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Suzanne McKinney wondered: <<I've been asked about white papers vs.
talking papers.>>
"Talking" papers? New one on me. I've heard of "discussion papers",
though.
<<1) Is there a relationship? That is, is the white paper the more
formal, longer paper and the talking paper the subset that addresses
just a part of the material in the white paper?>>
There's some weak consensus among writers about what these things
mean, but it's weak. Some are sales pitches, some are position
papers, and some are technology infodumps, and the guys who insist
most vociferously on a single definition are usually selling their
(overpriced) services as writers of that specific subgenre of white
paper.
In any event, managers aren't aware of any of this, and use the terms
indiscriminately. Best bet is always to get the manager to clearly
define what they heck they want. Don't assume you know which of
several options they think they mean.
<<2) Is there a defining line between the two? 3) Are there good
templates/content structure guidelines available?>>
The defining line is whatever the manager tells you it is. In terms
of templates, there are undoubtedly such things you can find on the
Web, but that way lies cookie-cutter white papers that read like
everyone else's white paper--or would, if anyone read them.
Instead, why not take a long step back and ask yourself what the most
effective format (style, order, content) would be for your specific
communication task? It's a bit harder than using a one-size-fits-all
solution, but you'll have more fun writing it and people may actually
read it.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - --
Geoff Hart ghart -at- videotron -dot- ca
(try geoffhart -at- mac -dot- com if you don't get a reply)
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