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Agreed, it is risky for some audiences. But it appears to me that the
people who are turning their noses up at it are the ones who are
"educated" in that field. The fact that they have sold millions of
copies is a testament that that audience is millions strong.
I find an interesting comparison in your comment, Geoff. My brother is
a world class chef trained in the finest schools. Ask him over for
dinner some time and serve him your wife's delicious roast beef. Be
prepared to hold her after dinner and tell her that my brother didn't
mean the "commentary" about her cooking. It doesn't mean your wife
isn't a great cook nor does it mean that her tastes are poor. It
simply means that my brother has been trained in a field to recognize
"correct" and "appropriate" food.
Aren't we much the same way? If the determiner here is ability to
market and sell our writing (this, of course, depends on your
industry), I'd say the "For Dummies" books are kicking the trash out
of most of us whether we like the style or not.
However, Time and a Place for everything. And for everyone.
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