Re: CNET Editor Death Caused by a Technical Communication Mistake?

[Abby Klemmer <aklemmer -at- factset -dot- com>]

This is such a heartbreaking story.

As far as the tech writing tie-in, regarding usability....

An Oregon friend of mine recently posted in her blog that it is _very_ 
easy to mistakenly turn onto these roads; and the entrances aren't closed 
off in winter, nor are they typically marked with any kind of sign warning 
of the possible dangers of proceeding. Furthermore, turning the car around 
once you're on some of these roads can be impossible.

So, yes, the roads should be clearly marked on all maps (and online 
services like MapQuest) as remote and potentially dangerous, especially in 
non-summer months. In addition, I think it would be an essential public 
service to post a large sign to that effect at the entrances to these 
roads, to warn drivers of what they might be getting themselves into.

I'm reminded of the dangers presented by SCUBA diving in caverns or caves 
without adequate cave-diving equipment & training - you can get into very 
bad trouble, very quickly, even if you think you're just taking a quick 
peek inside. In some dive destinations, underwater signs have been placed 
at cave/cavern entrances warning non-trained divers not to venture inside:
http://www.floridacaves.com/GRIMREAPER.jpg

(It's pretty awful, but I have to admit, it's effective.)

Abby Klemmer
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