Are end links better than inline links?
Inline links are used by most web writers. But end links may be better for readers.
Inline links make sense in the middle of sentences. Readers can click on an inline link for related information or ignore the link and read on. The initial paragraphs in a Wikipedia article are a great example of inline linking.
However, new research shows that inline links reduce readability.
Some web writers now use end links instead of inline links. End links are placed after a block of text, aligned with the left margin.
Discussion on this topic is surprisingly heated. It often drifts into philosophical debate about the nature of the web and what it means to link. I’ve tried to steer clear of the theoretical arguments. I’ve only selected views that are based on practical web writing.
Arguments for end links:
1. Inline links reduce readability
Each link requires us to make a decision about whether to keep reading or click for more information. This adds to the reader’s cognitive load.
Jakob Neilsen: http://www.useit.com/alertbox/nanocontent.htm
http://idratherbewriting.com/2010/06/19/finally-convinced-about-removing-inline-links-to-increase-readability/
2. Inline links stop us from thinking deeply
Jumping around inline links reduces our attention and stops us thinking properly.
Nick Carr: www.wired.com/magazine/2010/05/ff_nicholas_carr/all/1
3. End links show more respect for the reader
The reader can read the text first, then decide which links are worth following. In effect, end links put the reader in control, not the writer.
www.roughtype.com/archives/2010/05/experiments_in.php
Arguments for inline links:
1. Inline links deepen understanding.
The argument for removing inline links relies on studies that test only one sort of material - stories.
http://www.wordyard.com/2010/08/30/in-defense-of-links-part-one-nick-carr-hypertext-and-delinkification/
2. End links train readers to ignore content.
If links are listed at the end, the reader needs to match up the list item with the part of the text it refers to. It may be easier to skip it entirely.
3. Inline links keep you honest.
Links to sources, related information, and alternative views are an essential part of the web writing etiquette because they allow readers to check what you say and reach their own conclusions.
Laura Miller: http://www.salon.com/books/laura_miller/2010/06/09/links
4. Reduced flow is not a big issue with tabbed browsers.
If readers prefer not to disturb their flow, they can open interesting inline links in a new tab for later reading. This is not so different from reading end links later.
www.niemanlab.org/2010/06/maximizing-the-values-of-the-link-credibility-readability-connectivity/
5. Link treatment is a personal preference.
Your preference for inline links or end links probably depends on what you are reading and why you are reading it. This should be treated as a personal preference in browsers.
Scott Berkun: www.scottberkun.com/blog/2010/the-tradeoff-of-the-hyperlink/
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