TechWhirl (TECHWR-L) is a resource for technical writing and technical communications professionals of all experience levels and in all industries to share their experiences and acquire information.
For two decades, technical communicators have turned to TechWhirl to ask and answer questions about the always-changing world of technical communications, such as tools, skills, career paths, methodologies, and emerging industries. The TechWhirl Archives and magazine, created for, by and about technical writers, offer a wealth of knowledge to everyone with an interest in any aspect of technical communications.
Subject:Re: Friday Poll Idea (WAS: In love with a word) From:Geoff Lane <geoff -at- gjctech -dot- co -dot- uk> To:TECHWR-L <techwr-l -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com> Date:Mon, 9 Jan 2006 13:01:45 +0000
On Monday, January 9, 2006, Bryan Sherman wrote;
> Coming from a training background, I had it beat into my head to never
> setup a topic by saying it is easy. It can cause your audience to not
> pay attention (if it's easy, no need to pay close attention) or add to
> the frustration if they don't get it right away. On top of all that,
> there are a number of things in life that seem easy to some, and
> difficult for others...
---
However, when writing for an audience of mixed abilities, it is often
good practice to tell your readers how difficult a procedure is. FWIW,
I've done this with "spanner ratings" (the more spanners, the more
difficult) and with introductory text. Doing this helps readers
determine quickly whether specialist experience or resources are
required, and so whether to attempt the job themselves or call in
specialist help.
Now Shipping -- WebWorks ePublisher Pro for Word! Easily create online
Help. And online anything else. Redesigned interface with a new
project-based workflow. Try it today! http://www.webworks.com/techwr-l
Doc-To-Help 2005 now has RoboHelp Converter and HTML Source: Author
content and configure Help in MS Word or any HTML editor. No
proprietary editor! *August release. http://www.componentone.com/TECHWRL/DocToHelp2005
---
You are currently subscribed to TECHWR-L as archive -at- infoinfocus -dot- com -dot-