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.
Subject:Re: OT: Profanity in the workplace From:Julie Stickler <jstickler -at- gmail -dot- com> To:techwr-l -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com Date:Wed, 3 Mar 2010 16:29:33 -0500
Workplace profanity is one of those things that I'm conscious of, and
struggle with myself. Because, as many of you have pointed out, it
doesn't project a professional image. And it is hard to foster a good
team environment if you've insulted or offended your coworkers.
When I was in college I worked in a factory making car parts, and my
coworkers often cursed like the proverbial sailor. One in particular
sprinkled more f-bombs into a single sentence than anyone that I've
ever encountered before or since. At that point I cursed quite a bit,
because I stood out enough as a college student in a factory. Cursing
was a way to try to fit in with my coworkers.
When I graduated college I taught High School English, and tried to
set a good example for my students. I completely scrubbed profanity
from my language, and wouldn't even allow my students to say the word
"fudge" unless they were specifically referring to the sugary treat.
And now I fall somewhere in the middle of those two extremes. I try
not to casually curse at the office, but I know I do sometimes. And
I'm not always an angel when I stub my toe against the desk either.
If I catch myself cursing, I'll apologize. And if someone told me to
my face that they were offended by my language, I certainly wouldn't
laugh at them!
--
Julie Stickler http://heratech.wordpress.com/
Blogging about Agile and technical writing
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Use Doc-To-Help's XML-based editor, Microsoft Word, or HTML and
produce desktop, Web, or print deliverables. Just write (or import)
and Doc-To-Help does the rest. Free trial: http://www.doctohelp.com
Explore CAREER options and paths related to Technical Writing,
learn to create SOFTWARE REQUIREMENTS documents, and
get tips on FUNCTIONAL SPECIFICATION best practices. Free at: http://www.ModernAnalyst.com
---
You are currently subscribed to TECHWR-L as archive -at- web -dot- techwr-l -dot- com -dot-
