By Maureen Alley

Recently Yahoo launched its Style Guide for the Web. Up until now, we’ve relied on our print style guides and adapted them to our Web presence. Oftentimes, the print writing style doesn’t apply to the Web, however, so many writers still try to squeeze the Web into the print box. But no more!

So what’s the Yahoo Style Guide have to offer? I’ve compiled a Cliff Notes version of what you’ll find from Yahoo. If you have other feedback about the Style Guide, add them to the comments section.

• The editors who created the Style Guide are proficient with the Web. Note: Chris Barr, one of the creators and editors, has a long career with CNET and the Internet.
• Tips on how to attract and keep readers. In the print world, we consider heads, callouts and graphics to attract readers. The Web is different — you’re limited to one screen.
• Tips on consistency in copy. Like with other style guides you may be familiar with, the Yahoo guide gives direction on how things should be written: numbers, capitalization, names, websites, etc.
• A dictionary of sorts provides you with the definitions of terms such as 3G.
• Additional resources that provide help with coding and SEO. This sets the style guide apart from any other.

This book has the most comprehensive information of how to effectively work on the Web that I’ve seen. If you use the Web even to write a few posts, this new guide is a must-have resource.