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.
There are methods of rating the grade or age level of your writing. I'm
saying to talk down to them. I'm saying to keep it simple so anyone can
understand it. I don't think my writing insults my readers, but I DO
think my 12-year-old can comprehend it.
Then it's probably condescending, too, to test some of my stuff out on
the secretaries here because they're mostly unfamiliar with our stuff.
Well, too bad. It works. If they get through it, I figure anyone can...
And so far, none of them have appeared to take offense at being asked.
Meanwhile, I have my textbook right here and I'm going to see if I can
find that 6th grade quote.
-----Original Message-----
From: techwr-l-bounces+mschmidt=weathercentral -dot- tv -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com
[mailto:techwr-l-bounces+mschmidt=weathercentral -dot- tv -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com]
On Behalf Of Al Geist
Sent: Wednesday, August 09, 2006 8:55 AM
To: techwr-l -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com
Subject: Re: Breaking into the tech writing job market
I took one TW course and nowhere did the instructor say "write at about
a 6th grade level." In fact, it was stressed that you should find out
who your audience is and write to "that" level. I took the TW course as
an easy elective on my way to a Journalism degree after working as a TW
for nearly 10 years and nobody that I worked with said to write at any
grade level. In fact, most of my mentors (including several with post
graduate degrees) said that the quickest way to talk down to your
readers is to assume they are not that smart.
My two cents....
Al
Dan Goldstein wrote:
>Well, I never took a "basic intro to tech writing class," so maybe I'm
>missing something. But shouldn't they teach you to *find out* the level
>that's appropriate for what you're writing, instead of teaching you
>what that level is?
>
>
>>-----Original Message-----
>>From: Mike Schmidt
>>Sent: Wednesday, August 09, 2006 9:28 AM
>>To: John Posada; Peter Neilson
>>Cc: techwr-l -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com
>>Subject: RE: Breaking into the tech writing job market
>>
>>I never said writing LIKE a novice.... I said writing TO a novice...
>>Something we have a lot of in our audiences. If you remember your
>>basic intro to tech writing classes, they tell you to write at about a
>>6th grade level.
>>
>>
--
Al Geist
Technical Writing, Online Help, Marketing Collateral, Web Design, Award
Winning Videos, Professional Photography
Voice/Msg: 802-658-3140
Easily create HTML or Microsoft Word content and convert to any popular
Help file format or printed documentation. Learn more at http://www.DocToHelp.com/TechwrlList
---
You are currently subscribed to TECHWR-L as mschmidt -at- weathercentral -dot- tv -dot-
WebWorks ePublisher Pro for Word features support for every major Help
format plus PDF, HTML and more. Flexible, precise, and efficient content
delivery. Try it today! http://www.webworks.com/techwr-l
Easily create HTML or Microsoft Word content and convert to any popular Help file format or printed documentation. Learn more at http://www.DocToHelp.com/TechwrlList
---
You are currently subscribed to TECHWR-L as archive -at- infoinfocus -dot- com -dot-
