Chapter 5. Constructing Links

A link consists of the link text and the link destination. Links enable readers to jump to related information with a single click. Links are one of the advantages of online reading because they enable readers to make their own decisions about how to access information.

However, links pose challenges for writers. Too many links clutter text and can distract readers. Too few links mean readers might have difficulty finding the supplemental information that they need when looking at a screen of text, which lacks the context of a printed page.

This chapter discusses the following topics:

  • “About These Guidelines” on page 101

  • “Where to Place Links” on page 102

  • “General Linking Strategies” on page 103

  • “Guidelines for Writing ...

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