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.
The Chicago Manual specifically deals with technical terms in
quotation marks in Chapter 6. However, the best basis for NOT
including punctuation supports good old horse sense (which
rarely convinces a dogmatic editor unless they're confronted
with a citation) is supported by J. Tarutz in her damned good
book, "Technical Editing", page 180:
"The best justification for breaking a rule in a technical
manual is to make sure the ... information is unambiguous
and accurate."
But her best whammy is on page 178:
"...English punctuation is irrelevant in this situation
because THE PURPOSE OF THE QUOTATION MARKS IS TO SET
APART THE LITERAL USER INPUT (my obscene caps...). For
technical accuracy, the period belongs outside the
quotation marks."
-- and if that ain't enough for your editor, Ms. Tarutz'
book weighs about two pounds, and when properly wielded
should at least get even an intransigent editor's attention...
