Re: Rhetoric And Technical Writing?

["Edwin Skau" <eddy -dot- skau -at- gmail -dot- com>]

Hi,

A technical document is supposed to be effective, efficient. Engaging is not
a requirement, but *may* be nice to have. The problem with that factor,
however, is that you'd run into the same problems as you would with humor in
technical writing. What engages one reader completely disengages another.

There's trouble enough providing for various levels of readership (
beginner, intermediate, expert). One workaround I had designed was a
Document on Demand system where the reader could define their profile, make
choices nd generate a document on the fly.

To be stuck with a document that "the author" considered engaging is like
being trapped in the belly of a whale with an inspired Ross Geller (from
Friends).

The Dummies, Morons, Idiots, Murphy's and Numbshull series have that effect
on some people.

Edwin
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