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 joined this list about 18 months ago, one of several work-related mailing
lists (Copyediting_L, Techwr_L, a few tools lists). I justify receiving the
posts from this list at work because it is informative and (mostly) directly
related to technical communication.
Keith Cronin wrote a thoughtful and interesting post about the difference
between constructive criticism and entertaining rhetoric (sorry, Keith, if
this mis-states your intention: that's how I would summarise it).
I don't want rhetoric from this list, no matter how entertaining, whether I
agree or disagree with the points made. I'm not on the list to win or to
watch arguments. I'm on this list (a) to get useful information that relates
to my job (b) to offer useful information, if I have it (c) to learn about
technical communication generally, whether it relates to my current job or
not. (And sometimes to vent about the irrational and inconsiderate behaviour
of cow-orkers who are not technical writers... <g>)
I feel that discussions about technical communication are not improved by
use of rhetorical tricks by any or all of the participants. Rhetoric is used
to win an argument: the object of this list is not for one or other "side"
to "win", but for all of us to learn more. It's a discussion, not a contest.
My tuppence ha'pennorth.
Jane Carnall
Technical Writer, Compaq, UK
Unless stated otherwise, these opinions are mine, and mine alone.
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