Re: techwr-l digest: August 01, 2005 - cert comment and over-sized doc

[tarage -at- bellsouth -dot- net (imac)]

John Posada wrote:
>
>> Brief comment to the tech writer who posits that
>> clear, concise writing ability is not necessary
>> to perform writing management, help systems with
>> text provided, etc...  
>> 
>> Are you serious?  What job doesn't benefit from
>> clear, concise communication skills? 
>
>Of course, that's the point. EVERY job where the person writes
>something benefits from clear writing...can you think of any job that
>benefits from muddy writing (OK, government and legal are excused
>:-)) we don't have a lock on that skill. I'm trying to figure out
>what is at OUR core...that points to us.

A quick note, here -- concise and clear are culturally-bound. Not all
cultures value concise documentation, and concise is not always the best
tool in your toolbox. I say this because "technical writing" often
includes writing non-technical documentation, as well; and actually, I can see user guides benefitting from many examples that an otherwise concise and austere style would leave out.  

~Mike

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