Re: Interesting site for software tech writers

[Goober Writer <gooberwriter -at- yahoo -dot- com>]

> He advises the engineer-spec-writer to write 
> informally and use humor.

Everything with a grain of salt...

> Humor may hold the attention of the reader, but is
> usually frowned upon 
> in the documents TWs produce.  Humor, if it does
> make it into a 
> published manual, does not internationalize well.

Well, specs are usually seen as internal documents.

> What does YOUR organization say about humor?

I don't use it. It's not appropriate for the types of
applications I and my team document. But, if I was
writing video game manuals, humor would be in there
based on the type of game I'm documenting. (FWIW,
Simpsons Hit & Run is a fantastic game with a quick
and helpful manual, unlike other games that add too
much story and other crap in the manuals).

> Would it be easier or harder for you, as a writer,
> to translate from 
> specs to manuals if the specs were written as Joel
> suggests?

Definitely harder. That's a fact, and I have my hand
over my crotch to prove it! ;)

=====
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

We can't all be as creative with sigs as krautgrrl. ;-)

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