Re: Alternative directions in technical communications

[Jay Maechtlen <techwriter -at- covad -dot- net>]

Michael West wrote:
>>> Typical approaches to communication with non-expired computer users 
>>> have privileged conventional visual media, such as print and computer 
>>> graphics.
>>>
>>> Technical communicators can learn to make better use of a variety of 
>>> other-world-targetted communications techniques, including spirit-, 
>>> seance-, ouija- and necromancy-based tools.
>>
>> Hmmm....the style looks familiar.
>  
> The style might be described as PA (pompous academic).
> 
>> Published in AIR or JIR, perhaps
> 
> So far, published only here.
> 
> 
>> "Technical writing...requires understanding the audience,  
>> understanding what activities the user wants to accomplish,  and 
>> translating the often idiosyncratic and unplanned design  into 
>> something that appears to make sense."
>>                        Donald Norman, The Invisible Computer
> 
> 
> Interesting quote, but a bit ambiguous toward the end. It is to be hoped
> that our "translation" not only appears to make sense, but in fact does so.
> 
> --
> Mike West
> 

Yes, but we want to make the software or system we're writing about to
'seem to make sense', regardless of how poorly... ah, nevermind....


-- 
Jay Maechtlen
626 444-5112 office
626 840-8875 cell
www.laserpubs.com
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