar.

CLT president John Jenson said in a prepared statement, "We believe Mathers can offer many answers to our high-tuition dilemma." Jenson said that North Dakota's tuition has reached a new record, and that Mathers is the one qualified expert who can find a useful solution.

At its regular meeting last month, the group suggested students boycott classes for one day to protest high tuition. Neither students or the public shared the groups enthusiasm, and the protest attracted only 30 supporters at UND. "Our group needs to appear more serious," commented Jenson. "We have now designed a logo, new stationary, and a brochure explaining our program."

Jenson also is planning a series of noon luncheons around the state to gather support. Detailed information about CLT is available to the general public upon request by e-mail: tuitionchop@fightingsvenska.edu.

S.D. wrestlers place third

Redfield, S.D., High School wrestlers ended a busy week on the mats Saturday, placing third at the Central Invitational Tournament located in Aberdeen, S.D.

Winning teammates Mike Mat and Frank Fall captured first places in there weight classes, defeating Jerry Jab and Tony Tanner of Aberdeen.

"We did some really good wrestling last week," said Coach George Grunt. "We were exilarated by the wins, but disappointed that we did not bring home the first-place trophy." After four first-place team finishes, this year's win would have been a new record for the team.

Due to the fact that Mat had injured his knee last month, he was unable to wrestle at full strength, Grunt commented. At the present time five teem members are nursing injuries. Grunt adds that the general public doesn't realize how difficult a sport wrestling is. "You really need to be strong, yet small," he said. "Tough boys can hurt each other."

Asked if he thought the sport was too dangerous for many boys, Grunt said, "I do believe boys can wrestle safely. But they need careful training, and they need to be in shape."

Qualified experts on wrestling injuries have noted that referees should stop a dangerously unequal match, but that the wrestlers themselves usually want to continue to avoid being called week. Last year a total of seven high school meets were seriously impacted after matches were allowed to continue.

Still, says Grunt, danger to the boys is statistically slim. Yet some critics believe it's worth keeping an eye on this long-smouldering controversy, and the next local opportunity will be at a match to be held at 6:30 p.m. in the evening next Friday, at the Redfield Sports Arena.