Future Tense Controversy

Subject: Future Tense Controversy
From: marybl -at- libertymedical -dot- com
To: "TECHWR-L" <techwr-l -at- lists -dot- raycomm -dot- com>
Date: Thu, 11 Mar 2004 08:32:27 -0700


Hi, I'm new to the list and am hoping to get some feedback on an issue
that has come up with our corporate lawyers.

Our department writes training manuals, IS user manuals, and company
policies and procedures. We have always written these in present tense,
active voice. The lawyers are now wanting us to write everything in future
tense (and thus putting it in passive voice).

Needless to say, the writers are not happy with this new edict, as we
believe that present tense and active voice should always be used in
technical writing. The lawyers are saying what we do is not 'technical
writing'! My question is, can any of you direct me to sources regarding
what is and what is not considered 'technical writing' and also sources
that define rules for using present and future tense in technical writing.
Thanks!

Mary Block
Manager, Knowledge Management
Liberty Healthcare Group

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

ROBOHELP IS THE INDUSTRY STANDARD IN HELP AUTHORING
New RoboHelp X5 includes all new features such as,
content management, multi-author support, distributed
workforce support, XML and PDF support, and much more!

Purchase new Macromedia RoboHelp X5 by March 31st and receive a
$100 mail-in rebate. http://www.ehelp.com/techwr-l

---
You are currently subscribed to techwr-l as:
archiver -at- techwr-l -dot- com
To unsubscribe send a blank email to leave-techwr-l-obscured -at- lists -dot- raycomm -dot- com
Send administrative questions to ejray -at- raycomm -dot- com -dot- Visit
http://www.raycomm.com/techwhirl/ for more resources and info.



Previous by Author: Single-Sourcing Survey -- RESULTS
Next by Author: methods of reviewing documentation
Previous by Thread: RE: What does a technical communicator have to know?
Next by Thread: Re: Future Tense Controversy


What this post helpful? Share it with friends and colleagues:


Sponsored Ads