Over-linked
One of the greatest creations to come from the world of computers is the hyperlink, a method of clicking on a highlighted word or phrase or object to take you immediately to another location or file. It’s especially useful on sites such as Ricochet, because it allows you to reference other sites or articles or documents without having to include them in the main post. In that sense, the hyperlink is a bit like the footnote, except that it allows you to include an entire article rather than just crediting the article.
The problem, however, is that some people have fallen in love with hyperlinking, and some online blogs now contain more highlighted words than un-highlighted ones. By the time you’ve clicked on a link and gone to another source and then, perhaps, another, you can almost forget where you started or why. And, frankly, many of the links are to really pointless articles that shed little light on what you’re actually trying to read.
Hyperlinks can be abused in other ways such as plugging commercial sites, or getting around a particular site’s prohibition on ad hominem attacks. Material that some might find salacious can be hidden within a link.
Mostly, however, some writers appear to overuse hyperlinks as a way to show they’ve “done their homework” when researching their piece. No matter how far they may stretch the connection, they seem to think, when it comes to hyperlinks, more is better.
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Dec '10
Re: Over-linked
" ...[A]llows you to reference other sites or articles or documents without having to include them in the main post."
The ones I find most annoying are the ones where the entire content of the article is in in the main post.
Dec '10
Re: Over-linked
Pat Sajak:
Hyperlinks can be abused in other ways such as ... getting around a particular site’s prohibition on ad hominem attacks.
Now there's a use I've never seen before.
Edited on March 23, 2011 at 1:45amJan '11
Re: Over-linked
Did the intern write this?
Re: Over-linked
I know. It gets ridiculous sometimes, doesn't it?
Jun '10
Re: Over-linked
Yes! Finally the truth has been spoken! Another fine post of peeves by Mr. Sajak. I only need one browser window to read it. Thank you.
Re: Over-linked
On the other hand, Dave, you've shown how valuable a link can be.
Nov '10
Re: Over-linked
Lighten up, Francis.
Edited on March 23, 2011 at 2:10amMay '10
Re: Over-linked
Sajak, you've undermined your whole argument by using appropriately comical links!
I may be an over-linker; I never feel like I'm stretching reason by linking to something in a post on my terrific website, but I do sometimes notice paragraphs with a link in every sentence...
Re: Over-linked
Pat Sajak
On the other hand, Dave, you've shown how valuable a link can be. · Mar 22 at 6:06pm
It's the least I can do, Pat. And I'm well known for doing the least.
May '10
Re: Over-linked
Pat Sajak - Now with more links than Jimmy Dean!
Jan '11
Re: Over-linked
Risky
Lighten up, Francis. · Mar 22 at 6:07pm
Edited on Mar 22 at 06:10 pm
Duly chastised, yet with some residual defiance (pride is a problem with me).
I should have wrote.
Oh barrister, could I wait for a fresh pot please, this coffee seems a bit weak.
I’m no Pat Sajak. At best I’m a Kenneth-wannabe, but are we not allowed to criticize contributor posts?
Listening to Mr. Sajak on podcasts he seems a very intelligent, articulate and funny man; certainly more gracious than I. So when I see his byline I expect quite a bit because he is so talented and quick witted extemporaneously. It’s Pat’s own fault. No one is surprised when I write prose of little value. Sorry, but this read like he mailed it in and sent someone to find cute links.
If they added a “Dislike” button I would never criticize anything.
I'll never post again if EJHILL can add graphics to his posts.
Edited on March 23, 2011 at 3:32pmRe: Over-linked
Then there's this hyperlink of an incredibly beautiful woman that no man can resist clicking!
May '10
Re: Over-linked
First off, I need to dispel rumors that Mr. Yeah...ok is my agent. But this link is for him.
Sep '10
Re: Over-linked
Kids, cover your eyes.
Jan '11
Re: Over-linked
I guess I am a jerk. The truth hurts sometimes. Back to the carapace.
Re: Over-linked
Yeah...ok.
I’m no Pat Sajak. At best I’m a Kenneth-wannabe, but are we not allowed to criticize contributor posts?
Listening to Mr. Sajak on podcasts he seems a very intelligent, articulate and funny man; certainly more gracious than I. So when I see his byline I expect quite a bit because he is so talented and quick witted extemporaneously. It’s Pat’s own fault. No one is surprised when I write prose of little value. Sorry, but this read like he mailed it in and sent someone to find cute links.
For the record, I found my own cute links. I don't necessarily disagree with your criticism (especially when you ascribe it to my having set the bar so high), but, on a serious note, I'd love for us to kick around the idea of being critical of each other's work, not so much on the merit of a particular argument, but on the quality of individual posts. Frankly, I'm conflicted on the matter. While I'm not sure I would do it, I wouldn't put it off limits. Any thoughts?
Nov '10
Re: Over-linked
Pat Sajak
For the record, I found my own cute links. I don't necessarily disagree with your criticism (especially when you ascribe it to my having set the bar so high), but, on a serious note, I'd love for us to kick around the idea of being critical of each other's work, not so much on the merit of a particular argument, but on the quality of individual posts. Frankly, I'm conflicted on the matter. While I'm not sure I would do it, I wouldn't put it off limits. Any thoughts? · Mar 22 at 8:20pm
"Did the intern write this?" Yeah...Ok
I saw Pat's post as extremely light hearted, worthy of light hearted, even humorous responses...no biggy, really. I saw the initial condemnation as a blanket criticism of interns as much or more than looking for serious discourse in the wrong place. Cavalier criticism of people for their posts only make people more apprehensive to post. If you don't like a thread...find one you like. Just a suggestion. I really didn't want to condemn your comment, because I didn't want to start this. Sorry.
Edited on March 23, 2011 at 5:09amJul '10
Re: Over-linked
Guys! Guys! Nix it! If we're mean to Pat, Vanna won't ever come by!
Edited on March 23, 2011 at 5:26amMay '10
Re: Over-linked
I think if someone asks for a critique we should oblige, otherwise you generously forgive the typos and the occasional dropped letter and appreciate each other's intellectual curiosity.
I've been writing for broadcasting so long that I know I am a horrible formal writer. If I ever tried to write mystery fiction I'd end up in an inverted pyramid and tell everybody who did it in the lede.
And those ellipses of mine... used to designate a pause... for the copy to be read... by the voiceover announcer... (ACK!)
Your writing is never the same after you spend hours writing local television commercials, especially for an auto mechanic that buys time so his little girl can get airtime and a resume tape - and her only "talent" is baton twirling. (So we chromakeyed her doing her baton schtick on top of the carburetor of a 1979 Dodge Aspen! Emmy-winning stuff, that!)
Jul '10
Re: Over-linked
Yeah...ok.
Risky
Lighten up, Francis. · Mar 22 at 6:07pm
Edited on Mar 22 at 06:10 pm
Duly chastised, yet with some residual defiance (pride is a problem with me).
I should have wrote.
Oh barrister, could I wait for a fresh pot please, this coffee seems a bit weak.
I’m no Pat Sajak. At best I’m a Kenneth-wannabe, but are we not allowed to criticize contributor posts?
Listening to Mr. Sajak on podcasts he seems a very intelligent, articulate and funny man; certainly more gracious than I. So when I see his byline I expect quite a bit because he is so talented and quick witted extemporaneously. It’s Pat’s own fault. No one is surprised when I write prose of little value. Sorry, but this read like he mailed it in and sent someone to find cute links.
If they added a “Dislike” button I would never criticize anything.
I'll never post again if EJHILL can add graphics to his posts. · Mar 22 at 7:34pm
You don't want to be Kenneth. It attracts stalkers.