Chapter 14 in “Writing for Visual Media”, by Anthony Friedman, explains writing for mobile media platforms. The changing digital technology, mobile platforms such as cell phones and tablets, opened the gateway for portable media. These mobile platforms have many capabilities. While a laptop is portable, smartphones and tablets are lighter and easier to carry around. Manufacturers, carriers, and content producers must think of design and functionality in order to make money. Writers for mobile media platforms must consider the wants and needs of consumers.

     Friedman continues to further explain the content that is displayed on mobile platforms. On these platforms individuals can read newspaper articles, send messages, watch television shows, listen to music, stream radio, and use social media accounts. Smartphones and tablets have become such an integral part of our daily lives. The use of these devices has increased over the years. Therefore the demand for content and content producers has increased as well. New terms are emerging to refer to some content such as webisodes and mobisodes. The two terms refer to short narratives viewable on portable devices. For example, one can stream YouTube videos on his or her iPhone. Digital formats have changed the game for producers. Writing styles have changed. Multiple media the second-screen concepts must be taken into considerable. People are now viewing two screens simultaneously. For example, one might be watching a television show while a tweeting about the show.

     With the constant growth and change of digital technology, producers must think of new writing styles and consider concepts that fit the wants of consumers. Design and writing concepts are vital to producing a successful product, app, webisode, etc. There is a demand for new writers and designers. The use of mobile media platforms and the use of multiple media has become part of our daily lives. Producers must keep up in order to make money.

(Original blog post can be found here)