PHOENIX — While good writing is good writing no matter the medium, web writing is not the same as writing for print, according to a panel on “better business writing online.”

Writing for the web requires speed.  But it is better to be right than to be first, according to Lex Harris, managing editor of CNN Money.

“Don’t be too obsessed with getting beat,” said Harris.  “When you’re wrong, it just dogs you for so long a period.  It’s just not worth it.”

The panelists, who also included Marty Wolk, the executive business editor of MSBNC.com, offered no absolute directives on how to balance accuracy with speed.

They also recommended other key points to keep in mind:

• Writing for the internet does not have to be short.

• You have to be responsible for creating conversation. If you ask a question, you can control and focus that conversation.

• De-complicate.

• Utilize social networking sites.

• Don’t just use the web as a dumping ground for pieces that do not fit into your print publications.