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<de-lurking from digest mode for a moment>
Re: my favorite TW book
I find the Microsoft Manual a useful tool. I tend to refer to it probably
once every three days to remember a suggested wording. It is a *guide* to
how I phrase sentences and answers a lot of simple "I wonder how this should
be phrased" questions quickly. I also routinely refer to Weiss' "How to
Write a Usable User Manual" and Brusaw's "Handbook of Technical Writing."
Like many academic subjects I researched in college, I find the more sources
I have, the broader the picture that is painted in my mind.
Re: Marketing Writing
I agree with John Posada's comments. I was asked to write a marketing piece
here in 1999 for a new product we had coming out. I came in at 7 AM, went
into a meeting room, shut the door, and cranked out copy. Took me five
complete handwritten drafts before I was satisfied with what I had. At 9 AM
I emerged with a piece of copy that didn't get tweaked much in the review
cycle. It is a specific talent.
<returning to lurking mode>
Paul Hanson
Technical Writer
RoboHelp MVP - http://www.helpcommunity.ehelp.com/robohelp/mvp/who.shtm
Quintrex Documentation Team
Quintrex Data Systems http://www.quintrex.com
What does everyone think about the Microsoft Manual of Style for windows
application documentation? I've been using it for some time, but wondered if
there might be a more comprehensive reference.
I do like the simplifications it suggests-- instead of typing
"dropdown","dropdown list","combo box" or "list box", you just say "box" or
"list.
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