The Living Publication

Beyond novels and newspaper headlines, all other written work is subject to change. From Anthropology to Zoology, from ‘Warnings’  to ‘How Tos’, even ‘Recipes’ are subject to change.

Hard copies can’t change, so an error is preserved and a new publication, with all that expense is required.

In Cyberspace, the ability to instantly change information is almost unappreciated.  Yet, this is the most important aspect of publishing on the ‘Net.

When you write for Triond you might compose a List such as the ‘Ten Poorest Countries in the World’ in 2007.  By 2009 the rankings have changed. You can immediately go back to that article and edit it to reflect today’s listing.

I mention Triond because those who publish have the copyright, and can do what they please without the necessity for a Board Meeting.

‘Official’ sites, i.e. the C.I.A. Factbook, may claim to have the 2009 list, but a simple glance will prove that the data was collected in 2005.

Often, one gets more pertinent and truer information from the ‘unofficial’ site which was edited last night, than the official one, which is only touched every 12 months.

Further, editing your work on Triond should join the policing of comments as a daily activity.

As previously mentioned, policing the comments is vital. You read, respond and remove inappropriate comments so as to create a comfortable environment for those who have been invited to read your work.

Spam and insults are deleted as you see them, the thoughtful comment is responded to.  Often, a dialog springs up so that the comments are as interesting as the posted work.

Constantly editing your work should join this activity.  Yes, proof for spelling, grammar, physical structure, so that your work appears as perfect as you can make it.  But also check your facts.

In a recipe, for example, a recent substitute of an ingredient led to fantastic effect.  Get over to your
content, find the article, click on the edit function, and add the new information.

Now, begin a new round of publicising; stumbling, digging, reddit, and emailing.

Recently, many of you have noticed that articles you have previously Stumbled have disappeared.  Digg has always had a fairly short shelf life, contra Reddit and Propeller which virtually place a submitted link in stone.

The ‘expiry’ of Stumbles gives you the opportunity to do it all again. Restumble, re-email, repromote an item you did last year.

Often, you find when you reread your work that it could take a few touches.  As you fix that sentence, alter that reference, add an image, you appreciate this is a ‘living’ document.

Unlike information ‘trapped’ in a book, the Internet allows information to breathe.