Editing for the Web, Max Rausch

The BBC posted a health story online on Tuesday, March 16, 2010 about the health implications of male pattern baldness. The BBC has been a leader in the presentation of online news for some time, and this article reflects that consistency. The story, which is not feature-length, has nevertheless been chunked into two main sections: the first containing the lede and introducing the crucial information, and the second elaborating on the background of the studies backing the story. The headline, "Baldness 'could be good for you health' say scientists" is snappy and eye-catching enough even for cyberspace. The subhead, "roots of baldness" is equally punchy, and adequately conveys the gist of the content that falls under it.

Overall, the story is well presented for the average user, not just in the structure of the actual story, but in how it takes full advantage of the web's capability to provide users with more information. As per BBC style, links within a sidebar to the right link to more stories from the BBC on related topics, including more health stories on prostate cancer. It also includes related links from other sites. Hats off to the BBC as a user-friendly, open-ended news source.

Image from te BBC.