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Subject:Re: chunking, was "RE: Documentation on the Web" From:"Paul Strasser" <paul -dot- strasser -at- windsor-tech -dot- com> To:"TECHWR-L" <techwr-l -at- lists -dot- raycomm -dot- com> Date:Mon, 28 Jan 2002 08:18:56 -0700
Your results may vary:
I've discovered that I prefer the"chunking" of online information when I'm
reading instructions, or anything involving multiple steps. The act of
clicking a "go to next page" link feels like a step in a process. However,
when I'm reading long passages of narrative, fiction, or any sort of
non-sequential text I dislike the chunking. The act of clicking the link to
contine reading interrupts the whole process.
And it's certainly true that there is a sort of chunking involved in reading
a book -- the physical act of turning a page. But when I'm really involved
in the reading the act of page-turning pretty much disappears from the
conscious activity. With an online link you get to the bottom of the html
page, see that the text ends, scan for the link that says "go to next page,"
move the cursor to it, and click. It's just a little less seamless than
turning a page on a book.
Paul Strasser
Windsor Technologies, Inc.
2569 Park Lane, Suite 200
Lafayette, Colorado 80026
Phone: 303-926-1982
FAX: 303-926-1510
E-mail: paul -dot- strasser -at- windsor-tech -dot- com
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