Writing in the Digital Age (WITDA)

• Written by scholars or researchers in an academic setting

• Geared towards readers with background knowledge; uses high-level, academic vocabulary

• Reports on original research, experimentation, or theory

• Always cites sources and/or includes a bibliography

• Often published by a university press, research center, or academic association

• Often peer-reviewed (note: all peer-reviewed articles are scholarly, not necessarily vice versa)

• May contain visual info, like charts or graphs, that are suited to the field/discipline

• Not usually available on newsstands

Examples: Fashion Theory; Art History; Art Bulletin; Journal of the American Medical Association

• Written by and for people in a specific industry or professional field

• Assumes reader has knowledge of the field; uses specialized jargon

• Info about news, trends, and products related to the field as well as career/professional development information

• Sometimes includes references or a short bibliography

• Often published by a trade or professional association

• Not usually available on newsstands

Examples: American Libraries; Communication Arts; Animation Magazine

• Longform, in-depth content

• Provides fact-checked information about current events

• Sometimes lists sources or includes a bibliography

• Clear indication of the author(s) (usually)

• Level of writing geared to an educated or well-read audience

• Sometimes available on newsstands

Examples: National Geographic; The New York Times; The New Yorker; Art in America; Artforum

• Written for general, broad audiences on any topic

• Articles written by staff writers or freelance writers 

• In.print format, these are typically slick or glossy

• Features lots of advertisements

• Rarely will include full citations/references 

• Easily found on newsstands, in bookstores, or via the Internet

Examples: Time; People; Sports Illustrated; Vogue; Rolling Stone