White paper?

[Geoff Hart <ghart -at- videotron -dot- ca>]

Peggy Lucero wondered: <<I've been asked to write a white paper to our 
Govt client to recommend steps necessary to get documentation onto our 
site.  I've found some good sites that talk about writing white papers. 
But now I'm hoping someone can mention a site with a *sample white 
paper* or two, that do a very good job at it.  Any suggestions/sites?>>

Interestingly, this topic seems to come up about monthly on techwr-l, 
which is my sly way of reminding you that a quick search of the 
archives would turn up tons of information on this subject. Ahem. <g>

My quick summary of many longer posts: There is no "universal" white 
paper format. If the client has specific requirements, such as a 
template, follow them and ignore the other possibilities. If no formal 
requirements exist, identify their information needs (audience 
analysis) and write to satisfy those needs as efficiently as possible. 
Each white paper should be a new exercise in carefully planned and 
well-executed communication. It should never be a template- or 
example-based approach unless the client requires you to follow a 
template.

--Geoff Hart   ghart -at- videotron -dot- ca
(try geoffhart -at- mac -dot- com if you don't get a reply)


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