Language:
Proper Use of Language | Positive Aspect
Accoding to Redish (2012), a concept for an organization website is to use “we” language. Using words such as “we,” “us,” and “our” should be used when writing on behalf of an organization because that’s how it would be said in conversation. Currently, the SGA website does not use “we” language, instead it uses the organization’s full name or acronym. I recommend changing the language so the readers can feel more comfortable when reading the information.
The SGA website has done a good job of not using archaic legal language. This concept ensures that we do not use language seen in legal documents such as terms like: “the said example” and “heretofore.” Under the Elections link, there are Official Campaign Guidelines that could have included that kind of jargon, but it does not. This is good because our viewers (TAMU-CC students) do not speak in that kind of dialect. There is still some jargon used on the website, though, such as terms like: Executive, Legislative, and Judicial. This kind of jargon is inevitable because this slang is used specifically for the organization so it is okay.
Language Use in Links Recommendations
Throughout the SGA website, there are many links that send the viewer to a different page. The language in these links, though, is very bland. A concept that the textbook mentions is to “write meaningful links.” I recommend that the SGA website links start with verbs when they are calling for action. There are many links that state bland messages that do not interest the reader into clicking them. Some example of the links on the website are: “Other Leadership Opportunities,” “facebook.com/tamucc.sga,” and “SGA Senator or Student Representative.” I recommend using verbs to make them more exciting such as: “Learn About Other Leadership Opportunities,” “Like Us on Facebook!” and “Apply to become an SGA Senator or Student Representative.”
Another concept is to “make links meaningful.” There are many links that simply state, “click here.” I recommend using action verbs to make the link more appealing to the viewer. An example could be to replace the “Click here to Vote” link on the homepage with a link that says, “Let Your Voice Be Heard – Vote Today!” This gives the link more meaning.