Re: Technical Writing - What's the catch?

[Lou Quillio <quillio -at- gmail -dot- com>]

On Mar 31, 2005 10:39 PM, diotima <diotima -at- myway -dot- com> wrote:

> ok, i will. according to #2, i should use an obscure 5 letter word instead of a 
> more commonly known 6 letter word (hmm, but if i make the obscure word 
>plural, that would add an "s" and it would be a tie....). 

Orwell's not saying that and you know it.

> and #4, geez, don't get me started. i begin to see red when i hear "never use 
> passive voice."

I agree that the 'never passive' rule isn't absolute, and is aimed
[passive voice, there] at novices.  Orwell says 'avoid', and it's good
advice.  The idea, for pros, is that the passive voice signals you're
cheating.  If you're not, you're not.  It's just a word to the wise.

All I know is that if I turn an editor's eye on my own stuff using
these rules -- and if I have the time and energy to recompose the
passages they flag -- the result improves.  Orwell knows I don't
always have time.  But he's not wrong.

LQ

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