The Final Stage: Copyediting for Usability and Consistency

My process for creating an ePortfolio has involved three stages:

http://docs.google.com

Stage One: Content. Inventory and digitally archive all relevant files. Use Google Docs, DropBox, or a similar tool. Save Microsoft Word files in both DOC and PDF formats. Also include: PowerPoint (PPT) files and other types of writing projects; descriptions of the assignments provided by the professor; discussion board posts; any significant email correspondence with professors or classmates; and anything else that might be needed to create a capstone portfolio with reflective summaries. Ideally, the archive will contain most of these items already because it will have been created gradually, over the course of the entire program, rather than all at once at the very end. Files converted to the Google Docs format may require editing to repair formatting problems (extra pages, duplicated text) created during the conversion process. Note that unusual fonts, which for example may have been used to create a special effect for a flyer or brochure, may become unreadable when the files are converted. Be sure to check every file in Google Docs after the conversion. In some cases, it may be preferable to skip the conversion altogether.

http://picasaweb.google.com

Stage Two: Technology. Become familiar with suitable tools for creating a website (Google Sites, Weebly), maintaining a blog (Wordpress, Blogger), and creating a digital narrative (PowerPoint, iMovie, Screenr).  Optional but recommended: use a digital camera to capture original images and then upload them to the Web or "cloud" (using Flickr, Picasaweb, or a similar tool). After the pictures are stored online, use a hyperlink or embed code to insert the images in the portfolio website or blog. Why not simply copy a photo from my own computer to the website? Because if I copy an entire image file from my computer directly onto a webpage, I will need much more space for my website. Also, linking to an online image makes it easy to include the same image in multiple locations without using up additional storage space.

Stage Three: Usability. Finally, after establishing the overall content and learning how to use the tools, I was ready to revise and polish what I had created. I had already discovered that cutting and pasting text from a Word file to a blog post or webpage sometimes results in bizarre and unexpected formatting problems; many times I had to clear all formatting and re-create the text fonts, lists, and so forth. Some problems (such as an unwanted line of space at the top of a Google Sites webpage) could only be solved by editing the HTML. As I clicked through the pages, I considered the advice presented in Steve Krug's book on Web usability, Don't Make Me Think (2006). Would the purpose and starting point for my website be self-evident to readers? Had I created a clear visual hierarchy? Taken advantage of web style conventions? Broken up the pages into manageable chunks? 

I am currently reviewing every page as a copyeditor might, checking for errors in grammar or spelling, inconsistencies in style or formatting. For my marketing portfolio, the importance of this final phase can't be overstated.