For me, the fall semester of 1999 was full of learning experiences.  One of my classes, entitled Pre-Professional Writing gave me a taste of both professional writing and writing for the web.  How was I to know what I was getting into when I enrolled in such a class?  What does professional writing even mean?  After all, it is such a broad term.
         Throughout various assignments, such as cover letters, resumes, and letters aimed at convincing, I learned quickly what this term means.  Aside from the obvious definition- receiving a paycheck; professional writing involves writing for a specific purpose and a specific audience.  When writing professionally, one has to keep in mind that, in order to be successful with his writing, the reader must be considered.  Professional writing is not about what the writer wants to write about, rather what the writer needs to write about to satisfy the reader.  This type of writing definitely involves writing for someone else's (the reader) benefit.
         In addition, there are some key principles and practices to keep in mind when writing professionally:

• It is good to avoid broad and general terms.  Try to be clear and specific in what you say.
• Definitely try to avoid the use of jargon.  Keep in mind that not everyone is an expert on the topic you are writing about.  You can still sound professional and qualified without using jargon.
• Try not to assume audience knowledge.  Like the previous principle, it is important to know that it is the writer's job to be the expert, not the reader's.  Again, no jargon or confusing language.
• Remember to by systematic, taking advantage of formatting devices and writing styles.  Your writing style could really set you apart from the rest.  It is important that your piece is easy to read while keeping the reader's attention at the same time.

• There must be more consideration for the design and visual aspects that pertain to the writing. When writing on the web, you must take advantage of the use of graphics and visual effects to make the writing that much more powerful.
• Readers on the web have more options.  If your web page is not laid out in such a way that the reader is interested and wants to remain at your site, then the reader will simply search for another, more enjoyable site to visit.
• Your writing must be universal.  Because most anyone has access to the web, it is important that your writing applies to a larger audience.  This principle can often be very difficult to adhere to.
• Finally, you must be concise.  People today have short attention spans.  Get to the "meat" of your writing quickly!  Also, make it easy for visitors to move about your page with the use of a table of contents, sub headings, and other easily accessible links.