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Subject:Re: Writing vs. Testing vs. Editing? From:Peterson Karen <Peterson_Karen -at- PRC -dot- COM> Date:Mon, 24 May 1999 14:16:43 -0400
Dear Techwhirlers,
I consider the function that a tech writer can most usefully apply to the
testing process is to edit the software.
You get to know the software and the user (audience). You find errors with
the program (such as in a language edit and copy clarification edit) and
errors in the UI (substantive edit, integrity edit, format edit, mechanical
style edit). You suggest changes a user advocate, and you might coordinate
formal usability testing--just like you would with a document you are
editing.
Tech writers should edit the software they're writing about whenever
possible. It's valuable to their document, and, most importantly, it's
valuable to the users. I guess you'd say this is Quality Improvement (QI)
rather than Quality Assurance (QA).
Cheers!
Karen
______________________
"One has reached the ultimate levels of creativity when one has mastered
a skill so thoroughly that it can be forgotten."
--Deng Ming-Dao
Karen Peterson
Peterson_Karen -at- prc -dot- com
610.260.2644
