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.
Actually, I had a piece given to me today to rewrite because=20
someone had used "their" instead of "the operator" or some other=20
gramatically correct non-gender spacific term. The attorneys thoeugh the =
singular/plural confusion might come up in court if someone gets hurt=20
using our product. It _is_ a real issue, not a silly little bone of=20
contention for outrageous femi-nazis. (sorry, general response to =
spcific=20
flame)
Marci
And I reply (with tongue in cheek, and a pure heart)
I think you know what my point was though don't you? The thread became =
a little ridiculous, blown into a giant waste of energy (by those who =
wrote it, and others who read the chatter: i.e. energy expended when =
clicking the "delete" button so many times!)
Tech Writing is NOT focused entirely on editing, in fact the creative =
thought process up to the point of client delivery, should only have a =
small amount of time devoted to editing.
Personally speaking, a writer should take COMPLETE ownership of his/her =
product. Editors, graphic artists, CAD support, etc... should NOT =
drive the document. If you get right down to it, money (read CLIENT) =
drives the product. That to me is the proverbial "bottom line". We are =
in the business to deliver what is suited to our clients needs & =
desires, not force our social skills onto others. It is my experience =
that those who take this track, usually end up re-assigned (or worse).
Regarding your comment about litigation, CORRECT-O-MUNDO you are Marci, =
we should all be very aware of lawsuits. Hence I close with my =
opening.....
Damn lawyers, damn lawyers, damn lawyers........... (and government =
politics)
