Guidelines on tone, voice, and style let many writers sound like one writer. Hundreds of writers around UCSD contribute content to the Blink and TritonLink Web sites. By following the guidelines below, all writers can create text that sounds as if just one person wrote it.

This "one person" writing style results in text that is easy to understand and consistent across the sites.

Tone shows the writer's attitude. Both Blink and TritonLink communicate in a friendly, conversational tone. Write directly to the reader, use contractions, and read your writing aloud to make sure it sounds like something you'd say.

Voice represents the "person" who is speaking to the reader. Step into the correct persona when you write for Blink and TritonLink:

• Blink's voice is a knowledgeable colleague, a staff member who can clearly explain business processes.
• TritonLink's voice is an advisor, a trusted representative of UCSD, someone who sits on the same side of the desk as the student to explain academic, financial, or other essential information.

Style guarantees consistency in capitalization, punctuation, and spelling. Is it "a.m." or "A.M."? "Mail Code" or "mail code"? Check the UC San Diego Web Editorial Style Guide for guidelines.

Questions about tone, voice, or style? Contact Portal Services.