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: Say what you mean! From:Al Geist <al -dot- geist -at- geistassociates -dot- com> To:TECHWR-L -at- LISTS -dot- TECHWR-L -dot- COM Date:Mon, 25 Sep 2006 20:53:17 -0400
Karen L. Zorn wrote:
<rant> Over the last week there have been manynews stories regarding HP and
"pretexting." One talk radio host (Diane Rehm, NPR) asked for a definition.
After the definition, I thought, "well, why didn't they just say *that*?"
Then over the weekend I read an article in the newspaper's business section
where a company "pre-warned" investors that profits would not be as
forecasted. When did "pre-warn" become a word? The dictionary defines "warn"
as: "To notify or apprise in advance." So does "pre-warn" mean that you're
warned before being warned? (Frankly, I'm surprised the editor didn't pick
this up!)
My pet peeve is "up convertable" to say that the unit can be
upgraded. (In this case is was a home theater system from a big box
store.) I'm not sure what Marketing Guru came up with that term, but
every time I see it, all I can think of is they sound like idiots. If
the unit is upgradable, then say so, don't try to make up something
stupid to try and sound intelligent.
Al
--
Al Geist
Technical Writing, Online Help, Marketing Collateral, Web Design,
Award Winning Videos, Professional Photography
Voice/Msg: 802-658-3140
See also:
URL: [3]www.geistimages.com (fine art prints for home for office, and
note cards for all occasions)
"When they call the roll in the Senate, the Senators do not know
whether to answer "Present" or "Not guilty.""
Theodore Roosevelt
WebWorks ePublisher Pro for Word features support for every major Help
format plus PDF, HTML and more. Flexible, precise, and efficient content
delivery. Try it today! http://www.webworks.com/techwr-l
Easily create HTML or Microsoft Word content and convert to any popular Help file format or printed documentation. Learn more at http://www.DocToHelp.com/TechwrlList
---
You are currently subscribed to TECHWR-L as archive -at- infoinfocus -dot- com -dot-