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.
I too have been lambasted of late for using "alot" on this list. Due to
problemns mailing out (which I hope have been solved) I have not been able to
respond. I do so now:
"Alot" should be considered a perfectly acceptable shorthand for fast email
notes. Any technical writer on this list who is too uneducated not to know
_not_ to use it in technical writing, should look into changing careers. Anyone
who feels an urge to flame people for using it in email should seriously
consider purchasing the T-shirt with the "Does anal retentive have a hyphen?"
on it.
And, in response to the question from a newbie about flaming on the list--yes,
there have been a few angry shots from certain individuals lately. I think it
happens on every list (any given group of people is going to have a range of
personality types) but this by no means condones it.
I was especially disconcerted to find myself the target of a _public_ flame
recently (I had assumed it had been sent to me privately). You know who you
are. And I thank Ken in Alberta publicly for _privately_ coming to the defense
of my Canadian spelling. (Who needs a white knight when you can have a cowboy?)
:-)
My 2 cents (Canadian), sent with a little steam, but no fire,
