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Subject:Re: technical Writing in a Nutshell From:Goober Writer <gooberwriter -at- yahoo -dot- com> To:Con & Yu <dorun -at- m3 -dot- dion -dot- ne -dot- jp>, TECHWR-L <techwr-l -at- lists -dot- raycomm -dot- com> Date:Tue, 19 Aug 2003 08:37:07 -0700 (PDT)
> 1. I have heard that technical editing differs from
> regular editing. I
> believed that "editing was editing". What is the
> main difference and
> qualifications between a "regular" editor and a
> "technical" editor?
You should be well informed about the subject matter
you are editing, must have a firm grasp of what types
of people will be reading the information, and know
how best to tailor the info to the audience.
Basically, you need to think like a technical writer
but edit in accordance to set style as well.
> 2. I am reading a book on editing and it seems to
> portray management on the
> side of the editor. Is this true in technical
> editing as well?
Yes.
> 3. As a designer I would like to know how technical
> editors prefer to
> display discontinuous phenomena such as AM radio
> broadcasting reception
> zones.
I don't understand the question.
> 4. Again as a designer how do technical writers and
> editors handle artwork
> that is deemed offensive by management?
How do you mean? Naked people? Photos of dismembered
corpses? If it's offensive, use your head and don't
include it in the publication. This include/omit
decision point needs to be documented in your style
guide.
> 5. In design Illustrator and Quark are the main
> programs for prepress. In
> technical writing/editing is there one system,
> method or product more
> relevant in the process of preparing reproduction
> ready copy?
No. There are many systems. FrameMaker and Word are
the most popular.
> 6. As a writer/editor, which is the most important
> part in language to
> avoid: Hyperbole, Rhetoric, or Jargon?
Avoid what doesn't make sense for your audience. Ther
eis no one correct answer.
=====
Goober Writer
(because life is too short to be inept)
"As soon as you hear the phrase "studies show",
immediately put a hand on your wallet and cover your groin."
-- Geoff Hart
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