If you try to visit PlainLanguage.gov today, you won’t find the familiar collection of checklists, examples, and training materials. Instead, the domain quietly redirects visitors to a page on Digital.gov. The U.S. government’s one-stop shop for plain language resources has been removed. The new Digital.gov landing page includes a brief plain language guide and links to other resources. It was noted that while Digital.gov preserves some guidance, it is “nowhere near the robust resource it once was.”
For those unfamiliar with it, PlainLanguage.gov was a volunteer-run site managed by the Plain Language Action and Information Network (PLAIN). Many writers across federal agencies and state governments used it to learn how to comply with the Plain Writing Act of 2010.
What PlainLanguage.gov used to offer
PLAIN created PlainLanguage.gov in the 1990s to help agencies comply with the 2010 Plain Writing Act. The law requires federal documents that affect the public to be clear, concise, and well organized. It follows other practices appropriate to the subject and intended audience. To support that mandate, the website included:
- Federal Plain Language Guidelines: a comprehensive manual detailing how to write for the public. It explained when to use passive voice and how to structure sentences and paragraphs.
- Before and after examples: real government documents rewritten in plain language to show the difference.
- Templates and checklists: tools that helped agencies produce clear content consistently.
- Training videos and event notices: resources for agency staff and contractors to learn the basics and stay current.
For proposal managers and contractors, PlainLanguage.gov was more than a resource, it shaped expectations. Agencies often expected proposals to follow plain language standards, even if the law didn’t require it. The site helped turn complex content into clear, evaluator-friendly language.
Even as the U.S. government turns away from plain language, its principles are more vital than ever. Transparency, simplicity, and empathy will always matter.
Why did the site disappear?
No agency officially announced the change, but it appears tied to a larger push to streamline federal websites. In September 2023, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) released a memo called “Delivering a Digital First Public Experience.” It told agencies to retire, combine, or explain duplicate web content, and directed GSA to grow Digital.gov as the main hub for resources and guidance. The memo also reinforced the need to update guidelines and follow the Plain Writing Act online.
Digital.gov’s plain language page acknowledges the transition and notes that the new guides carry forward selected content from PlainLanguage.gov. It also notes that all original content is archived in the PlainLanguage.gov GitHub repository. This suggests the government is not abandoning plain language. Rather, it is centralizing resources on Digital.gov and aligning with the digital first strategy. Consolidation also makes web content easier to manage.
How the community has reacted
The news generated a mix of frustration, concern, and creativity. Commenters on LinkedIn expressed sadness at losing a trusted resource and they shared personal stories about how they used the site. One commenter worried about implications for state and local agencies. Those teams rely on federal resources and risk duplicating work if content disappears. Others took a practical approach and posted links to the GitHub repository and Wayback Machine. Several people pointed out a simple truth. The movement for plain language is bigger than any single site. Many agencies have embraced clear writing and that momentum is unlikely to reverse.
Why the change matters to contractors and proposal managers
At first glance, the disappearance of a niche site might seem inconsequential. It has real implications for professionals who communicate with federal agencies. Consider these points:
- Clarity is still required: The Plain Writing Act isn’t going away. Agency communications must be clear and accessible. OMB’s digital first memo reiterates that agencies should write content the public can find, understand, and use. This applies to public-facing documents and online forms. Contractors who provide proposals, white papers, and technical documents should expect the same emphasis on clarity.
- Resource gaps: New writers and small businesses may have used PlainLanguage.gov as a one-stop shop. Digital.gov’s guides are helpful but do not yet match the depth of examples and templates. Training new staff may require more internal effort or reliance on archived materials.
- Consolidation trends: If PlainLanguage.gov can retire quietly, other specialized sites could follow. Staying current means monitoring Digital.gov and other official hubs for updates and announcements.
- Opportunity to engage: OMB’s memo directs PLAIN, with OMB and GSA, to review and update the federal plain language guidelines. Contractors who care about clear communication can provide feedback through associations or directly to GSA when comments open.
Where to find guidance and resources now
You still have options for plain language guidance. Start here:
- Digital.gov’s Plain Language Guide Series: The hub provides articles on plain language, writing for understanding, design, and testing.
- GitHub archive: The GitHub repository preserves the PlainLanguage.gov site, including its checklists, examples, and training materials. You can clone or fork the repository to run a local copy.
- Wayback Machine: Archived snapshots of PlainLanguage.gov are available at the Internet Archive. You can browse snapshots like the original website.
- Agency plain language pages: Many agencies maintain their own pages and compliance reports. They often link to the Federal Plain Language Guidelines and list plain language officer contacts.
- Professional communities: Digital.gov hosts a Plain Language Community of Practice. Federal and contract writers share tips, ask questions, and announce training events.
Carrying the Plain Language Torch Forward
The quiet retirement of PlainLanguage.gov surprised many people and highlights the challenge of keeping digital knowledge accessible. The site’s disappearance doesn’t change the law or the need for clear communication. Now, the community must adapt. Use what’s still available, save key resources, and stay connected with groups that support plain language.
