TechWhirl (TECHWR-L) is a resource for technical writing and technical communications professionals of all experience levels and in all industries to share their experiences and acquire information.
For two decades, technical communicators have turned to TechWhirl to ask and answer questions about the always-changing world of technical communications, such as tools, skills, career paths, methodologies, and emerging industries. The TechWhirl Archives and magazine, created for, by and about technical writers, offer a wealth of knowledge to everyone with an interest in any aspect of technical communications.
Hi,
My co-workers are minimalist procedure writers and I'm a low-level procedure
writer. That is, I write "On the File menu, click Open" while they write
"open the record." I am currently weighing the better method of writing:
minimalist or low-level. I don't have a true knowledge of our target
audience, but my co-workers have assumed they are skilled users and would be
insulted by such low-level writing. We all write for the same project, so
it's crucial we remain consistent. I've read through the archive, and some
say that this decision is best made when you know your target audience.
Since this is unlikely, I've assumed our target audience is a general user.
Somewhat familiar with our system, yet new to whatever concept or procedure
I am writing. In addition, I've already written low-level procedures (so as
not to assume my target audience is well versed) With that said, I've
embarked on a quest to convince myself and perhaps my co-workers that
low-level procedures are best. However, I need supporting data. Can anyone
provide me with a reason why low-level writing is better than minimalist?
Or, vice-versa?
Thanks,
Scott mailto:scott -dot- parsons -at- ps -dot- net
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Now's a great time to buy RoboHelp! You'll get SnagIt screen capture
software and a $200 onsite training voucher FREE when you buy RoboHelp
Office or RoboHelp Enterprise. Hurry, this offer expires February 28, 2002. www.ehelp.com/techwr
---
You are currently subscribed to techwr-l as: archive -at- raycomm -dot- com
To unsubscribe send a blank email to leave-techwr-l-obscured -at- lists -dot- raycomm -dot- com
Send administrative questions to ejray -at- raycomm -dot- com -dot- Visit http://www.raycomm.com/techwhirl/ for more resources and info.
