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.
I use initial caps for main words in headings (is this what you call up and
down style?). I found that this method seems to help a
reader pick out the key words in the headings when scanning a document or
on-line help) . However, I introduce procedures in each section with what I
call a procedural heading that uses bold text, first letter initial cap:
Example of procedural heading: <bold>To install the software:<plain>
1.
2.
What were the compelling arguments you mention?
Laurie Rubin
lmr -at- syl -dot- nj -dot- nec -dot- com
> Do most of you downstyle headings in your technical material? I
> write computer manuals and quick ref guides, and we have always
> adhered to Traditional Methods of Up and Down Styling for the
> Headings. However, I read some compelling arguments (reading
> ease) for instead
> Doing headings just like this
> and to hell with conventions bred long ago in publishing.
> Comments from the field? Many thanks.