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 love white papers! Probably my favorite type of document to write. A white
paper is a short document, usually between 5 and 20 pages long, that
describes an invention. It should be more detailed than a marketing document
but less exhaustive than a design document. The audience is typically a
venture capitalist, a technology decision-maker (not necessarily technical,
such as a CFO), a patent attorney, a technology journalist, a member of the
sales staff, or a potential customer. The white paper should be specific
enough that a customer can trust the technology, but vague enough that
competitors can't copy the idea (at least, very easily).
The process of writing a white paper sums up most of the tasks involved in
the technical writing profession. You begin by reviewing the hodge-podge of
developer notes, interviewing the inventors of the technology, drafting the
document, submitting the draft to the inventors for technical review,
dealing with the subsequent editorial comments, finalizing the draft, and
then distributing the white paper in public, including submitting it for
publication. The best part about it is that the whole process usually lasts
only a few weeks. The worst part about it is that it highlights the
achievements of the inventor, while the tech writer is but a "ghost". But a
great experience all in all, when its all over.
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