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: Grammar vs Content From:Dianne Driskell <ddriskel -at- CS -dot- UTEXAS -dot- EDU> Date:Fri, 3 Feb 1995 08:51:24 -0600
This is only my 4th year in the technical writing field.
I have found that when I ask someone to edit something, I need to be very
clear about what type of help I want. That is, do I just want grammar and
punctuation checked, do I want a reading for content, layout, what?
Also, now I ask people what kind of edit they want when they ask
me to edit their papers, newsletters, correspondence, etc.
In the beginning I wasted many hours by assuming
they wanted me to point out everything when sometimes all they
wanted was a quick
check of punctuation, "do you see anything huge wrong with this" kind of
approach. I always point out things that send
what I call red flags up.
Some preliminary questions, have saved me countless hours in the past 2 years.
