Informal Internet Research Articles

Last Rites for Readability Formulas in Technical Communication

Some reading researchers and technical communicators assume the efficacy of readability formulas. Reading researchers use such formulas to equalize the reading difficulty of texts used in experiments. Results of an informal Internet survey indicate that some professional writers and editors use readability formulas that are integrated into word-processing software. This article proposes that readability formulas fail to predict text difficulty. The results of an experiment demonstrate that “text difficulty” is a perception of the reader and therefore cannot be objectively calculated by counting syllables, word length, sentence length, and other text characteristics.

The Wheat from the Chaff: Sorting Out Nutrition Information on the Internet

Old adages have new application for the millions of people who tap into the Internet for nutrition knowledge. The overwhelming volume of information—and misinformation—proliferating in cyberspace presents a challenge to the dietetics profession. For example, an informal Internet search using the term “dietary supplements” turns up nearly 100,000 “hits,” or matches. Among these are excellent Web sites that provide reliable, useful information. But because no regulation exists to control the content of these Web sites, anybody can post anything. On one Web site purportedly operated by a physician, readers are warned of the alarming “fact” that all human beings live in a state of “subclinical scurvy.” With the virtual floodgates open to consumers hungry for nutrition data, dietetics professionals can expect to see increasing numbers of clients who have attempted to educate themselves through the Internet. According to market research firm Cyber Dialogue, 53.5 million US adults actively use the Internet, and more than 17 million of them are searching for medical or health information (E-mail communication, September 30, 1998). Dietitians, schooled in the science of nutrition, are in a unique position to act as filters to let sound nutrition information through to their clients while discarding the silt of nutrition misinformation.

The French videotex system, Minitel: its uses and applications in libraries

The Minitel videotex system has been a success in France, connecting millions of people to information services of every description via their home telephone system. It has been examined by both information specialists and business people to determine the reasons for its unique success. But, how many librarians outside of France know about the information available on Minitel and use this tool in their work? Assuming that those librarians who use the Internet and participate in library‐oriented discussion lists are the most likely at least to be aware of Minitel and its services, the author queried the participants of two discussion lists, LIBREF‐L (reference librarians) and PACS‐L (computer service librarians), to find out if anyone outside of France is using Minitel in the library environment. This article will trace the history of Minitel and will conclude with the results of the informal Internet survey, along with some suggestions for exploration of Minitel services.